2012. 5. 12. 21:39
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Shabbat Shalom Israel,
Welcome to our study of this week's Torah portion, which is called Emor (Speak).
Discover new insights into the Word of God as you read along with us this
portion of Scripture that will be read in synagogues around the world this morning.
portion of Scripture that will be read in synagogues around the world this morning.
PARSHA EMOR (Speak)
Leviticus 21:1__24:23; Ezekiel 44:15__-31; Luke 14:12__24
Leviticus 21:1__24:23; Ezekiel 44:15__-31; Luke 14:12__24
"The Lord said to Moses, 'Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to
them: A priest must not make himself ceremonially unclean....'" (Leviticus 21:1)
them: A priest must not make himself ceremonially unclean....'" (Leviticus 21:1)
In last week's combined Torah portion, Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim, we discussed
what it means to live a holy life.
what it means to live a holy life.
This young man at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem is preparing to
read from the Torah scroll. The small black leather boxes on the forehead
are called tefillin. They contain a parchment inscribed with verses of Torah
and are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers.
and are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers.
This week's Parsha continues with the theme of holiness, specifying that
the Cohanim (priests) must adhere to a higher standard of sanctity since
they ministered to the Lord on behalf of the people.
the Cohanim (priests) must adhere to a higher standard of sanctity since
they ministered to the Lord on behalf of the people.
"Because they present the food offerings to the Lord, the food of their God,
they are to be holy." (Leviticus 21: 6)
they are to be holy." (Leviticus 21: 6)
God prohibited them from following several customs of the heathen nations,
including shaving their heads, shaving off the corners of their beards, cutting
in the flesh, and marrying prostitutes or divorced women.
including shaving their heads, shaving off the corners of their beards, cutting
in the flesh, and marrying prostitutes or divorced women.
Furthermore, a Cohen (priest) who was deformed, blemished, or defiled
could not go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem.
could not go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Yeshua (Jesus) conformed to this exacting standard of holiness. As our
High Priest, He was without sin.
High Priest, He was without sin.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just
as we are__yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just
as we are__yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
We must be attentive to the fact that Yeshua is coming back for a people
without sin and be prepared for His coming, living lives that are worthy of Him.
without sin and be prepared for His coming, living lives that are worthy of Him.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you
lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all
you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14)
lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all
you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14)
Young man reciting prayers at the Western (Wailing) Wall. The leather straps
on his arm are straps of tefillin and attached to the small leather black box
protruding underneath his baseball cap. Tefillin symbolically binds together
heart, mind and deed to remind the wearer that our thinking, feelings, and
actions must be submitted to God in order to live a holy life. Yeshua (Jesus)
the Messiah wore Tefillin as a Torah observant Jew.
God’s Appointed Times: The Callings of Holiness
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: These
are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord [Moed YHVH],
which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” (Leviticus 23:1)
are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord [Moed YHVH],
which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” (Leviticus 23:1)
God not only sanctifies people and land, but also time.
People, place, and time are a three-strand cord held together by the One
who sanctifies and makes each holy.
who sanctifies and makes each holy.
In the second part of Parsha Emor, God lists the annual Callings of Holiness,
in which He appoints certain days as celebrations or memorials of Him.
in which He appoints certain days as celebrations or memorials of Him.
These are called Moed YHVH.
Indeed, the Hebrew word “moed” itself means “appointed time, place or
meeting.” This word is often translated as festival or feast.
meeting.” This word is often translated as festival or feast.
YHVH is the sacred name of the Lord. It is often transliterated as Jehovah or
Yahweh. Many English Bibles substitute “the LORD” wherever YHVH
occurs in the text, out of respect for the name of God, which is why Moed
YHVH is translated feasts of the Lord in Leviticus 23: 1.
Yahweh. Many English Bibles substitute “the LORD” wherever YHVH
occurs in the text, out of respect for the name of God, which is why Moed
YHVH is translated feasts of the Lord in Leviticus 23: 1.
Similarly, Jewish people will read YHVH as Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (the
Name) in an effort to prevent using the name of the Lord in vain.
