The Test That Comes,

Prior To Crossing Over

Matot:

Preface:

I must confess, I started out writing on the cites of refuge in {Num 35 .} Though the cites of refuge, are not in next week's torah lesson. So I had to start all over. In turn if this week's lesson is shorter than normal, then you will know, why?

           In this week's torah portion, the Lord ordered Moses to send 1,000 men from each tribes, to war. {Num 31:4 - 5 } Why is this significant?

            First of all, the purpose of going to war. Was the Israelites, were seeking the Lord's vengeance, on the Midianites for commenting harlotry. That said, how is the day of the Lord, portrayed, in scriptures? The day of the Lord is best depicted, as a day of vengeance. And we all know, how the book of Revelation, depicts the Lord reaping His vengeance, on those, who have committed harlotry.

          That said, according to the sages, as these 12,000 men went off to war, an additional one thousand men from each tribe 12,000 men in total, went out to pray. Why do I find this intriguing?

          Often we fail to comprehend, just as there is a physical war, being fought in Iraq. There is a spiritual war being fought over Iraq as well, for example. Just as they will be war on earth, during Jacob's trouble, there will be a battle in heaven, between the arch angel Michael, and Satan. {Rev 12:9 } Thus, this was the case here, for example. While the 12,000 solders were engage, in a physical battle, their companions were engaged, in a spiritual battle.

           Remember Bilaam had tried, to verbally place a curse the Israelites. Well, in the account of the battle, we are told that Bilaam was killed by a sword. {Num 31:8 }. Why do I find this significant? If the sages are correct, and 12,000 men prayed, as the war was being fought. Then it could be said, Bilaam was killed by words uttered from prayer warriors' month.

         Moving on, I briefly touched on the following last week though, in this week's torah portion. Following the successful war on the Midianites. Strangely the commanding officer approached Moses, with an offering to the Lord, from the spoils of war. In doing so, he explained the need of an offering by reporting, a count had been taken of men, and all 12,000 men, who had gone to war, and had returned. {Num 31:48 - 49 }

         You may remember how I pointed out last week that this miracle, is thematically related to the 144,000, who are sealed and can't be killed, in {Rev 6 .} In fact there is a teaching that states, these 144,000 will greet Yeshua, when he return to the Mount of Olives. As interesting as this fact is, the question that I want to ask, what transgression was commented, for a need of an atonement?

         The sages offer two reasons, the first being. That not a single soldier fell in combat, constituted a great miracle. Hence the "atonement" of which the generals here speak of refers not to atonement for a sin, but rather a redemption of sorts, for example. Warfare normally results, in casualties, and death. Though, here no soldiers fell in battle. The general then felt obliged to "redeem" the lives that, without special divine intervention, would have been lost. What special intervention, is the sages specking of?

        The writer of Hebrew stated, that "women received their dead, raised to life again." {Heb 11:35 } If this is a reference to {Num 31:49 ,} and I believe it is. Then the divine intervention that the sages are alluding to, is a resurrection from the dead. Making {Num 31:49 } thematically related to the resurrection from the dead that {John 11:24 } alludes to.

         The second reason given, {Num 31:49 } imply that a count was taken of the solders, returning from war. This was significant, because the Lord required that a half a shekel, be used in a headcount, or a census. {Ex 38:26} Though here the commanding officer, reported that a direct headcount, was used, giving rise to the prospect of a plague. In turn the offering was an atonement, in order to protect the people, from the sin of disobedience that was commented in the headcount, and to ward off any possibility of a plague. Why do I find this meaningful?

          Basically Yeshua's death on the Cross, served as an atonement for our sins. In turn anyone partaking of Yeshua's shad blood, will be speared suffering from the plagues that will transpire in the tribulation period.

         Remember when Jacob is returning to the land, from Laban. That he is met by Esau, who had vowed to kill him, with four hundred men.{Gen 32:6 } With that said, the number four in the scriptures denotes, "test." So just as Jacob is reentering the promise land, he is presenting with a test, in the form of Esau and his "four" hundred man army.

          On this note, remember the teaching that states, "what happens to the fathers, will happen to the sons." I mention this teaching, because just as the children of Israel, was on the verge of entering into the promise land. Likewise, they were presented with a test.

                When the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who owned huge herds of cattle. Approached Moses saying, "if we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan." {Num 32:5 }

          Moses responded in kind in lengthily monologue, {Num 32:6 - 15 } accusing them of attempting to evade their responsibilities, in the conquest of the land. In doing so, he compared their actions to the spies, who evil report had turned the hearts of the people. Why? Well lets briefly compare the actions of Reuben and Gad, with the event of the ten spies.

