Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 9 (ch. 17-18)

Shalom Talmidim - this lesson is for Shabbat morning Jan. 6, 2018 - you'll have extra time to study.  Happy New Year! R.E.

1. What is the difference between a riddle and a parable?

2. What is the “city” or “land” of the Merchants, and what is interesting about how it is translated from the Hebrew?

3. What is the fruitful soil?

4. Who are the two eagles, and why did the vine grow “towards the 2nd eagle” and did it need to do this; why or why not?

5. Who was the king in which the king of Babylon cut a covenant with?  Where else is this explained in Scripture; and what does this say about how significant it is to God that we keep our words and promises?

6. Vs. 22-24 end the chapter with another parable that seems to contrast the previous one.  When will the prophecy of this parable be fulfilled and to what/whom does it refer?

 
EZEKIEL 18

7. What is the intended meaning of the parable that the people of Judah used in the beginning of ch. 18; what did they intend by using this parable?

8. What is the implication of vs. 20-22 for all of humanity, and how does this compare to what is taught by Yeshua in the Brit Chadasha?

9. What is the implication of vs. 24, in relation to “once saved, always saved theology”; and how is this supported in the Brit Chadasha?

10. The House of Israel complained that Adonai’s ways were not fair especially when a wicked man repented and Adonai forgave him.  Did this actually ever happen in Tanakh, (Old Testament)?  If yes give a Scriptural example…

Backgrounder: The Jerusalem Embassy Controversy

Backgrounder: The Jerusalem Embassy Controversy





WORTH THE READ!

WHY DOES A 2 STATE SOLUTION "NOT WORK?

WE DO NOT SUPPORT A "2 STATE SOLUTION" - HERE IS WHY...

Tikvat Yisrael supports the AIA financially more at: http://israeladvocates.org/

PM Netanyahu's PERFECT Remarks on US President Trump's Statement

Bibi's "forever grateful" - while the U.S. will be "forever blessed"!  Amen

Ezekiel Lesson 7 VIDEO ch. 13-14

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 8 (ch. 15-16)

Ezekiel 15

1. Explain verse 1’s meaning “wood of a vine”, and who is this vine speaking of and what kind of vine is it?

2. How does the process of “grafting” apply here in ch. 15, and what is the meaning of this parable to both Jews and Gentiles?

Ezekiel 16

3. Who is the Amorite father, and who is the Hittite mother referred to here in vs. 3; and what is the meaning behind the statement that their origin of birth was of the land of the Canaanite?

4. What is the interpretation of the allegory of a newborn left uncared for on the day of it’s birth, who is this referring to and how; explain?

5. What is the meaning of the repetition of “In Your Blood Live” – what does this refer to?  Give various interpretations…

6. What is the meaning behind the symbolism of “spreading the corner of the garment over someone” – where else in Scripture is this found?

7. Vs. 9-14 describes the radiance of the object of Adonai’s affection, what is the meaning of all the symbolism of nose and earrings and crowns and splendor, what is this referring to?

8. After describing the love lavished upon “her”, the parable continues with her infidelity – what did she do with Adonai’s gold and silver, what is the meaning of the “male images”; and what does all this refer to?

9. What is the reference of embroidered garments, oil, incense and bread… all referring to?

10. Child-sacrifice is now described in the parable, is this just allegory or did it really happen?  Give Biblical citations & commentary examples…

11. Vs. 24-26 discusses harlotry with “Egypt”, again, did this really happen or is this “allegory” explain…

12. Explain the references to Philistia, Assyria & Chaldea – what Biblical/historical examples are these referring to?

13. What is the meaning of the accusation that the harlot is really not like other “harlots”?

14. Explain what the betrayed husband does to his unfaithful wife in vs. 35-42 and how has this been fulfilled?

15. Explain the proverb “Like Mother Like Daughter” – who are all the characters in this proverb?

16. Explain the “silver lining” at the conclusion of the chapter and what does this say about God today and what should be the message to those who espouse “Replacement Theology”?

