Torah Portion Re’eh–(See) I Set Before You a Blessing and a Curse–11:26-16:17

 

 

 

This week’s Torah Reading, entitled “Re’eh” or “See—I Set Before You a Blessing and a Curse,” is found in Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17. I found this reading to be rich in spiritual content and instruction, as I am sure many of you did as well.

 

 

 

The Rich Content Contained in this Parashah

 

 

 

This Reading covered a number of essential instructional topics and issues, some of which I’d like to cover in this post. These topics and post include:

 

 

 

• The benefits or blessings associated with keeping Torah.
• The curses associated with rejecting Torah and following after false gods and idol worshiping.
• Prohibitions against idolatry.
• The Creator stipulates how He is to be worshiped by the Hebrews, including instructions on the 3-pilgrimage Feasts.
• Instructions concerning food consumption.
• Instructions on tithing.
• And a very brief mention of Sh’mittah and the disposition of slaves own by Hebrews.

 

 

 

See, I Am Setting Before You a Blessing and a Curse

 

 

 

This week’s Torah Reading begins with Moshe putting before the Hebrew nation what would become one of a series of final ultimatums and admonishments to keep Torah and avoid falling into idolatry before their conquest of the Land of Promise.

 

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse…”(11:26; QBE) 

 

What is a blessing in this setting? What is a curse in this setting?

 

We can compare and contrast this opening verse of this week’s Torah Reading with sister verses found in Deuteronomy 30:15, 19:

 

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil…(KJV).

 

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death; blessing and cursing: therefore choose lilfe, that both thou and thy seed may live…(KJV).

 

Blessings are associated with life and that which is good in life. The curses are associated with death and probably every bad thing that can come upon one in life.

 

As it relates to blessing (i.e., life) and all that is good therein, Moshe reasons that the Hebrews would have a good life if they to “shama” (listen, keep and obey) His Torah (11:27). As it relates to the curse (i.e., death) and every bad thing life has to bring, these would come if the Hebrews DID NOT “shama” Torah and if they elected to “follow after false gods” (11:28).

 

 

 

A Foreshadow of Things to Come

 

 

 

This passage is a foreshadowing of our Master’s mission: 

 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10; KJV). 

 

The enemy, through his cunning efforts in the garden, stole our identity and potential to be children of the Most High Elohim. His scheming effort and man’s propensity to defy the instructions of the Creator, brought death to the whole world. Yet the Creator had a plan to restore mankind back to its original identity and full potential.

 

 The Abrahamic Covenant

 

Father chose a single man who would be the conduit by which life would be restored to the human race: that man was Abraham. Father established Abraham what is often referred to in scholarly Bible-talk as “The Abrahamic Covenant.” The Abrahamic Covenant was an unconditional agreement that the Creator made with Abraham. That agreement/covenant went something like this: 

 

“I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and I will make your name great. And you are to be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed…I have given this land to your descendants—from the Vadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River; the territroy of the Keni, the K’nizi, and the Hitti; the P’rizi, the Refa’im; the Emori and the Kena’ani, the Girgashi and the Y’vusi” (Genesis 12:2, 3; 15:18-21; CJB). 

 

Yehovah sealed that agreement/covenant in blood by walking in the midst of the sacrificed remains of animals that Abraham laid out before them (Genesis 15:17). 

 

This covenant carried on through Abraham’s son and grandson, ultimately being fulfilled in great part by the Abraham—Isaac—Jacob descended nation of Israel.

 

 The Sinai Covenant

 

Although the Abrahamic Covenant carried through to the nation that escaped Egyptian bondage by the mighty hand of Yehovah, Father enhanced that covenant by promising the Hebrew that He would make them His cherished people among all the nations of the earth; that He would be their God; and that He would make this cherished people a nation of priests to the people nations of the world. The Sinai Covenant add on to the Abrahamic Covenant was a conditional agreement, whereby Father would bless the Hebrews with the covenant’s stated promises IF they obeyed His instructions/His Torah and abstained from idolatry. 

 

The Hebrews broke this conditional covenant. Yet Father honored his end of the conditional covenant as well as the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant. The Hebrews would take possession of the Land of Promise as well as Father would continue to protect and bless them in the Land as they kept His Torah.

 

 Torah Keeping Through the Centuries–That Pesky Sin Problem

 

From that point on to the advent of our Master (roughly a millennia and a half later), Torah keeping was about flourishing and remaining secure in the Land.

