Posts in category: Parashot

It is very common to “question” the Creator when things happen in our lives that we judge to be ‘negative’ or “obstacles,” but if we take into account the pattern established in Scripture, not only with the journeys of the children of Israel through the desert, but also with Abraham, Yeshua, etc., we can appreciate that these difficulties were not decreed upon us to destroy us, but to strengthen us.

Just as a student must undergo difficult evaluations to assess whether he has learned the material and is ready to move on to the next level, we too need to go through trials, just as the Israelites did in the desert, to prove whether we truly have that faith in our hearts.

Questions for study and reflection:

1. How can we apply the lessons of obedience and faith in our daily lives?

2. What similarities do you find between the tribulations of the people of Israel in the desert and the challenges we face today as believers?

3. How can Joshua and Caleb’s perseverance inspire us in times of uncertainty?

4. What current trials can you see as opportunities for spiritual refinement and strengthening of your faith?

This offering was presented at the beginning of the daylight period—between dawn and the third hour of the day—as the first sacrifice, even though the day had technically begun the evening before. The second sacrifice was presented at the end of the day as the final offering, and thus the sheep remained on the altar as a tamid (תמיד) offering—that is, a continual offering.

In addition, the morning incense had to be offered, and the maintenance of the Menorah lamps carried out: trimming the wicks, refilling the oil containers, and relighting the flames. A grain offering (bread) was also to be brought, along with the libation—the pouring out of oil and wine in the specific quantities required for each sacrifice.

People would attend these services, as testified by the apostles in Acts 3:1, where it is said that Kefa (Peter) and Yochanan (John) went up to the Temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour—the time when the afternoon daily sacrifice was offered. It should be noted that the ninth hour corresponds to mid-afternoon, which in our terms would be between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Finally, it’s important to remember that these daily sacrifices were to be offered regardless of any festival being celebrated or even the Shabbat; all other sacrifices or offerings mentioned in this chapter were in addition to the daily ones.

This story teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it reminds us of the importance of emunah (faith) and trust in Yehovah, especially in times of difficulty and danger. It also highlights the need for integrity and honesty, as Balaam, despite his initial intentions, ultimately obeys Yehovah’s Word and utters the words He commands him to say. Furthermore, the intervention of Balaam’s donkey teaches us to be sensitive to the signs and manifestations of the Almighty, which can come from the most unexpected sources. In summary, the parashah of Balak invites us to reflect on the sovereignty of our Father, His protection of His people, and the importance of acting with integrity and obedience to His commandments.

Exhortation: Let us be humble before the Creator and not allow our stubbornness to reach such a point that Yehovah has to speak to us through a donkey!

This parashah recounts events that took place at the end of Israel’s 40 years in the desert. As they approach the reward of the Promised Land, new challenges arise that will cause the entire people to question their faith in the promises of the Almighty.

The role of faith plays a very important role throughout Scripture. Such as the faith that was counted to Abraham as righteousness, the faith necessary in the promises of the Creator in the desert for 40 years, and the faith that Yeshua exhorted His disciples to have in Him and in the One who sent Him.

Idolatry of the Serpent in the Days of Hezekiah

King Hezekiah, in his effort to purify worship in Israel and eliminate idolatry, destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made. Although the serpent had originally been a means of healing and a symbol of faith in God, over time the Israelites began to worship it instead of God Himself, burning incense to it and worshipping it as an idol.

“He removed the high places, broke the images, cut down the Asherah poles, and broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for until that time the people of Israel had been burning incense to it. He called the place Nehustan.”
2 Kings 18:4

Reflection Questions

1. What lessons of faith and obedience can we learn from the event of the bronze serpent?

2. How can we apply the teaching of looking to God in times of crisis in our daily lives?

3. How can the messianic symbolism of the bronze serpent deepen our understanding of redemption through Yeshua?

4. How can we avoid idolizing religious symbols and figures and instead focus our devotion on the Almighty, as Yeshua taught?

Summary of Ordinances for the Tribe of Levi

The Levites (non-Cohanim) were not to approach the holy utensils or the altar.

They were to guard and protect the Sanctuary (vv. 4–5) in every sense. Later, in the books of Chronicles, we see the organization established for gatekeepers, guards, and other related roles.

They were to strictly oversee everything concerning the Sanctuary so that no judgment would come upon Israel (v. 5).

No outsider (to the priesthood) was allowed to approach, under penalty of death (v. 7), including the Levites.

Benefits of the Cohanim (Priests)

Since the Levites did not receive a land inheritance, Yehovah provided another means of sustenance for them: the offerings, sacrifices, and other gifts that the people brought to Him. This was the way they were paid for their service in the ministry. The Cohanim received the most sacred offerings — kadosh: sin offerings, guilt offerings, and grain offerings. Additionally, they received the wave portion of the Peace Offerings.

Outside the sanctuary, the Cohanim also received the terumah — a portion — from the fields, vineyards, and orchards. The people were to bring them the first part of the harvests, the pressed oil, wine, and the sheared wool from the sheep. They also received portions of the dough, the firstborn of animals, and in addition, the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach lining (qeva, the final chamber of a ruminant’s stomach) of every sacrificed animal (Deuteronomy 18:3).

The Levites, on their part, received the tithes from all Israel (v. 24).

However, neither the Cohanim nor the Levites were to have an inheritance, because Yehovah is their inheritance.

The distinction between the roles of the Cohanim and the Levites is clearly established. The Cohanim were responsible for duties such as: burning the offerings on the altar, sprinkling the blood, making libations of wine, oil, or water — and many other tasks. None of these could be delegated to the Levites; it was strictly the responsibility of the Cohanim to carry them out.