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 7 (ch. 13-14)

Ezekiel 13

1. What was the main difference between Ezekiel and the false prophets, in other words what was the main distinction between them?

2. Whitewash is mentioned no less than three times here; what is the definition of this “whitewash”; why does vs. 12 ask: “where is the whitewash”; and how does this interpretation in Ez. 13 have any influence on the teaching of the Messiah?

3. Who are the next group of people that Ezekiel is told to address in Ch. 13 after he’s already confronted the false prophets; and what were these people guilty of?
 
Ezekiel 14 Tree of Life Version (TLV)

4. Who were the people now approaching Ezekiel at the beginning of ch. 14; what did they wish to do and where they sincere?

5. What does the Lord promise to do to those who approach a prophet to inquire of Adonai after they have turned to idols?

6. Who are the prophets that Adonai will “deceive”; and does God actually entice people to sin?

7. What is the meaning of vs. 11 when it says that “They will be My people and I will be their God”; how does this apply when so great a sin has been committed by the people?

8. What is meant by the Lord saying “Noah Daniel & Job would only deliver their own souls; can righteous individuals change the decree against a city like Jerusalem?

9. What are the 4 judgments, and why does Adonai say that remaining survivors would comfort Ezekiel?

Ezekiel Lesson 6 (ch. 11-12) VIDEO 11-28-17

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 6 (ch. 11-12)

Shalom Talmidim,
We do not have a video from last week, my apologies, as I was out and R' Elliott filled in for me.  Here are the questions for this week, and I DO plan to be there in person... see you on Shabbat!

Ch. 11

1. Who is Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Platiah son of Benaiah, and why are they significant, what happens to them in ch. 11?
2. What was their “wicked counsel” and what is the meaning of it?
3. How did Adonai respond to this counsel?
4. What was the judgment in ch. 11 towards Israel and what was the reason given for it?
5. How and why did Ezekiel respond the way he did when Peltiah died; and what was Adonai’s response to him?
6. What is significant of the “little sanctuary”?
7. Explain the prophecy at the end of ch. 11 regarding the heart transplant – has this been completely fulfilled and if so, how?
8. Where did the Ruach go next and why is this location significant?

Ch. 12
1. Explain the immediate description of the House of Israel in the beginning of Ch. 12; what is the Messianic significance of this and how does Paul describe it as well?
2. What was the purpose of requiring Ezekiel to pack up and display his “baggage”?
3. Why was Ezekiel commanded to “dig through the wall with his hand”?
4. Who is the “Prince” and what is the meaning of the prophecy that he will cover his face and “NOT SEE” the land in vs. 12-13?
5. Why was Adonai angry about the “Proverb” that Israel was using at the time; what was it and what did it mean?

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 5 (ch. 9-10)

1. What does the 6 men symbolize or represent? What does Scripture say who they were?

2. Explain the “sign” that was written on the foreheads, what was it, what did it represent and where else in Scripture do we see this same “sealing” taking place?

3. Did the Lord completely destroy the remnant of Israel as Ezekiel was afraid of; how “great” was the sin of Jerusalem; and why exactly did the people fail to repent?

4. What are Cheruvim here in Ch. 10; and what does this chapter now describe as happening?

5. What is the “fire” between the whirling wheels, between the Cheruvim, that the man in linen was commanded to take; what did it symbolize and represent; and where else in the Brit Chadasha do we see this description of throwing of “fire” on the earth?

6. What again are the “wheels”, what is their Hebrew name, and what is the significance of what they are called in vs. 13; and where do we see them appear in the Brit Chadasha?

7. Explain the narrative from vs. 15 until the end of the chapter, what is significant of the mention of the river Chebar three times at the end of ch. 10?

Ezekiel Lesson 4 11-4-17 - VIDEO

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 4 (ch. 7-8)

Ezekiel 7

1. What is the meaning of: “the end”; the end of what; and what is the meaning of the phrase four corners of the land; the land of what?

2. What is significant about the poetic nature of vs. 6 in the original Hebrew and what is it’s meaning?

3. What is the arrogance that has blossomed a reference to in vs 10?

4. Why does the prophecy now say that the seller and the buyer will not rejoice; what is this referring to; and how is this also found in both Torah and Brit Chadasha?