 

Torah served as a school master, pointing the Hebrews, and by default the world, to Messiah.

 

It served as the bar that the Hebrew strove to meet in terms of living a life that was acceptable to the Creator.

 

Through Torah-keeping the Hebrew learned what sin was. However, Torah also taught the Hebrew that because of their sinful nature, they will always struggle to keep Torah.

 

Torah showed the Hebrew (and by default the world) that he/she needed a savior. Mankind needs a savior because Torah can never eliminate. Indeed, Father placed into Torah provisions for the atonement of individual sins committed by the Hebrew. But like all men, the Hebrews continued to sin. Torah did not have the ability to justify and make men righteous before a Holy God. It could not eliminate all sin once and for all. Year after year, incident after incident, atonement had to be made to keep the peace between the Hebrew and Yehovah. Torah was not a permanent solution to the problem of sin. 

 

The other thing that Torah-keeping did for the Hebrews was that it made them secure and prosperous in the Land.

 

 The Renewed Covenant Under The Ministry of Yeshua Deals With The Sin Problem

 

From Yeshua on, under the auspices of the renewed covenant, Torah-keeping is done out of love and reverence for our Heavenly Father. Master’s earthly ministry fixed the rift that existed as a result of sin. The sin problem that Torah could not permanently overcome was now  and forever eliminated. 

 

In fixing that rift, we could now establish and maintain a substantive relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

 

Heart-based Torah-keeping, which is the basis of the Hebrew Rooters/Messianic Faith, is not done by Netzarim (i.e., members of the Way; disciples of Yeshua Messiah) to earn or purchase a spot in Yah’s eternal Kingdom. Torah-keeping is done out of love, honor and respect for Abba Father. It is the keeping of Torah through such a loving and honoring mindset that Netzarim are afforded a substantive and meaningful relationship with Yehovah, Creator of the Universe.

 

Through the saving work of our Master Yahoshua Messiah, we can now go boldly before Father’s Throne of Grace and praise, worship and petition Him as we are led by His Holy Spirit to do so. We no longer require a Levitical Priest or some other intermediary to be our go-between with Father. 

 

Yeshua’s earthly ministry and sacrifice on Calvary’s execution stake served justify and purify every would-be believer in Messiah before a Holy and Righteous God. That penalty for our sin which is eternal death has been commuted and we are henceforth pardoned, if we in a Trusting Faith, accept this free gift of pardon and follow Master. The blood of Yeshua cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Ultimately, we are granted the opportunity for eternal life and a place in Yehovah’s eternal kingdom.

 

 Is Torah-Keeping Still Valid For Believers Today?

 

So, if Torah-keeping still relevant for the 21st-century Believer in Yeshua Messiah? If so, what benefits does Torah-keeping provide still provide since the vast majority of Netzarim are not citizens of the Land of Israel?

 

Although Torah-keeping as was presented to the Hebrews was primarily based upon a series of covenants Yehovah made between Him and His Chosen People, we as engrafted members of the commonwealth of Israel, are compelled to honor Torah by keeping it the best way we possibly can, living outside the Land.

 

Torah-keeping to modern-day Netzarim is not tied to the Land as it was for our Hebrew forefathers. Torah-keeping for 21st-century Netzarim is holistically and intricately tied to relationships: the relationship we share with the Creator of the Universe; the relationship we share with our Master; and the relationships we share with one another. Thus our Torah-keeping extends way beyond living a prosperous and secure life in the Land of Promise. Ours is wholly eternal; spiritual; and relational.

 

I would be remiss to say that Torah-keeping for the 21st-century Netzarim does not result in blessings to be enjoyed on this earthly plane. Torah is living and by virtue of its Yehovah-breathed existence, its keeping will of course afford us the same blessings our Hebrew forefathers were promised.

 

 The Blessings Associated With Keeping Torah and the Curses Associated With Not Keeping Torah

 

This week’s Torah Portion Reading is one of the essential elements of our Messianic/Hebrew Roots Faith. This passage clearly suggests, if not directly instructs, that those who elect to take on a life of Torah can expect to live a good-life, while those that reject Torah can expect to lead a not so good life.

 

 We find in verse 29 where Father instructed the Hebrews to “put (KJV, CJB)/place (NAS, QBE)/set (NJB, ESV)/pronounce (NET)/proclaim (CSB, NIV) the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse upon Mount Ebal” (KJV).