           In both accounts the Israelites became involved in idolatry, by eating from the pagan sacrifices and bowing down. In the golden calf episode, "they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. {Ex 32:6} As oppose to the Ba'al Pe'or incident where "they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods." Num 25:2

         Second, G-d's words presents the idolatrous worship of Ba'al Pe'or as a direct result of the social interaction with the daughters of Moabites and harlotry. Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. {Num 25:1 }

         Following the episode with the golden calf. The people were warned not to enter into treaty with these nations in almost the exact same language as that described in the Ba'al Pe'or incident!

         Thirdly in both episodes the Lord's anger was kindled, for example. In the golden calf episode the Lord said, "let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. {Ex 32:10} As oppose to the Ba'al Pe'or incident where the Lord said, Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal. Num 25:11

           Fourthly in both events, the command comes down for the people to take up arms, against their brothers. In the episode with the golden calf Moses said, "let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor." {Ex 32:27} Compared to Baal Peor where "Moses said to the judges of Israel,"Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of Peor." Num 25:5

        In both accounts, G-d's revenge is lead by an individual from the tribe of Levi, for example. Moses lead the charge, after the golden calf. Though, Pinchus led the charge, at Be'el Pe'or. That said, in the episode with golden calf, it was the tribe of Levi, who sought revenge. Then at Pinchus, who hailed from the tribe of Levi, sought revenge at Be'el Pe'or.

          It is interesting to note that in the aftermath of both accounts, the status of those who eliminated the evil doers was elevated. After the golden calf, the tribe of Levi replaced the first-born, to serve in the tabernacle. While in the aftermath of the Ba'al Pe'or, the Lord gave Pinchas and his descendants, "the covenant of peace."

         Finely the sages point out that in addition to those, who are killed at the point of the sword. That in both accounts, an entire group of sinners dies, as a result of a plague in retribution too. Though they fail to offer any conclusion, as to why?

          However can you think of a group of people, who will die from plagues in the future, as a result of G-d's wrath being kindle against them? The Lord's wrath will be kindle against those individuals, who take the mark of the beast. {Rev 16:2 } Truly then "G-d's words, declares the end, from the beginning." Isa 46:10

           What can we gleam from, both of these accounts? Well Adonai {the Lord} is a jealous G-d, {Ex 20:5} and like a jealous husband, when his wife plays the harlot. The Lord's wrath is arouse, when we play the harlot by placing pagan gods, before Him. We should expect, His wrath to be kindled against us in return.

         We view time as being linear, when in reality time, is cisclar. In turn history often repeats itself, for example. As Jacob was entering into the promise land, he was presented with a test, in the form of Esau, and his 400 man army. Then as the first generation, was about to enter into the promise land, they were tested, in the form of the evil report, and failed miserably. Then here just as the second generation, is enter the land. They are presented with a test, in the form of the tribes of Reuben and Gag. Do you get the picture that is being painted here?

          The Promise land foreshadows, heaven. Thus, the torah is giving us a warning to expect a test, before entering into the heavenly kingdom.

         The end result of the evil report of the ten spies, was etched into Moses' mind. Thus Moses feared that Reuben and Gad's request, would lead to the same result, only worse, for example. Moses said, "you will destroy these people." {Num 32: 15 } Moses feared that Satan had found a successful ploy and he was playing, it once again. What can we gleam from this?

         Well there are two things, first remember the Israelites had wondered in the wilderness, for 40 years. Hence they witnessed, their parents die from a lack in faith. On this note, have you ever heard, "just before dawn, there's darkness." for example.

          Just prior to entering into the promise land, darkness came on. Though the first generation, chose to embrace the darkness, by choosing to believe the evil report, rather than the Almighty. Likewise in our personal lives, "darkness comes before dawn." Thus we have a chose to make, will we embrace the darkness, as the children of Israel did and parish. Or choose to believes the Lord's promises.

        Next G-d's word, "declares the end, from the beginning." {Isa 46:10 } On this note, how are the actions of Reuben and Gad, thematically related to Jacob's trouble? Well before Jacob's trouble, better known as the tribulation period, there will come a falling away first. {2 Thess 2:3}

        Remember how ten individuals influenced a nation, to fall away. Well in Moses' mind, he was foreseeing, this unfaithful act being repeated, in the form of Reuben and Gag. Once again the promise land foreshadows heaven, and before entering into the promise land. Moses feared, a falling away, in the parties of Reuben and Gad. Making this event, related to {2 Thess 2:3.}

         Before I move on, remember how from the people's viewpoint. They were grass harpers, in the sight of the giants that inhabited the land. {Num 13:33 } Where did this fear, come from?

         Well it should be emphasize that fear, led to the people's refusal, to enter into the promise land. This is significant, because the Lord isn't the author of fear. {2 Tim 1:7 } Therefore Satan used the spirit of fear, to discourage the Israelites from heeding the Lord's commandment, to enter in the promise land. Why is this meaningful?