5. What is the horn exactly that is mentioned in vs. 14?

6. What is significant about the final Hebrew word of vs. 20; what does it mean and what exactly is it describing?

7. Does vs. 26 indicate that after the Babylonian exile “prophecy” to cease?  Why or why not, support your answer with Scriptures.

EZEKIEL 8

8. Based on the timing of this next prophetic occurrence, what is the immediate problem we encounter regarding exactly when the event occurred and the “posture” of the prophet himself and the Elders?

9. Who does the “appearance” represent and what was the idol of provocation?

10. What is significant of the repeated question “do you see what they do” what is the implication, why does Adonai keep asking this throughout the chapter?

11. Why was Jaazaniah mentioned and his censer; what is significant about that?

12. Why was the Temple constructed in such a way that the doors of the entrance faced the West? AND why was the actions of the 25 most abominable?

Ezekiel 10 28 17 - VIDEO

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 3 (ch. 5-6)

Students: This week's study questions are below - also check out the video from last week's class in the prior post....


1. As if the last prophecy given to Ezekiel was not “inconceivable” enough (i.e. eating bread cooked over feces); according to Torah regulation; now what seemingly violation of Torah is Ezekiel commanded to perform, and what part of Torah does this affect?

2. What is Ezekiel commanded to do with the clippings of his hair, and what does each portion symbolize?

3. How bad was Jerusalem’s “disobedience”, how is it described in vs 6; and specifically what example does Scripture give on “how” the people of the city acted in this manner?

4. What exactly is the unprecedented punishment that Adonai now says he will execute and never will again; and was this prophetic penalty ever fulfilled in Israel’s history, if so, how?

5. What does vs. 13 mean when Adonai says “Then I will rest”?


Ezekiel 6
Woe to the Mountains

6. Why does the Lord now tell Ezekiel to prophecy to the “mountains”?

7. What is the positive result of the calamity described in ch. 6, and how is this paralleled with Jewish revival in the Last Days according to the writings of the Brit Chadasha?

8. What is the Wilderness of Diblah?

Ezekiel Video Discussion Lesson 2 Ch. 3-4 10-21-17

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 2 (ch. 3-4)

Chapter 3
1. What is the meaning behind the Lord’s point about Ezekiel “NOT” being sent to a people of “unintelligible speech”?  What is His point?

2. Next in Vs. 6, God mentions “other nations”; why does He say of them, that they “surely would listen to you”?  And do we see this same principle repeated elsewhere in Scripture?

3. What is meant by God saying that He has made Ezekiel’s face hard against their face and his forehead hard against their forehead in vs. 8?  And what does this say to us today about our calling to reach our Jewish People?

4. Why should vs. 12 be familiar with all observant Jews, and most observant Messianics as well?

5. Why was Ezekiel “bitter” in spirit in vs. 14?

6. Vs. 16 says Ezekiel was stunned silent for 7 days, what other prophet was “stunned silent” like this?

7. What happens when a Righteous person turns and sins against the Lord?

8. Why is now Ezekiel told to shut himself in at the end of ch. 3 in the second vision in the valley?

Chapter 4
1. What is the sign Ezekiel is now commanded to give as Ch. 4 opens and what is its meaning?

2. Why was Ezekiel commanded to lay on his left side, and what is the significance of 390 and 40?

3. Why was Ezekiel now commanded to eat bread from wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and rye, and why the additional command to use human feces as fuel to bake the bread?

4. What is significant about Ezekiel’s protest to this commandment regarding the use of human feces to bake the bread he was to eat?