Name) in an effort to prevent using the name of the Lord in vain.
Jewish man reading from a Torah scroll
Are the Feasts of the Lord Relevant to Believers Today?
People often refer to God’s appointed times as the “Jewish holidays” and the
“Feasts of Israel.”
“Feasts of Israel.”
Many non-Jewish Believers don't observe them, fearing that they will appear
“too Jewish” or to have “come under the Torah (law).”
“too Jewish” or to have “come under the Torah (law).”
But God calls them HIS feasts__His appointed times.
If they belong to God, then they are also the privilege of the people of God,
both Jew and non-Jew.
both Jew and non-Jew.
If these appointed times were only for Israel, then we might also be tempted
to think that the Messiah and even the Bible itself were only for Israel.
to think that the Messiah and even the Bible itself were only for Israel.
A depiction of Yeshua (Jesus) teaching on the Shabbat
The following are seven specific designated times of God:
1) Shabbat: The Foundation
The first 'appointed day' is Shabbat (the 7th day). All the other feasts build
upon this foundation.
upon this foundation.
__The Hebrew word Shabbat comes from the root S-B-T, which means to cease,
to end or to rest. That is what we are to do. For one day a week, creative
activity is to come to a halt.
to end or to rest. That is what we are to do. For one day a week, creative
activity is to come to a halt.
Shabbat symbolizes our 'works' being finished.
It's an eternal sign that God created the universe in six days and rested on
the seventh, as well as a commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt
(Exodus 31: 15__17, Deuteronomy 15: 5).
the seventh, as well as a commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt
(Exodus 31: 15__17, Deuteronomy 15: 5).
Although we have come to expect a five-day work week, in the ancient
world, the concept of having a day off was radical.
world, the concept of having a day off was radical.
“For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all
that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed
the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:11)
that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed
the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:11)
2) Pesach (Passover): Festival of Deliverance
“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you
shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord__a lasting ordinance.” (Exodus 12:14)
shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord__a lasting ordinance.” (Exodus 12:14)
The second appointed day is Passover, followed by seven days of the Feast
of Unleavened Bread (Chag haMatzot).
of Unleavened Bread (Chag haMatzot).
The Hebrew root of Pesach (P-S-CH) means to pass over, to exempt or
to spare, since the angel of death 'passed over' the Israelites in Egypt when
he saw the sign of the blood on their homes in Egypt.
to spare, since the angel of death 'passed over' the Israelites in Egypt when
he saw the sign of the blood on their homes in Egypt.
Today we also recognize that the blood of the Lamb of God, who is Yeshua,
symbolically covers the doorposts and lintels of our lives in order that the
coming wrath of God will 'pass over' us.
symbolically covers the doorposts and lintels of our lives in order that the
coming wrath of God will 'pass over' us.
One day the judgment of God will come upon the earth. At that time,
God will once again 'pass over' His people in Jerusalem and rescue them.
God will once again 'pass over' His people in Jerusalem and rescue them.
“Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He
will shield it and deliver it, He will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.” (Isaiah 31:5)
will shield it and deliver it, He will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.” (Isaiah 31:5)
The coming seven plagues described in Revelation 16 are reminiscent of the
plagues God poured out upon Egypt in order to liberate the Israelites.
plagues God poured out upon Egypt in order to liberate the Israelites.
But no matter what happens in the last days, Israel, we are to be confident,
knowing that God is our refuge and strength, and our perpetual help. Even if
the mountains fall into the sea, we should not succumb to fear (Psalm 46).
knowing that God is our refuge and strength, and our perpetual help. Even if
the mountains fall into the sea, we should not succumb to fear (Psalm 46).
On the first night of Passover, Jewish families gather together
for the Passover Seder, a ritual feast at which the story of our
deliverance from Egypt is retold, as Scripture commands.
3) Counting the Omer: Yeshua's Resurrection is a Sign of Things to Come
"From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave
offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day
after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the
Lord." (Leviticus 23: 15 __ 16)
offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day
after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the
Lord." (Leviticus 23: 15 __ 16)
At the beginning of the barley harvest, the first sheaf was presented in
the sanctuary.
the sanctuary.
