Some Thoughts on Be-Ha’alotcha
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008I wanted to post some of my notes this week related to my personal study of the weekly parsha called Be-Ha’alotcha (translated, “When you put up”). It has some key points and some of the most interesting - though seemingly unconnected stories.
It begins with instructions for the “putting up” of the menorah, and speaks of the “purification of the Levites”, who according to the literal reading of the Hebrew (8:16) are “given, yes given” to YHWH.
There is allowance made for a “make up” Passover for those that were on a journey or impure when the Pesach of the first month was kept.
In Chapter 9, we read an interesting point that “there will be one statute for you (pl) and for the stranger and for the citizen of the land”. I love this idea. There are many out there that place artificial distinctions between Israel and humanity. It is my opinion that all of the world will be instructed into the “Way of YHWH”. Indeed this is the reason for Israel serving as a nation of Priests, being given a charge to be a light to the nations, etc. One only has to read Isaiah chapters 2 and 56 (for example) to see that this is the goal for humanity.
Chapter 9:15-23 we read of the cloud and how it guided the travels of the Israelites. I had not noticed it in previous readings of this text, but the movement of the cloud and the reaction to this move by the people following, are closely associated with their obedience to the “word of YHWH” (mouth might be a better rendering).
Chapter 10 deals with the reasons for the sounding of the trumpets and the order of travel for the tribes.
Chapter 11 switches gears on us. Here we meet with much complaining by the people. They long to return to Egypt. I guess this had me thinking. Often, I meet people who have left their “spiritual Egypt”, but for one reason or another they begin to crave the things that they had there. The provision of God begins to lose its flavor and they want to return. These complaints are “bad in the ears of YHWH” and His anger is flared - and subsequently we read that it was bad in Moses’ eyes.
The people still direct their complaints to the man Moses and not to God. In this week’s lesson we see that despite Moses’ humility - he is becoming a bit tired. The people lash out at Moses and he unloads on God. He feels that he is carrying the burden alone and asks God to kill him if things continue as they are. I think that it is interesting to note that God does not react…or should I say over-react to Moses when he makes this comment. In fact, he seemingly ignores his drama altogether and just resolves the issues at hand. Often, I think we take comments of others and over-react causing more problems rather than setting forth solutions. This can be a lesson to us all. God does not chide Moses for his exaggerated remark, He merely sets things straight. Read it and see how God “fixes” the problem!
In verse 20 we find that God informs Moses what he should relate to the complainers. If they want what they had in Egypt, then that is what they shall get. Not just a taste of what they had, but enough that it will run out of their noses! It should be noted that this is a result of their “rejecting YHWH”. This is very similar to the later demand for a King like the nations. Often, I find that God fulfills the request of His people, even when they are in rebellion. He allows them what they ask for in order that they will realize what they have done and return to His ways. Be careful what you ask for!
This Torah reading also contains some interesting points on the imparting of the Spirit. Chapter 11:1-18, and 24-25 reveal the solution to Moses carrying the whole burden alone. God takes some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and shares it with the “70″. They prophesy as an indication that the Spirit is on them, but then it says that they did not do so again (v.25). One is reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 10. Of particular note is what is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:6 - When the spirit comes upon you…you will become a different man! How true is this? When people claim to be spirit filled and continue to practice their ungodly behavior, one has to wonder if their claims are true.
When Moses is informed that some are in the camp prophesying and that he should make them stop - he says that he wished all YHWH’s people were prophets. This is important. Too often, leaders want to be in charge and have others serve them. Not so with Moses! Yeshua said that this is the way Gentiles think. Many churches are full of this in their pastor adoration! We should all learn from this.
An interesting play on words that shows up in the Hebrew comes next. Moses has just asked that YHWH “put his Spirit on” the people so that they could all be prophets. In the very next verse, the “Ruach” does indeed travel to the people, but translated as “wind”, the Ruach from YHWH brings the quail that the people craved! Be careful what you ask for!
In Chapter 12, we find Aaron and Miriam complaining against Moses. This is a remarkable story! God calls them into account for their challenge against Moses. He would later ask them, “Why did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?!” We should learn from this that one should be very cautious when speaking words against the meekest man on all the earth. God spoke to him, mouth to mouth and he saw the “form of YHWH”!
For her part in this, Miriam is afflicted. I find it very instructive to read the prayer that Moses offers on her behalf. I have been in prayer meetings with many over the years where people petition God with many words. Yeshua talks of this repetitious prayer practice. Do we think that we must go on and on for God to hear us and answer? Moses says 5 Hebrew words and God acts. “God, please heal her please.” We should learn from this.
So this is my summary of the Torah reading for this week. Study it and learn from it. The festival of Shavuoth has just passed. I pray that like the ancient Israelites, we receive the Torah afresh. Put these words in your heart. Be humble, seek God and keep your prayers simple. Plead with God on behalf of others - even when they do wrong to you. Moses wished that all of God’s people were prophets and that He would put his spirit on all of them. I pray that as well.
Have a great week. Shalom, Ross
Ross K. Nichols
www.RootsofFaith.org


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Each year we order a batch of special United Israel World Union Jewish Calendars. The company we use really does a beautiful job with color photos for each monthly spread, all the Jewish holidays and Holydays marked, as well as the weekly readings printed out for the Torah and the Prophets. With the Fall Holyday season upon us we thought some of our readers might like to have one of these calendars. We have a limited number left and will happily send you one if you think you could use it this coming year. Our only requirement is that you write us by surface mail with your name and mailing address. Unfortunately, in this case, we can not accept e-mail requests, nor can we mail outside the U.S. due to prohibitive airmail postage costs.