Ezekiel Lesson 1 - Ch. 1-2 Video

Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 1 (ch. 1-2)

1. Which 30 year period is Ezekiel referring to in vs. 1?

2. What is the Chebar river, explain?

3. What is significant about the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s exile?

4. What is the Hebrew word for the 4 living creatures, describe them?

5. What is the Hebrew word for “glowing alloy” in vs. 4, describe it?

6. How does the prophet describe the appearance of the 4 creatures?

7. Explain the meaning of vs. 12…

8. What is an Ofan   and how is it translated in our text vs. 15-16?

9. Who are the wheels said to be? 

10. Explain כְּקוֹל-שַׁדַּי K’chol Shaddai in vs. 24, what is it?

11. In general, explain vs. 26-28; who/what was this human form?


 
CHAPTER 2

1. What is the meaning of “Ben Adam” בֶּן-אָדָם why is the prophet called by this title; and what connection is there with the title “Son of Man”?

2. What was Ezekiel’s mission, explain…?

3. What was Ezekiel’s admonishment, and what was he told to eat and where else do we see this in Scripture, what is the significance of this?

Mystery of the Parah

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה, אֶל-מֹשֶׁה וְאֶל-אַהֲרֹן לֵאמֹר.
ב זֹאת חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה, אֲשֶׁר-צִוָּה יְהוָה לֵאמֹר: דַּבֵּר אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְיִקְחוּ אֵלֶיךָ פָרָה אֲדֻמָּה תְּמִימָה אֲשֶׁר אֵין-בָּהּ מוּם, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-עָלָה עָלֶיהָ, עֹל.

Numbers 19:1-22

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

19 Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, ² “This is the regulation from the Torah which Adonai has commanded. Tell the people of Isra’el to bring you a young red female cow without fault or defect and which has never borne a yoke. ³ You are to give it to El‘azar the cohen; it is to be brought outside the camp and slaughtered in front of him. ⁴ El‘azar the cohen is to take some of its blood with his finger and sprinkle this blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. ⁵ The heifer is to be burned to ashes before his eyes — its skin, meat, blood and dung is to be burned to ashes. ⁶ The cohen is to take cedar-wood, hyssop and scarlet yarn and throw them onto the heifer as it is burning up. ⁷ Then the cohen is to wash his clothes and himself in water, after which he may re-enter the camp; but the cohen will remain unclean until evening. ⁸ The person who burned up the heifer is to wash his clothes and himself in water, but he will remain unclean until evening. ⁹ A man who is clean is to collect the ashes of the heifer and store them outside the camp in a clean place. They are to be kept for the community of the people of Isra’el to prepare water for purification from sin. ¹⁰ The one who collected the ashes of the heifer is to wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. For the people of Isra’el and for the foreigner staying with them this will be a permanent regulation.

¹¹ “Anyone who touches a corpse, no matter whose dead body it is, will be unclean for seven days. ¹² He must purify himself with [these ashes] on the third and seventh days; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. ¹³ Anyone who touches a corpse, no matter whose dead body it is, and does not purify himself has defiled the tabernacle of Adonai. That person will be cut off from Isra’el, because the water for purification was not sprinkled on him. He will be unclean; his uncleanness is still on him.

¹⁴ “This is the law: when a person dies in a tent, everyone who enters the tent and everything in the tent will be unclean for seven days. ¹⁵ Every open container without a cover closely attached is unclean. ¹⁶ Also whoever is in an open field and touches a corpse, whether of someone killed by a weapon or of someone who died naturally, or the bone of a person, or a grave, will be unclean for seven days.

¹⁷ “For the unclean person they are to take some of the ashes of the animal burned up as a purification from sin and add them to fresh water in a container. (LY: ii) ¹⁸ A clean person is to take a bunch of hyssop leaves, dip it in the water and sprinkle it on the tent, on all the containers, on the people who were there, and on the person who touched the bone or the person killed or the one who died naturally or the grave. ¹⁹ The clean person will sprinkle the unclean person on the third and seventh days. On the seventh day he will purify him; then he will wash his clothes and himself in water; and he will be clean at evening. ²⁰ The person who remains unclean and does not purify himself will be cut off from the community because he has defiled the sanctuary of Adonai. The water for purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. ²¹ This is to be a permanent regulation for them. The person who sprinkles the water for purification is to wash his clothes. Whoever touches the water for purification will be unclean until evening. ²² Anything the unclean person touches will be unclean, and anyone who touches him will be unclean until evening.”