Traditionally speaking, some Jewish sects believed that the Omer was to be
counted on the day after the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
since this is a high Sabbath. Others argued that the count must start on the
day after the first of the regular seventh day Shabbat, indicating that it would
always be a Sunday.
counted on the day after the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
since this is a high Sabbath. Others argued that the count must start on the
day after the first of the regular seventh day Shabbat, indicating that it would
always be a Sunday.
We may not have the definitive answer on this until we reach heaven!
Yeshua was resurrected during the Feast of Unleavened Bread on the day
of Waving the Firstfruits, the first day of counting the Omer. Furthermore,
He also appeared to His disciples throughout the period of counting the Omer.
of Waving the Firstfruits, the first day of counting the Omer. Furthermore,
He also appeared to His disciples throughout the period of counting the Omer.
From this, we understand that He is the first fruits of those who will also be
raised up into new life (1 Corinthians 15: 20, 23).
raised up into new life (1 Corinthians 15: 20, 23).
4) Shavuot: Promise Fulfilled
“When the day of Pentecost came... All of them were filled with the Holy
Spirit.” (Acts 2: 1 __ 4)
Spirit.” (Acts 2: 1 __ 4)
Shavuot is an agricultural festival associated with the giving of the Torah on
Mount Sinai.
Mount Sinai.
It’s also called the Feast of Weeks because it’s celebrated seven weeks after
the beginning of the Counting of the Omer (Leviticus 23: 15 __16).
the beginning of the Counting of the Omer (Leviticus 23: 15 __16).
Hellenist Jews called this holiday Pentecost (from the Greek meaning
50 since it falls on the fiftieth day after Passover).
50 since it falls on the fiftieth day after Passover).
On this day, the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) came upon the apostles
who awaited this fulfillment of the promise (Acts chapters 1 and 2).
who awaited this fulfillment of the promise (Acts chapters 1 and 2).
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which
you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a
few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1: 4)
you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a
few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1: 4)
An opened Torah scroll
5) Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah): The Call to Repentance
“On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of sabbath rest,
a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.” (Leviticus 23: 24)
a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.” (Leviticus 23: 24)
Although the first day of the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar is
traditionally celebrated as Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), the Torah
calls this day Zikhron Teruah, a memorial (zikhron) day accompanied by
a teruah (blast) of horns.
traditionally celebrated as Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), the Torah
calls this day Zikhron Teruah, a memorial (zikhron) day accompanied by
a teruah (blast) of horns.
A teruah usually signals an alarm or call to pay attention to a command. It's
also a call also to self-examination leading to repentance.
also a call also to self-examination leading to repentance.
Indeed, this is the first day of the High Holy Days called Yamim Noraim (Days
of Awe), the ten days of repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah) when Jews
consider their behavior in the past year and ask forgiveness from those
whom they have wronged.
of Awe), the ten days of repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah) when Jews
consider their behavior in the past year and ask forgiveness from those
whom they have wronged.
These ten days culminate in Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
Blowing the shofar on Yom Teruah
6) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): a Covering for Sin
“This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh
month you must deny yourselves [fast] and not do any work __whether
native-born or a foreigner residing among you.” (Leviticus 16:29)
month you must deny yourselves [fast] and not do any work __whether
native-born or a foreigner residing among you.” (Leviticus 16:29)
Yom Kippur, which falls on the tenth day of the seventh month, is a 'Shabbat
Shabbaton' __a Sabbath of Sabbaths.
Shabbaton' __a Sabbath of Sabbaths.
While a regular seventh-day Shabbat is a time of joy and feasting, this Shabbat
Shabbaton is a day to fast and afflict our souls (Leviticus 16: 31). Anyone
who refuses to afflict their souls on this day is cut off from the people of
Israel (Leviticus 23:29).
Shabbaton is a day to fast and afflict our souls (Leviticus 16: 31). Anyone
who refuses to afflict their souls on this day is cut off from the people of
Israel (Leviticus 23:29).