 

 

What was the placement of blessings on Mount Gerizim and curses on Mount Ebal all about?

Mounts Gerizim and Ebal are located near the ancient site of Shechem which is the modern city of Nablus. A valley separates the two-mountains and the topography has been likened unto that of an expansive amphitheater with each mountain slope serving as seating sections, so to speak.

Historically, Abraham pitched camp and built an altar in ancient Shechem (Genesis 12:6). Jacob settled in Shechem and famously dug a well there. It is here that Yeshua requested of the Samaritan woman a drink of water and revealed to her that He was the prophesied Messiah and the terms of the renewed covenant that would emerge from His ministry (Genesis 33:18-20; John 4:5-7).

 

 

 

 

In the process of conquering the Land of Promise under the leadership of Yahoshua (i.e., Joshua), half the tribes if Israel positioned positioned themselves on Mount Gerizim and the other half positioned themselves on Mount Ebal in a ceremony that reaffirmed the covenant between Yehovah and the nation (Deuteronomy 27:12, 13). Joshua and the Levites witnessed this affirmation in the valley that separated the two mountains (Joshua 8:30-35).

 

We could speculate all day why Father elected to have the Hebrews set the stipulated blessings and curses on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal respectively. Father has a reason for doing everything He does and for everything He instructs us to do.

 

One thing is certain however: Father was big in reminders. Thus, He routinely gave the Hebrews tangible and visually impacting things to remind them of His Torah (e.g., tzitzits). In this particular case, it goes without saying that mountains don’t go anywhere and it is virtually impossible not to notice them. One will see them all the time if he/she is in that region. Thus, every time a Hebrew were to see Mount Gerizim, he or she would be reminded of the blessings associated with keeping Torah. Every time a Hebrew were to see Mount Ebal, he or she would be reminded of the curses associated with forsaking Torah.

 Idolatry Addressed 

In Deuteronomy 12:2-4, we learn the Hebrews received instructions for the dismantling of all vestiges of pagan, idol worship in the Land of Promise. This was extremely important to Yehovah and His instructions for clearing the Land of Idols and any remnants of pagan worship could not have been clearer. 

The Canaanites went to great lengths to proliferate their idolatry worship throughout the entire country. Unlike Father’s instructions that there be one place of sanctioned worship of Him in the Land, the Canaanites littered their country with countless altars, pillars and statues. 

Father would have no physical evidence of Canaanite pagan worship remain in the Land. Everything even remotely related to idolatry would be utterly destroyed.

Dealing With Our Personal Idols

Many of us, when we come to Faith, never think to remove the idols that we have prominently displayed or stored up in our homes and offices. Idols such as buddahs; Indigenous/Native American relics and symbols; Roman Catholic relics and trinkets; African art that represent forms of idolatry; and so much more, are often left in place in our homes and offices, most of the time out of ignorance. If we are Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah, we are compelled to follow the example laid out in this section of this week’s Torah Portion Reading and rid our dwellings of idolatry-related objects. 

Indeed, some will suggest that these objects do not represent real gods and should not be taken seriously; that they should not present a problem in a believer’s home or office if that  believer is not worshiping them. The premise of this thinking may be true, the presence of such objects in a believer’s life (i.e., their home and office) still run contrary to the instructions Father gave that they should be removed and destroyed. 

Indeed, as Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah, we must always be on the lookout for any relics or trinkets that are directly and indirectly tied to paganism and idolatry in our dwellings. Once such items are identified, we are compelled by Torah and the Holy Spirit to remove them immediately. Yes, they may look chic on our walls or on our mantles and bookshelves, but they are evil and Father demands they be discarded.

 Father Instructs the Hebrews On How He Will Be Worshiped by Them

In Deuteronomy 12:5-9, Father contrasts the idolatry practices of the Canaanites with how He was to be worshiped by His people in the Land.

Father declared that He would designate the place where He was to be exclusively worshiped. This centralized place of worship would dispel any disparity that could naturally arise in worship of Father as well as help keep the nation united in their Faith and obedience to Torah. 

We know from Scripture that the idols of the Canaanites had no capacity to speak, act or instruct men and women as to how they would be worshiped. The manner of their worship, then, obviously came from the sinful hearts of men, influenced by hasatan and his imps who came solely to destroy the works of the Creator and stymie any relationship that humans would have with Yehovah.

