STUDIES IN MAY 07!
Yom Rishon SHAVUOT/PENTACOST 2007 May 27th Location Waldron Michigan, from 1:00-5:00PM Recited and discussed several portions related to Shavuot. A midrash was given on the dedication needed on the part of people to keep the Moedim and obey Yahweh's commandments. The portions included Shemot chapters 19 and 20, discussion revolved around the events of the burning mountain, and the voice that frightened the Israelites such that they pleaded with Moshe to let them stay back whilst he and some elders drew near. B'Midbar 28:26-31 Discussions of the 50 days count from the end of unleavened bread and the gleanings to be left for the poor, making sure that even those who lacked took part in Yahweh's bounty. Vayikra 23:16-22, Acts 2:1-47 and Psalms 119:9 with a midrash on how we need to be Zealous to keep Yahweh's commandments such that we might meet Him and have His blessing and protection open above. Excellent meal and fellowship.
Yom Shabbat May 26th Location outside Hillsdale Michigan, from 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 35 Nasso “Make an accounting” May 26, 2007 9 Sivan 5767 Numbers 4:21–7:89 Judges/Shophtim 17, Mark 14 Excellent Shul with several discussions related to this portion and many different perspectives shared especially in relation to the woman's headcovering, the cultural backdrop possiblitiy, and the idea of oral tradition, and just what is valid oral tradition. Meal and fellowship ensued.
Yom Shabbat May 19nth Location Waldron Michigan from 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 34 Bamidbar “In the wilderness” May 19, 2007 2 Sivan 5767 Numbers 1:1–4:20 Judges/Shophtim 16, Mark 13 Brother James asked that we read the scriptures from the podium giving respect to the Father standing to read the word. Prayers were said, and announcements about the feast in Sept. 27- Oct. 7 Contact Bros. James, Gregory, or Baruch for information. Discussion about the numbers being exact showed that Yahweh had a plan for Israel and the number of Israelites. They were told to number those old enough to go to war, serve in Temple, and camp around the temple. There was discussion about the symbols on the banners showing Lion, man, eagle, and ox being the same as the angels around the throne. Discussion was held about the redemption of male infants of Levites at one month old. The first Born, 273 extra Israelites were paid for (redeemed) by the Israelites, and the money was given to Aaron and his son. Of interest the number 273 is a multiple of 3, 7, 13. the colors used in the temple were discussed. Blue representing law, red- blood, redemption, white- righteousness of the saints. We saw Judah came first, just as the praisers and Singers came first before the army of Yahweh. The Levites did not get counted with the rest of Israel. They were Yahwehs. El-Azar is mentioned as having been alive in the wilderness, and then after crossing over the Jordan, thus giving some evidence that the Levites may not have died in the wilderness as the other Israelites did. In Judges 16,Sampson did not know that Yahweh had left him when his head was shaved, that was a sorry condition for him. Sampson was a judge in Israel and a type of foreshadow for the Messiah being a Deliverer for Israel. Messiah pursues a harlot, his bride to bring her back into fellowship with him , as Sampson did. Seven Locks of his hair were shaved off, possibly representing the Seven Spirits of Yahweh that are mentioned as being before the throne in heaven. When his hair grew back, his strength returned. By his death, he won the war against the Philistines, like messiah by his death he won the War, He got the victory over Death. In Mark 13 warning was given in reference to those who are with child, and give suck, Being able to discern Good and evil, and choosing the good, would be growing up and not needing milk of the word, but meat, knowing the will of Yahweh instead and doing it. Admonition was given by Brother Baruch that we all Read through the Scriptures completely. Three Old testament, and two new testament chapters per day, will get you through the Bible in one year. Reading the Bible for your self is one way to mature and grow up in the word. Shabbat shalom to all.