An observant Jewish man reciting prayers of repentance called
Selichot at the Western (Wailing) Wall during the Days of Awe.
The Hebrew word for afflict shares a root with humility.
This is fitting since as we afflict ourselves through denial of food and drink,
we identify with the afflicted of this world and are spurred to greater mitzvot
(good deeds) towards those who are homeless, hungry, and poor.
we identify with the afflicted of this world and are spurred to greater mitzvot
(good deeds) towards those who are homeless, hungry, and poor.
Isaiah tells us that this is the fast that is acceptable to the Lord (Isaiah 58).
Kippur comes from the root kapar, which means 'to cover.'
On this day, we remember Yeshua who gave His life for a kapara. His
blood covers our transgressions (Romans 3: 23; 1 John 2: 2). It's not a
sacrifice that we should treat lightly.
blood covers our transgressions (Romans 3: 23; 1 John 2: 2). It's not a
sacrifice that we should treat lightly.
“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished
who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy
thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted
the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10: 29)
who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy
thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted
the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10: 29)
7) Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Booths): Prophetic Promise
“On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of sabbath rest,
a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.” (Leviticus 23: 24)
a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.” (Leviticus 23: 24)
Five day after Yom Kippur, God appoints the time of Sukkot for joyous celebration.
For seven days, starting on the 15th day of the seventh month, we are to live
in sukkot (temporary dwellings) and rejoice before the Lord.
in sukkot (temporary dwellings) and rejoice before the Lord.
This festival is a memorial of the time the Israelites lived in sukkot in
the wilderness after God delivered them from Egypt.
the wilderness after God delivered them from Egypt.
A sukkah beside a swimming pool in Israel.
The sukkah is a picture of the covering and protection that God gives us.
This holiday reminds us that even in a desert wilderness, God provides our needs.
This holiday reminds us that even in a desert wilderness, God provides our needs.
Indeed, Scripture say that in times of trouble He will hide us in His Sukkah
(Psalm 27:5).
(Psalm 27:5).
Sukkot also points forward to the Messianic Age.
In the Bible, the number seven represents fulfillment or completion. This
seventh feast will be fulfilled when the Messiah returns and tabernacles with us.
seventh feast will be fulfilled when the Messiah returns and tabernacles with us.
God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with
them.They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be
their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no
more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things
has passed away. (Revelation 21: 3 __ 4)
them.They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be
their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no
more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things
has passed away. (Revelation 21: 3 __ 4)
What joy awaits us in that day! We can take heart in knowing that our
current afflictions are light and momentary in comparison to the eternal weight
of glory they are achieving for us (2 Corinthians 4:17).
current afflictions are light and momentary in comparison to the eternal weight
of glory they are achieving for us (2 Corinthians 4:17).
An observant Jewish man faces Jerusalem as he recites the blessing over
the Arba Minim (Four Species) during Sukkot. The Four Species are the
four plants mentioned in Leviticus 23:40 as relevant to observing Sukkot.
Have God's appointed times been abolished? Bible prophecy related to
Sukkot demonstrates that they are not.
Sukkot demonstrates that they are not.
In Zechariah 14, when the Messiah returns to win a victory for Israel against
all the nations who have come against her, all the survivors of the nations
will be commanded to keep the Feast of Sukkot.
all the nations who have come against her, all the survivors of the nations
will be commanded to keep the Feast of Sukkot.
All the nations that refuse to keep the Feast of Sukkot will be cursed with drought.
The Callings of Holiness (Moadim__Feasts), which are infused with so
much spiritual and prophetic significance are an annual cycle. Jump in at
any point, and celebrate the greatness of our God!
much spiritual and prophetic significance are an annual cycle. Jump in at
any point, and celebrate the greatness of our God!
Bibles For Israel is the cutting edge of letting the Jewish people know about
Yeshua (Jesus), the Messianic Prophecies, and His Soon Return. Time is Short,
Yeshua (Jesus), the Messianic Prophecies, and His Soon Return. Time is Short,
so stand with us in prayer.
Shabbat Shalom from all of our ministry staff!