Contrary to the works of the enemy, the Creator of the Universe came to bring life to a guilt-ridden world. Yahoshua Messiah came to restore the life that humans lost and make that life abundant and eternally meaningful.

 The Canaanite’s Idolatry Was Repugnant to Father

The manner in which the Canaanites worshiped their fake gods was repugnant to Father. It was so repugnant to Father that He instructed the Hebrews to: 

30 be careful, after they have been destroyed ahead of you, not to be trapped into following them; so that you inquire after their gods and ask, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I want to do the same.’

31 You must not do this to ADONAI your God! For they have done to their gods all the abominations that ADONAI hates! They even burn up their sons and daughters in the fire for their gods! (Deu 12:30-31 CJB)

Idol Curiosity Will Ultimately Kill the Cat (So To Speak)

It is only natural for humans to want to understand the peoples of other nations and cultures. That curiosity reigns within us even today. However, when it comes to religion and the worship of pagan, false gods, it is that human curiosity that will ultimately kill the cat: that cat being the Hebrews, and by default, us. 

The Canaanites appear to had taken up the worship of Moloch, which certain scholars believe involved child sacrifices. Some have insisted that there is no evidence to support child sacrifices took place in the ancient near east. 

 

Well, Father said it did and that’s good enough for me.

Nevertheless, evidence of child sacrifice was recently discovered by archaeologists in Peru. This discovery was reported in a well written article I came across in the Los Angeles Times.

These South American people had to get the practice of child sacrifice from some source more ancient than they, wouldn’t you say? No doubt, Moloch worship, or other such Canaanite pagan rites are at the very heart of this particular find in Peru. 

 

 

 

 

Worship of Yehovah

In appointing the one, central place where the Creator would be worshiped, Father defined what that would look like beginning in verse six: the Hebrews would bring their burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, gifts, sacred offerings, freewill offerings and firstborn of their flocks and herds offerings. This was how worship looked back in the day. 

Furthermore, as we see in verse 7, Father wanted the time that He set aside for this worship–the 3-times during the sacred calendar year–to be joyous occasions for the worshipers:  

“And that is where you must eat in the presence of Yahweh your God, rejoicing over your labours, you and your households, because Yahweh your God has blessed you” (NJB).

Who says that our God is an uncaring, mean, and violent tyrant? I suggest that only those who abhor and reject the instructions of Yehovah and who seek to live their lives on their own terms view Him as such. 

The Pilgrimage Feasts of Yehovah

We find later on, that in addition to stipulating that He would be worshiped by the Hebrews in one, central place, He designated the times in which that worship would take place. We find in chapter-16 that Father required the Hebrews to assemble for worship at 3-specific moedim–set-apart days–feasts–festivals–sacred and holy assembly days (16:16, 17): 

1. Pesach (Passover)/Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzah)–the Month of the Aviv at the Spring Harvest–generally in the 3rd to 4th months of the modern day Western Gregorian Calendar (16:1-8). 

2. Shavu’ot/Feast of Weeks/Pentecost–generally in the 5th to 6th months of the modern day Western Gregorian Calendar, at the time of the summer harvest (16:9-12). 

3. Festival of Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles–generally in the 9th to 10th months of the modern day Western Gregorian Calendar, at the time of the fall harvest (16:13-15).

 Worship of Yehovah was Different in the Land Than It Was in the Wilderness

Moshe records in 12:8-10 that specifics to the worship of Yehovah by the Hebrews in the Land would differ from that during their wilderness sojourn.

I have suspected for quite some time that the Hebrews did not keep the sacred festivals during their years of sojourn in the wilderness as they did upon their taking possession of the Land. While the Hebrews sojourned in the wilderness, much of the worship of Yehovah appears to have been restricted to certain rites and ceremonies that would keep the Hebrews in a state of ritual cleanliness and maintain propitiation–atoning sacrifices and offerings for the sins of individual Hebrews and the nation as a whole. 

However, the annual moedim and pilgrimage festivals that the Hebrews were required to keep, along with their offerings, sacrifices and celebration observances, could not be accomplished properly in their wandering nation state.

First off, the people would not have proper agricultural harvests in which to present the offerings and sacrifices Yehovah required.

Secondly, in terms of the Hebrew’s flocks and herds, during the Hebrew’s wandering years, these were used solely for the various purity and atonement sacrifices. The animals from the Hebrew’s flocks and herds were not offered for Feast observance.