We now have here one of the most difficult passages in the Torah to explain – 

Parasha Parah.  (The portion of the Red Heifer)

·        What is the meaning of the Red Heifer? Our sages and rabbis have struggled with this passage for ages…

According to Chazal: “The law of the Red Cow is described by the Sages as the quintessential "Chuchat HaTorah", (i.e. a "decree of the Torah"), meaning that it is beyond human understanding.” 

The midrash states: “These are laws or decrees of God and man has no right to question them.” (Chumash Stone Edition, 2005)

A story from the Midrash says:

“A non-Jew said to R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai, “Your Divine service resembles sorcery.  You take a cow, burn it, grind it and tather the ash.  When one of you becomes ritually impure you sprinkle two or three drops on him, and declare him cleansed!”  R’ Yochanan explained to him that it was not sorcery, but a spiritual remedy against impurity.  His students, unsatisfied by this, asked, “Him you put off with a vague reply, but what say you to us?” Yet, he offered them no answer, explaining that the mitzvah has no reason, and concluding, “Hashem said, ‘I have laid down a decree.  Do not transgress it.’  According to R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai, both the impurity of the dead and the purity of the Red Cow are part of the "chok.” (i.e. "decree"). (Nachshoni, 1988)

·        Our Sages and rabbis debate and find no logical explanation for this "chok". However, there is nothing in the Torah that is meaningless, everything has a meaning, and while some of our people still have the blinders on and cannot see what the purpose is to this mitzvah; those of us who’ve had the veil removed and have received Ruach Hakodesh, this mystery has been revealed.  The Torah itself says "do not say these mitzvoth are too far for us or too high for us, but they are near us and in our hearts".

The mystery of the Parah can be revealed to us if we open our hearts to the wisdom and the Spirit, and the mind of Messiah.

I.                   “Outside the Camp”

When solving any mystery, we must first look for clues.  The Torah as well as all Scriptures always gives us the clue.  The first clue here in understanding the mystery of the Parah, is the fact that the Red Heifer is burned “outside the camp”.

The Rambam and other sages agree that the Red Heifer is a sin offering (chatas), atoning for ritual impurity; therefore, it is identical to that of the Yom Kippur scapegoat offering which was also taken outside the camp.

Furthermore, the Yom Kippur scapegoat’s blood was sprinkled just as this Heifer’s blood was also sprinkled…

Some sages see the "Chok" (i.e. decree) of the Red Heifer as a reaction to the sin of the Golden Calf.  Just as the Heifer is ground up so too was the Golden Calf "ground up"…

Exodus 32: 19 But the moment Moshe got near the camp, when he saw the calf and the dancing, his own anger blazed up. He threw down the tablets he had been holding and shattered them at the base of the mountain. 20 Seizing the calf they had made, he melted it in the fire and ground it to powder, which he scattered on the water. Then he made the people of Isra’el drink it.

·        Now, the Torah states that when a person is put to death it is always done “outside the city gates”…

Devarim 17: 5 then you are to bring the man or woman who has done this wicked thing to your city gates, and stone that man or woman to death.

"The place of stoning was as the height of two men. One of the witnesses pushed him down by his hips. If he turned over face downward, he turned him on his back. If he died from the blow and the fall, that was enough. But if not, the second witness took a stone and dropped it on his chest. If he died from this, that was enough. But if not, his stoning had to be carried out by all Israel, as it is said, 'The hand of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death and afterward the hand of all the people' ( Deuteronomy  17:7) ." (Sanhedrin 6:4)

·        Here then is the first clue to understanding the mystery of the Parah…

John 19: 17 Carrying the stake himself he went out to the place called Skull (in Aramaic, Gulgolta). 18 There they nailed him to the stake along with two others, one on either side, with Yeshua in the middle. 19 Pilate also had a notice written and posted on the stake; it read,

YESHUA FROM NATZERET

THE KING OF THE JEWS

20 Many of the Judeans read this notice, because the place where Yeshua was put on the stake was close to the city; and it had been written in Hebrew, in Latin and in Greek.