              Well, the spirit of fear, is one of Satan most deadest weapons. Knowing this David said, "what times I am afraid, I will trust in the Lord." {Ps 56:3} In turn whenever we are afraid, we should trust in the Lord, in turn the spirit of fear, will flee.

        When the tribes of Reuben and Gad, witnessed the green pastures land, east of the river Jordan. Having large herds of cattle, they chose to settle west of the river Jordan instead. {Num 32:1 } In turn Reuben and Gad informed Moses, they would leave their families and herds behind, and fight the battles of conquest, with their bothers. {Num 32:16 - 17 }

          Note Reuben and Gad's wrap value system, for example. When they approached Moses to make their case, they mention their cattle, before their children. {Num 32:16 } Though when Moses responded, he place their children first. Num 32:24

          In light of this, I find it interesting that the torah, uses a number of different terms to denote herds, animals raised by men, for example. Herds are sometime called, "tzon," and "be'ir." While at other times herds, are often alluded to as "mikneh." This last term emphasizes the possessive aspect, the fact that they are the property of their owners.

          The word "mikneh" is used six times in our story, as mentioned by the tribes of Gad and Reuben or in connection with them. Though, Moses does not use the word "mikneh," even once. Even when he repeats their words he uses a different term "Build yourselves cities for your children and sheepfolds for your flocks. (tzon)

          What's the point, you ask? Well the Hebrew text stressed, Reuben and Gad's warped value system, for example. They valued their wealth, more than their families, or their spiritual well being.

         Can you think of an event prior to this, that is thematically related to Reuben and Gad's warped value system? Preferring the lush pasture land, over what G-d had promised.

         Remember when Lot witnessed, how well watered the plain of Jordan was. He chose the plain of Jordan, where Sodom and Gomorrah was, to dwell in. {Gen 13:10 - 11 } Making Lot's chose, thematically related to the tribes of Reuben and Gad.

        According to the sages, Reuben and Gad possessed a large number of cattle, and they loved their wealth, far more than the promise land. Spiritual specking then, it appeared that Reuben and Gad, valued the material things of this world, far more, than heaven. That said, can you think of a parable of Yeshua's that is thematically related to this way of thinking?

        Yeshua told a parable of a rich man, who had an abundant crop and asked, "what shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?" Then he reasoned, I will tear down my barns, and build bigger ones, in order to store my crops. Thus I will say to myself, "soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." Though the Lord replied, "fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" {Luke 12:17 - 20 } Finely Yeshua summed it all up when he asked, "for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" {Matt 16:26 }

        What can we gleam from this? Well the rich man foolishly traded his soul, for the material things of this world. Making him, thematically related to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Where do you value the most, the material things of this world, or your soul?

           In light of this question, the Hebrew version of {Num 32 } opens up by stating, "much cattle was possessed by the tribes of Reuben and Gad; a great multitude." A typical biblical sentence begins with the verb: "There was to the tribes of Gad and Reuben much cattle; a great multitude," or sometimes a sentence starts with the subject: "The tribes of Gad and Reuben possessed much cattle; a great multitude." What, then, is the reason for the unusual formulation of the opening sentence of our story?

        In biblical days a person's wealth, was often measured by the number of cattle they owned. In light of this, this was Moses' way of expressing, Reuben and Gad central concern were their cattle, {wealth}not their children.

         To Reuben and Gad credit, they kept their plage, to assist their brothers in conquering the land. Though in doing so, the sages record that an entire generation, was raised in the tribes Reuben, and Gad, fatherless. While their fathers were off at war. As we will learn next week, this led to a moral detractions, within the tribes of Reuben and Gad.

              Briefly when Reuben and Gad informed Moses, it were their intension to assist, their brothers in conquering the land, but afterward they will return to the plain of Jordan, and their families. {Num 32:16 - 19 } Moses gave his seal of approval though, in doing so. Moses issued the following warning. "If you do not do so as you have stated, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. {Num 32:23 }

             What Moses is saying, the tribes Reuben, and Gad, were held accountable to what they had said, they would do. In turn their sins of untrue fulness, would lurk at their door. If they failed, to do so.

             I was raised believing, "my word, is my bond." Thus, one of the most frustrating things to me, is to have someone agree to do something. Then they don't honor, their word. Why, they don't even call to say, why they aren't? They didn't intend to honor, their word, when they made the plage, in the first place. Can you think of a teaching of Yeshua's that is related to their untrue fulness?

           Yeshua said, "I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matt 12:36-37

            What these unfaithful people fail to comprehend is once they stated, to do so and so. The Lord view, their words as a plage. {Num 30:2 } If they honor their plage, they are justified. Though if they fail to honor their plage, they are condemned by their own word, and will pay for their untrue fulness, come judgement day.

              What can we gleam from this? Yeshua said, "let your yea, and your nay be nay." {Matt 5:37 } Hence if you are not plaining to honor your plage, then don't open your mouth, and say yes.

             May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Num 6:22- 26