It is unclear how the Hebrew observed the annual Feasts during their wilderness sojourn, The only clue we have is from from Moshe’s record that:

“Every man did what he himself saw fit having not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance which Yehovah their Elohim had given them” (Deuteronomy 12:8, 9; NAS, adjusted).

As Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah living in the 21st century, we do not worship Father as stipulated in this and other Torah Readings. First off, there is no Temple or Tent of Meeting in which to keep the annual Feasts of Yehovah. According to Shaul (i.e., Paul), we are now individual and collective temples of the Most High Elohim (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19).

Secondly, with our Master’s atoning sacrifice on the execution stake, we no longer offer sacrifices of animals unto Yehovah. Those sacrifices could not at all dispense of human sins nor stave off the guilt and penalty of human sins. The writer of Hebrews penned:

“For the Torah has in it a shadow of the good things to come, but not the actual manifestation of the originals. Therefore, it can never, by means of the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, bring to the goal those who approach the Holy Place to offer them…Now every cohen (i.e., priest) stands every day doing his service, offering over and over the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins” (Hebrews 10:1, 11; CJB).

Scripture reveals that the instructions contained in this week’s Torah Portion/Reading were shadows of the good things that would come through the ministry of our Master Yahoshua Messiah. Consider the following:

“So don’t let anyone pass judgment on you in connection with eating and drinking, or in regard to a Jewish festival or Rosh-Hodesh (i.e., New Moon observance) or Shabbat. These are a shadow of things that are coming, but the body (i.e., soma or substance or reality) is of the Messiah” (Colossians 2:16, 17; CJB).

I get it. Many who are new to Hebrew Roots and the Messianic Faith, may be confused, if not ignorant, as it relates to how one should keep and observe the Feasts of Yehovah; that is, how they should worship the Creator. Father did not leave us clueless of this and our Master followed up with an even more substantive explanation of true worship for today’s believer.

Let’s consider a few passages:

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD (i.e.., today our bodies). For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jer 33:11 KJV)

 

14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:14-17 KJV) 

And in response to the Samaritan woman at the well’s question related to the true place of worship of Yehovah, Master stated:

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (Joh 4:23-24 KJV) 

Consequently, as 21st century Netzarim, we are not required to gather our families, pack our bags and head on over to Jerusalem 3-times each sacred calendar year to keep Unleavened Bread, Shavu’ot and Sukkot as some in our Faith Community insists. [I recently did an episode of Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections entitled, “Feast Pilgrimages to Israel” in which I go into a more detailed explanation of this, I would invite you to check it out at your leisure.]

We are called to worship the Creator where He leads and provides, out of a willing, thankful, and joyous heart–both daily and during the annual Feasts of Yehovah our Elohim. If Father provides and leads, fellowships and fellowshiping with like-minded Netzarim is the best way to celebrate and keep the Feasts and weekly Sabbaths. This was how the first century Assembly of Messianic Believers in Yeshua Messiah did it up to the destruction of the Temple in 68-70 C.E. It would seem the efficacy of their worship practices should be considered as the example by which we should strive to emulate today.

The Hebrew’s Flocks and Herds

As an aside, It does not appear that the animals of the Hebrew’s flocks and herds were consumed as food. These were only used for sacrificial and purity purposes.   

We find later in this Torah Reading that Father gave the go-ahead to the Hebrews to consume the meat derived from their flocks, after they entered the Land of Promise: 

However, you may slaughter and eat meat wherever you live and whenever you want, in keeping with the degree to which ADONAI your God has blessed you. The unclean and the clean may eat it, as if it were gazelle or deer. (Deu 12:15 CJB)

It is in the succeeding verse that the Hebrews received instructions related to proper slaughter of their animals for food consumption and worship purposes. Animals to be sacrificed or consumed for food would humanely have the blood drained from their carcasses. Not only was this a humane method of slaughtering the animal, it also help prevent the Hebrews from inadvertently consuming the creature’s blood. 

16 Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water. (Deu 12:16 KJV)

23 Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. 24 Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. 25 Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD. (Deu 12:23-25 KJV)

 Netzarim and Meat Consumption

This of course has tremendous considerations for us as modern day Torah-keepers: how is the meat that we consume processed? Is it processed according to Torah where the animal is bled out or is the animal slaughtered with the blood remaining in its carcass?