·        This first clue that the Red Heifer was burned “outside the camp” points us to Yeshua the Messiah, as He too was sacrificed outside the camp…

     Yeshua is the Sin-Offering!

Hebrews 13: 10 We have an altar from which those who serve in the Tent are not permitted to eat. 11 For the cohen hagadol brings the blood of animals into the Holiest Place as a sin offering, but their bodies are burned outside the camp.[c] 12 So too Yeshua suffered death outside the gate, in order to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Therefore, let us go out to him who is outside the camp and share his disgrace. 14 For we have no permanent city here; on the contrary, we seek the one to come. 15 Through him, therefore, let us offer God a sacrifice of praise continually.[d] For this is the natural product of lips that acknowledge his name.

Dr. David Stern says, “Being outside the camp in disgrace implies not only impurity but separation from the Jewish people. Yeshua is indeed separated; however, his separation is in fact not from the Jewish people, due to impurity, but unto God, due to his holiness; so that his separation from the Jewish people is wrongful, illusory and not disgraceful. Moreover, he can make the Jewish people holy through his own blood, ending their very real and justified separation from God due to sin (as he also can end the justified and real separation of Gentiles from God due to sin). Messianic Jews, who go out to him who is outside the camp to share his disgrace, remain, like him, part of the Jewish people, even though, like him, we may not be so regarded. Like Yeshua, we experience the pain of exclusion; but we must stand with him and not seek respect or inclusion on any terms except God's. (4) Red heifer: The reference to Yeshua's making the people holy through his own blood recalls 9:11- 14, which mentions the red heifer. The body of the red heifer too was burned outside the camp; by suggestion, then, Yeshua is also our "red heifer." See 9:13.” (Stern, 1992)

II.                 Sprinkling “Blood & Water”

Now I fully realize that what I am teaching is very controversial in Rabbinic Judaism, but the clues of Scripture all point us to the same conclusion. Rabbinic Judaism says that God would never accept a Human sacrifice.  And while it is true that the Torah forbids us from taking our own children to be sacrificed, there are many paradoxes within Scripture…

Just as the rabbis say they cannot rationally, and intellectually understand the chukat of the Red Heifer, so to can it be hard to understand how the Father could send His Son to be an atoning sacrifice…because it seems to contradict Torah…

But consider this…

“R’ Yehoshua of Sachnin, quoting R’ Levi, describes the difficulty of understanding this law, and lists a number of other mitzvos we are tempted to question…

The prohibition against marrying one’s late brother’s wife

Shatnez, combining linen & wool in one garment

The Yom Kippur scapegoat.

If one’s brother dies after being children, his wife is forbidden, Yet if he dies childless it is a mitzvah to marry her.

The Torah forbids shatnez yet to wear tzit-tzit of wool on a garment of linen, or vice versa is permitted.

One who touches the scapegoat becomes impure and must wash his clothing. Yet casting the animal over a cliff atones for the Jewish people. Those who deal with the Red Cow become ritually impure whereas the Cow itself purifies others.  These contradictions cannot be answered.”  (Nachshoni, 1988)

Furthermore the Midrash says:

“One paradox of the Read Cow is that it’s ashes purify people who had become contaminated; yet those who engage in its preparation become contaminated.  On this theme the Midrash cites the verse, “Who can draw a pure thing out of an impure one?  Is it not the One God? (Job 14:4).” (Chumash Stone Edition, 2005)

·        Therefore we see another clue, that even the Midrash cites this verse in Job that it is only God who can make something pure out of something unclean…

The Messiah must be Divine then, and it must only be God who can take something forbidden and make it Pure and atone for all of our sins…

In a similar vein, the Midrash notes a number of such paradoxical cases of righteous people who descended from wicked parents: Abraham from Terach, Hezekiah from Ahaz, and Josiah from Ammon.  The Talmud add the paradox that it is forbidden to drink blood but an infant nurses from its mother, whose blood is transformed into milk to become the source of life. (Niddah 9a)…

·        And ladies and gentlemen just as this is true with the blood of a mother which becomes the source of life for her child so too is the Blood of Messiah the source of our Eternal Life!!!