Yom Shabbat May 12th Location outside Jackson Michigan, 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 32,33 Behar/Bechukotai “On Mount Sinai” May 12, 2007 24 Iyyar 5767 Leviticus 25:1–27:34 Judges/Shophtim 15, Mark 1 2 Lev. 25:1-55 The question was posed as to whether these Laws concerning The land Shabbat and Jubilees was in affect prior to the giving of this Scripture. The breaking of these land laws have brought dire consequences upon our agricultural system and has caused problems which have rippled throughout the insect and animal kingdoms. Chap. 26 We see Judah receiving these blessings concerning chasing their enemies and getting the upper hand over them. Ever since 1948; they have been richly blessed, Yet they have not been entirely faithful to keep the Torah. It is interesting how many times these (7 times) plagues were multiplied. Actually 4 times. The current issue of Messianic Israel Alliance has a very interesting article concerning this prophecy of 4 x 7 and how Hosea's having to lay; first on one side for 390 days for Israel and then 40 days for Judah, works into this equation. Interestingly; it brings the conclusion of Israel's' punishment to a time between 1996 and 2008. A time which must be fulfilled prior to the judgment of the nations. Verses 40 - 46 A beautiful condition and promise to those who are willing to acknowledge and confess their sins and the sins of their fathers concerning Lawlessness, and following paganism. A question was put forth in wondering if there are any Scriptures that indicate, or seem to indicate that Israel/Judah will be hit by nuclear weapons! The section about the "flying scroll' which carries 'fire' seems to indicate that these weapons will at least be fired at Israel. Chap. 27:29 Question: what is the term "ban" referring to? Stones' Chumash indicates that this is referring to someone who is under the death penalty. Such a person could not be redeemed under any circumstance. The whole chapter of 27 concerns "redemption". Judges 15:1 What was the reason for the goat? Speculation that it was a gift; also that is was to be a special meal. Perhaps even an offering of some type. Sampson had no problem with coming into contact with unclean things. i.e. the honey from the carcass of a dead lion, the jawbone of a donkey. Yet in spite of his uncleaness, Yah chose to work with and through him. Mark 12:1 We notice here that Yahushua is addressing only the scribes; which is not usual, as He usually address both the scribes and the pharisees. Verse 32 The scribes seem to have failed to understand what verses 36-37 were referring to. They; (and the pharisees) considered Eloah 1 being, yet in the Psalms which Yahshua is referring to, we see David refering to Master Yahushua as his son and at the same time the Son of YHWH!!!
Yom Shabbat May 5th Location outside Nashville Michigan, from 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 31 Emor “Say” May 5, 2007 17 Iyyar 5767 Leviticus 21:1–24:23 Judges/Shophtim 14, Mark 11 The meeting was opened with prayer; followed by a liturgical reading of the Shabbat blessing. Heidi sang a beautiful Hebrew song, but I didn't catch the name. We all then read the Messianic blessing, then Bro. David read the Messianic Akidah. We recited the Shema and sang "Set-Apart Mountain", then read the talmidim's prayer. Parsha 31 Vayiqra/Lev. 21:1 Discussion of the "trimming/cutting" of the beard. Some translations have destroying in place of cutting, which could bear a significant difference in the meaning of what was to be done with the beard. The pagans used to cut designs into their beards and the Assyrians would square theirs off and sometimes even have them plaited. Verses 17-23 At first reading these discriminations because of imperfections could seem a bit unjust, but we must realize that the main prohibition was their offering the sacrifices. These individuals could serve in other ways within the Tabernacle/Temple. Chpt. 21:1 How did the lepers receive their food? Were they perhaps allotted certain land for the growing of their own food. Surely they could not sell it to the Israelite community, could they? Chpt. 23:3 Just what is a "Shabbat Shabbaton"? This is very important in the counting of the Omer. Although Strong's reference to Shabbat mentions it in connection the "rest" the word Shabbat in the Hebrew meaning is cessation, whereas the Genesis account uses this word Shabbat to indicate only that it was the seventh day. In addition to this; if Shabbat actually did indicate "rest" then what we would see in verse 3 is rest repeated 3 times. (This discussion alone went on for about 20 min.) Verse 24 How did the Jews come up with this as the beginning of the year? By adding to the Torah!!! Chpt. 24 It is very interesting that the preceding chapter ended with Sukkot and now this chapter opens with the menorah and the oil. (could this have been a foreshadowing of Hanukkah?) Judges 14 Sampson's father must have been very wimpy and certainly not a teacher of Torah to his son. Many things in Sampson's life indicate that he was not a close adherent to Torah; The eating of honey from an unclean carcass is one, as well as his desire to marry a Philistine woman. If YHWH can use someone like Sampson, He can surely use us as well. Mark 11 Verse 28: What "things" were they questioning? Luke 20:1 may hold the answer. The food was great as usual! The women retired to the other room for praise dancing while the men sat around the table discussing many other topics. A wonderful Shabbat indeed. (notes courtesy of brother James)
Yom Shabbat May 5th Location Rochester Minnesota, from 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 31 Emor “Say” May 5, 2007 17 Iyyar 5767 Leviticus 21:1–24:23 Judges/Shophtim 14, Mark 11 This Parsha had several interesting elements in it including but not limited to a clear list of the feasts of YHWH to be celebrated by bnai Yisrael (the People of Israel, the commonwealth of Israel, those in covenant with Yahshua the Messiah) . Most remarkably was the seventh day Sabbath included in this list, kept as a kadosh convocation every seventh day. The other feasts of YHWH were a total of seven main feasts commanded to be done. Some of the restrictions for the priests, the sons of Aaron were noted, including that fact that they cold not even marry a widow, which seems curious. YHWH wants his priests to remain pure. Even some of the restrictions on the priests were related to their very physical condition as some of them could not minister if they had these defects. Some interesting items related to the Patriarchal authority as seen in the verses dealing with the priests daughter who has been divorced or widowed.