This can be a tough thing when one considers that we in most every case have limited to no control over how our meats are processed for our consumption.

Certainly something to consider when making meat purchasing choices. 

We must also bear in mind that the Hebrews were fed directly by Yehovah with manna and quail during the 40-years of their sojourn (Exodus 16:13, 46; Numbers 11:31, 32; Psalms 105:40). The day after the Hebrews took possession of the Land of Promise, the manna ceased and the people began subsisting on the produce of the Land (Joshua 5:12). 

 Dealing with Idolatry Instigators in the Assembly

This week’s Torah Portion Reading also addressed how the Hebrews were to deal with those individuals who would lead members of the assembly to take up idol and false gods worship (13:1-19). 

Any such individual, believed to be encouraging Hebrews to subvert their Faith or depart from Torah and take up false gods and idol worship would be identified; the claims made against them investigated (13:15(14)); and if the claims lodged against them are found to be true, the offender(s) were to be stoned if it involved an individual (13:11(10)) or killed by the sword if a community of offenders (13:16:(15)). 

So what does that say to us today? Certainly, we cannot nor should we kill those who seek to steer us from practicing our Faith or to worship false gods, although Torah instructed the Hebrews to do so.

We do not live in a Torah-based Theocracy as did the Hebrews of old. Yehovah’s Torah was the law of the Land and over the assembly.

As 21st-century netzarim, we must acknowledge that no nation in existence today lives under Torah. Some contend that the United States’ is a Judaian-Christian nation. Although many of the norms and laws of our nation imitate Biblical principles, they are non-the-less secular laws. As citizens of the world’s nations, we are compelled to live by their laws, just as the Jews of Yeshua’s day were compelled to live under Roman law.

Therefore, we must discern from the example given to us in Scripture what our present day responsibilities are related to dealing with those who seek to subvert and pervert us and our Faith within the confines of our nation’s laws. 

Shaul wrote to the Corinthian Assembly of Messianic Believers: 

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema (i.e., a person doomed for destruction; one who is cursed) Maranatha. (1Co 16:22 KJV) 

In other words, any who would seek to subvert the true Gospel Message, seek to steer us towards improper worship,  adopt pagan rituals, or harass and unsettle our fellowships–whatever–should NOT be permitted to be a part or remain within our fellowship circle. 

The Jerusalem Council, headed by the half-brother of our Master, James, determined that the assembly of gentile believers observe the Faith as follows: 

19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. (Act 15:19-21 KJV) 

Thus, the responsibility falls upon each of us, individually and collectively, to avoid idolatry and perversions of our Faith. The one true way of doing this, of course, is through our heeding the leading of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh), maintain steadfast obedience to Torah and the teachings of Yahoshua Messiah, prayer, and consistent and rigorous study of Father’s Word of Truth.  

 The Food Laws

Additionally in this week’s Torah Portion Reading we find the very important food laws and instructions (14:3-21). 

For new believers, the food laws can be one of the more challenging aspects associated with coming in to Faith. Apart from the obvious prohibition against consuming pork (i.e., swine), fully understanding those things which Father has deemed as food that we may consume can be somewhat tricky if not illusive. We must remember that this instruction was given to the Hebrews residing in the Ancient Near East around 15th to 16th century BCE (my determination). Some scholars place the giving of Torah around the 12th to 14th century BCE. 

Many of the products we have in our modern day Western food supply don’t easily correlate with the instructions found in our present reading. 

When I first came to Faith and adopted the Torah lifestyle, I struggled somewhat with the food laws. It wasn’t that I had a difficult time giving up pork and shellfish mind you. I struggled with understanding what in my refrigerator, pantry, and restaurants I could eat and remain Torah-compliant. Yes, bacon, sausage, shrimp and crab were easy to figure out, but what about the other foods I would frequently come across such as non-shellfish seafood; poultry and even canned foods, produce and beef. Many of these food products I ended up finding out contained Torah prohibited foodstuffs.  

Yes, I even turned to Rabbinic Jewish sources to point me in the direction of eating kosher. However, I ultimately found out that one can NOT be entirely trusting of the Rabbis’ determination of what is permissible and prohibited in terms of Torah observers’ food consumption. 