John 19: 28 After this, knowing that all things had accomplished their purpose, Yeshua, in order to fulfill the words of the Tanakh, said, “I’m thirsty.” 29 A jar full of cheap sour wine was there; so they soaked a sponge in the wine, coated it with oregano leaves and held it up to his mouth. 30 After Yeshua had taken the wine, he said, “It is accomplished!” And, letting his head droop, he delivered up his spirit.

31 It was Preparation Day, and the Judeans did not want the bodies to remain on the stake on Shabbat, since it was an especially important Shabbat. So they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed. 32 The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been put on a stake beside Yeshua, then the legs of the other one; 33 but when they got to Yeshua and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers stabbed his side with a spear, and at once blood and water flowed out.

·        And here we have the second clue to the mystery of the Parah Just as with the Heifer, both the blood was sprinkled on the people to make them clean, so too was its ashes mixed with water and the water was sprinkled. The sprinkling of the Blood and the Water is the clue to the mystery. 

Yeshua the Messiah is the meaning of the Red Heifer…

Hebrews 9: 13 For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; 14 then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!

Yes it is a paradox, and yes it is beyond logic and human understanding… but when you open your heart and mind to the Ruach Hakodesh, He will illuminate your heart with the Truth.

·        You need the Messiah’s Blood; you need His cleansing Water sprinkled on you.

This is Shabbat Parah, it is the time to prepare for the month of Nissan to prepare for the Passover season, and this is the time to get clean before Hashem!

Hebrews 9: 18 This is why the first covenant too was inaugurated with blood. 19 After Moshe had proclaimed every command of the Torah to all the people, he took the blood of the calves with some water and used scarlet wool and hyssop to sprinkle both the scroll itself and all the people; 20 and he said, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has ordained for you.” 21 Likewise, he sprinkled with the blood both the Tent and all the things used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

23 Now this is how the copies of the heavenly things had to be purified, but the heavenly things themselves require better sacrifices than these. 24 For the Messiah has entered a Holiest Place which is not man-made and merely a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, in order to appear now on our behalf in the very presence of God.

25 Further, he did not enter heaven to offer himself over and over again, like the cohen hagadol who enters the Holiest Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer death many times — from the founding of the universe on. But as it is, he has appeared once at the end of the ages in order to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as human beings have to die once, but after this comes judgment, 28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many,[c] will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for him.

  Are you waiting for Him?

Are you ready to receive His forgiveness for your sins?

 Are you ready to have His Blood and Water sprinkled on you?

Amen

Bibliography

Chumash Stone Edition. (2005). Brooklyn: Mesorah Publications, Inc.

Nachshoni, Y. (1988). Studies in the Weekly Parashah. Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd.

Stern, D. D. (1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary. Clarksville, MD: Jewish New Testament Publications Inc.

FINAL CHAPTER: Romans 16 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים

1. Who was Phoebe, what do we know about her, and what do we know about the community at Cenchrea?

2. Who is Prisca (Priscilla) & Aquila, what do we know about them?

3. Describe how Paul uses the term Ekklesia from the Greek in vs. 5…

4. Who is Epaenetus, & Miriam what do we know about them?

5. How does Paul describe Andronicus and Junias, who are they?

6. Who are all the individuals mentioned in vs. 8-15, and what do we know about them all?

7. Describe the Biblical and cultural practice of the “Holy Kiss”, what does this mean?

8. What is the warning that Paul gives the congregation in Rome in this final chapter?  Describe what it is warning them (and us) about…

9. Who are those mentioned in vs. 21, what do we know of them?

10. Who was the scribe of this letter “Romans” and what do we know of him?

11. Who was Gaius, Erastus and Quartus?

12. In the doxology describe what is the “mystery” that Paul mentions and how is it revealed?

Romans 15 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים

1. What does Paul mean when he says, “be like-minded” does that mean we have to agree on everything? If not, what does this really mean?