So I ultimately learned to keep it simple and recognize the basics of the Father’s food laws: 

1. Swine products are prohibited. Unfortunately, much of our Western culture is heavily based upon pork production. And pork products are not limited to just bacon and sausage. We are finding pork infused even in beef (i.e., like burger patties) to not only help make the beef go further volume-wise, but also enhance the flavor or the meat. Pork products are also used in other foods (some of which are Torah permitted foods) to help preserve and contain the product for human consumption. Gelatin is one good example of the universal use of pork in our modern day food supply. Things as simple as medicines and supplements are often encapsulated in port products. 

2. Seafood that does not possess fins and scales are prohibited.

3. Any animal that is not of the flock or herd is likely prohibited. Many of the animals that Father designated should not be consumed and were not considered food, were created and designed to keep the natural environment clean. Many of the prohibited creatures we recognize as scavengers. Scavengers are known to consume other dead animals; they often consume rotting carcasses (e.g., buzzards, shellfish, vultures, possums, etc.). Other animals are carnivorous creatures that hunt and kill other animals for their food and these are essentially a no-no. Why? Because they themselves are likely to consume prohibited creatures and foodstuffs. In terms of meat, it’s best to stick with domesticated animals of the herd and flock for meat. In terms of fowl, it’s best to simply stick with poultry and related creatures.

I could go on, but suffice to say that one of the many positive things that come out of living a Torah-based life is that it forces us to question the things we put in these temples of ours.

Eating clean is one of the many signs of a set-apart people. However, determining which things we can and cannot consume is only the beginning. The food laws, I believer, urge us to go further in our obedience and desire to be a set-apart people. We are urged to examine everything that we consume, from the food that adorns our breakfast, lunch and dinner plates, to the supplements, vitamins and medicines we take to enhance the quality of our lives. Many of the things we think are permissible to consume, may not be as we perceive them to be. Not only may these items be tainted with pork or shellfish, some of our food choices are not true foods at all. Many popular food products are man-made foods, produced in laboratories. Certainly, when we consider the fullness of Torah instruction and Torah Living, our obedience to Father’s food laws must go beyond just pork and shellfish.

 The Tithe

Additionally in this week’s TorahPortion Reading, we find instructions on giving: namely tithing (14:22-29). 

One of the most interesting things that I’ve come to observe about Hebrew Roots and the Messianic Faith is that there’s not a whole lot of emphasis placed on free will offerings and tithing by members of the Body. 

Part of the reason we don’t hear a lot about tithing and offerings is simply because we cannot tithe the way Torah stipulates. Tithing and offerings among the Hebrews was generally agriculturally-based. As we see in this passage, tithes and offerings in the day consisted of grain, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep (14:23). 

These offerings were to be taken to the annual pilgrimage feast sites and presented to Yehovah through the Levitical system. Those Hebrews who resided a great distance from the designated place of worship, upon going up to worship during those set-apart days, could exchange there agricultural produce offerings and tithes for money, so that they would not be burdened with transporting animals and produce over great distances. 

Additionally, the proceeds from the Hebrew’s tithes would be used to finance their journey and accommodations at the Feast site (14:26). 

Today, with the Temple/Tent of Meeting no longer in operation, and by most of us not making our income through agriculture (i.e., we don’t grow our produce or raise animals for food), the act of tithing must be considered from the perspective of principle and honor than from the perspective of rote, mechanical giving of tithes. Are the instructions on tithing still in effect for Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah? I would say yes and no. No, because we can’t tithe as Torah instructs us for the stated reasons. However, I would also say yes, the principle of tithing and offerings remains a standard by which we must aspire and participate in. 

The principle of giving a 10th of our increase (i.e., our income or substance) to some aspect of the Faith, I believe, still applies. Shaul taught that the Messianic believers in Corinth should give from a cheerful heart, not out of necessity or grudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:7). 

Master instructed his disciples as they prepared to go on their first missionary trip that they give to others as freely as they had received (Matthew 10:8). Indeed, Master was not speaking of money in terms of His disciples’ giving to others. He was speaking to their giving of themselves and the authority and power invested in them by the Holy Spirit, which included healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and casting out demons. 

Master further instructed His disciples to give to everyone that ask something of them (Luke 6:30).

In the KJV, the term tithe is mentioned but twice: Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. These 2-passages are 2-versions of the same incident in which Master criticized the tithing practices of the Pharisees, which was based on the rote, mechanical giving of their property through their practice of Rabbinic Judaism. Nevertheless, the New Testament is silent on the issue of tithing. 

However, the principle of tithing seems to have been taken to a whole new level under the renewed covenant and the Kingdom of Yehovah. It’s about giving what we have to fulfill whatever the need is for the Body of Messiah. The concept of giving goes beyond the 10th of what we take in from our wages. It becomes not only the giving of moneys, but also the giving of our talents and resources to the work of the Gospel and for the well being of Body. 

True to the concept of Torah being a school master for us, pointing us to Messiah, the concept of tithing must be practiced in Spirit and Truth; as a crucial part of our worship and dedication to our Faith. Far too many of the members of our Faith Community ignore the crucial example of the tithe in their lives. Many refuse to support ministries that spiritually feed them. 

A prominent internet-based Hebrew Roots teacher recently criticized another Hebrew Roots teacher for charging his supporters to attend his conferences, feast celebrations and for some of his teachings. This criticism was met with a great deal of support and praise by a great many of that criticizing Hebrew Roots teacher’s followers. One follower, in fact, stated quite proudly that the reason he supported that teacher’s ministry (i.e., he tuned in to hear the teachings online) was because that Hebrew Roots teacher’s content was all free.

I personally believe that the Word of Yehovah should and must be given, as Master instructed His disciples, freely–without charge. However, teaching the Word of Yehovah in our 21st century society, in virtually every case, cost that teacher something in order for him or her to deliver that teaching. It either cost that teacher money or it cost him or her time, effort, their personal material resources and in some cases, even their health. 

In our secular, western society, we get very little for free That which we do get for free, comes with a lot of rules and caveats attached to their use. Everything else we get, we must pay for in one form or another. Why then do we feel that the work of the Gospel and the Kingdom should be shouldered by those that deliver the messages, while we sit and collect the content of those teachings, in most cases, without so much as a thank you kind sir/thank you kind ma’am? That kind of mindset and practice is somewhat disingenuous if you ask me. Furthermore, that mindset is anti-Messiah. Yeshua taught that “…a laborer is worthy of his wages” (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18). 

Recall from Torah how the Levites were taken care of by the people’s offerings and tithes and even sacrifices. Father set this standard up and required the Hebrews to follow that instruction. Indeed, Shaul addressed this issue of supporting their teachers when he wrote the following: 

12 If others are sharing in this right to be supported by you, don’t we have a greater claim to it? But we don’t make use of this right. Rather, we put up with all kinds of things so as not to impede in any way the Good News about the Messiah. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the Temple get their food from the Temple, and those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrifices offered there? 14 In the same way, the Lord directed that those who proclaim the Good News should get their living from the Good News. (1Co 9:12-14 CJB)

I contend that for Hebrew Rooters and Messianics to hold back on their giving, for whatever reason, runs contrary to a true Torah-lifestyle and to the teaching of our Master Yahoshua Messiah.

The other thing that this Torah Reading addresses, in terms of the giving of tithes, is that the Hebrew’s giving would include financing the care and well being of the local Levite priests, the widows and orphans (14:28, 29). Indeed, our giving today must include caring for the poor and least fortunate of our Faith Community. I fear that we have way too many members of our Faith Community that are not being properly looked after by the general Body of Messiah. Torah instructs us to look after them.

 The Shemitah and Slaves

Lastly, we find in Deuteronomy 15:1-18, instructions on the keeping of the Sh’mittah. [I covered this in some detail in a recent post entitled, “Messianic Lessons Learned From Shemitah. If you are so led and inclined, I invite you to check out that post at your convenience.] I won’t go into it in this post. 

The other thing to mention that is contained in this Torah Reading is the concept of a Hebrew owned slave becoming a bond slave. Father gave instructions on Hebrews owning slaves in Torah. 

A Hebrew, however, was permitted to own a slave only up to the time of Sh’mittah. At the time of Sh’mittah, which occurred every 7-years, the Hebrew slave owner was required to release his slaves with certain provisions given to that slave in order for them to begin their new life of freedom. 

However, Torah made provision for the slave who desired to remain in his master’s household for the remainder of his or her life, in which case, the Sh’mittah release would have no bearing on that slave. The slave desiring to remain with their master would undergo a painful ceremony that make him/her a bond slave or bond servant. 

[I recently posted content on this provision of Torah and the amazing shadow picture that it portrayed in a recent post entitled, “Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah as Slave.” I invite you to check out that post if you are so led and inclined, in your leisure.]

 

Faithfully submitted in the Spirit of Messiah

 

Shavu’atov