2. Describe “HOW” Messiah included the non-Jew into this covenant, what does Paul say to describe it here in Romans, and what other writings does he speak of the inclusion of non-Jews and “HOW” Messiah brought them in with Jewish believers?

3. Describe and explain the “priestly role” and authority, that Paul writes about himself; how does he see himself in this role and what does his priestly offerings consist of?

4. Describe the methods Paul uses to “bring about the obedience of the Gentiles” what are the characteristics of his ministry and what is his primary goal?

5. Why does Paul say he’s trying to get to Jerusalem, what is his purpose and how does this set a precedent for all “Congregations” in the Diaspora even to this present day?  Has the modern Church over its long history, followed Paul’s example in your assessment?

6. What exactly is the “collection” for and who is the collection that Paul is bringing to Jerusalem and why?

Romans 14 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים

Romans 14 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
Unity in Community

1. What exactly is meant by “one who is weak in faith”, and how does this differ from those with “strong faith”?

2. What does vegetarianism and carnivores have to do with the issue of those whose faith is weak?  What is the rule that Paul introduces to Messianic believers regarding this issue?

3. Paul transitions into the illustration of “days” and distinguishing those who esteem certain days from others who judge every day alike.  What is he talking about here?  Is it strictly about “Sabbath” or could he be referencing other practices, what is said about this elsewhere in the Brit Chadasha?

4. What by “living” and “dying” for the Lord?  And what is meant by saying “none of us lives for himself”, and none of us dies for himself”?  Explain the meaning and give Scriptural and extra-biblical support for your answer…

5. Paul here tells us in vs. 10-12 not to judge our brother, yet in 1 Corinthians 6:3, he seems to tell us that we should judge because we will one day judge angels!  How do you justify this contradiction?  Explain…

6. Paul says that nothing is “unholy” in vs. 14.  Does that mean that the laws of kashrut are now nullified?  Explain how it is possible for God to sanctify something that is “unclean”?

7. Paul presents a difficult word in vs. 22, what does he mean by keeping your faith to yourself before God?  Does this mean we are not to share our faith?  Explain…

8. How is doubting self-condemning regarding eating and faith? Explain…

Romans 13 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים

1. How is submission to authority both a Jewish core value in the 1st century, and how is this supported by the Tanakh (Old Testament)?  Give citations…

2. How does Paul describe those who resist authority and describe Shulam’s comments on “temporary submission”?

3. What does it mean to “carry or bear the sword”, give other examples from the Brit Chadasha (New Covenant)?...

4. What does Paul mean by “conscience” here in vs. 5, how is this a reason for submitting to authority, and where else does the Brit Chadasha bring up this topic of conscience?

5. Explain how the custom of collecting taxes were performed in Biblical times, what does the Brit Chadasha say about it, and feel free to cite other extra-biblical sources as well…

6. How does a person completely fulfill the Torah, what did the Messiah say about this and how is the Golden Rule also taught within Rabbinic Judaism?

7. What is the “armor of light” where else is this described in Scripture?

Romans 12 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים

1.  What is the definition of λογικός logikós, and how does Paul use this word inverse one?

2. How does one begin to "renew ones mind", according to Paul?

3.  What character trait does Paul now instruct his readers to develop using his apostolic authority, and what extra-biblical texts can we use to support this same character trait?

4.  Describe Paul's analogy of the "body", and what scripture specifically from the old testament can be used as proof text to support his midrashic interpretation?

5. What is the difference between teaching and exhortation?

6.  What does Paul mean when he says love without hypocrisy?

7. What mitzvah of the Torah does Paul refer to in verse 10, by saying outdo one another in giving honor?

8. Explain all the characteristics listed in versus 12 and 13 and how they are all related to each other.

9. Explain verse 15 how rejoicing and weeping are appropriate at certain times, and how is this a Jewish trait?

10. Paul teaches his readers to "be at peace with all men", how is this a Jewish quarter value?

11. Heaping coals of fire upon your enemies head, where have we heard this before in scripture?