Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)

Welp, you can’t blame man for desiring what is lost, to walk and talk with our Creator as in the garden…we all seek fellowship with Him, we are all trying to figure how to worship, I may have been guilty of creating an image that was a futile attempt at creating a fake shekinhnah with Arraon as well as the others at Sinai… my heart tells me, Father did not want worship in that way, but because man always trying to bring offerings and worship something tangible, I believe He may have established/created the temple system to give boundaries to something we wanted…. Perhaps the sacrificial system was like manna coming out our noses, because we just insisted on worshiping Him in our way…. Kinda like divorce… He hates it, but gives us boundaries if our hard hearts insist on it….. I think we will return to edenic fellowship, no more worship w/blood and death… but walking in fellowship…

right stay away from christainty.

Tell that to David Rund, just before this letter.

I always enjoy listening to your podcasts!
Dr Nehemia, you mentioned a beautiful saying @55 min, by an ancient Rabbi… from a traditional source:
“wherever there are two people talking about the Torah, there the presence of God is felt.”
I cannot find it on the internet, to give proper credit to the author. Could you please share the name.
Thank you!

following yeshua is idolatry

Dear Nehemiah Yono and Keith. I enjoy your teachings althoug sometimes you talk too much about other things.😌 I have been following you for many years. What I want to mention is that the first day of the first month is Nisan and not january as you said.
I’m wtiting from Colombia and I would like to know if there’s a Karaite group here.
I’m almost 80 now and I deeply love YEHOVAH.
Big embrace

There is a pattern in scripture that I feel many have overlooked regarding your point. Respectfully, I don’t see that your analogy of the 2 anointings is necessary to represent 2 comings in that there are plenty of prophesy’s in scripture either alluding or outright declaring both.

As my 1st statement signals, there is a pattern regarding anointing that I feel is better represented by the 2 different states that the Spirit of YHVH is demonstrated between the time before Yeshua’s 1st coming and the time after.

Simply this; before His 1st coming all of scripture demonstrates the anointing as an external force that “comes upon” his target(s) for the purpose of causing change, demonstrating His presence and power, that is visible.

After His 1st coming the remainder of scripture is a demonstration of the anointing as an inner presence “welling up” like a fountain within all of His people causing change from within (the heart) and to be poured out (like rivers of flowing water).

The Olive Tree representation with the 2 branches, as relating to the anointings, signifies a time when both the external and the internal will be present simultaneously – a time of upheaval for some, and a time of restoration and salvation for others.

To add to your appreciated insight: Could not the 2 anointings also translate into 2 comings? The first as priest/victim in administering the atoning sacrifice once and for all and the 2nd as King of kings and firmly establishing his power and rulership over all the earth. Also imo the sacrifices are discontinued only temporarily until a proper Temple is restored. The only sacrifice completely done away is the one on Yom Kippur which Yeshua provided for.

Lot of good discussion about the King-Priest. In the vision of Zechariah Chapter 4, with the golden bowl that receives oil from two olive trees, I’ve wondered if this too, was a prophecy of Messiah. He is anointed as King, and anointed as a Priest (like Melchizedek). Those two anointing-s are joined in the one Messiah, who is then the source of the Spirit/Oil to the Lamps of the Menorah.

As to the type of priest that Messiah would be, I agree that He would not be like Aaron. Before the linage of Aaron was chosen to serve as the kohen, the firstborn were the priests. The LORD “changed” the priesthood at Mount Sinai, replacing the firstborn, with the Levites and specifically the linage of Aaron. If the LORD “changed” the priesthood once, could He not change it back to what it was originally – “the firstborn”?

Yeshua is called “the firstborn, over all creation”. That makes Him high priest, IF indeed the priesthood has been changed back to what it was originally. Those who are “in Him” become priests of the same type – “firstborn” priests. That’s Revelation 20:6. We do not offer animal sacrifices. We present spiritual sacrifices.

I appreciate your material. Makes me think. I like to think.

Dear Nehemiah, (Keith and Jonah also), my husband and I are brand new to Torah observance. After 45 years of enthusiastic Bible study and ministry, we are starting over! It’s nothing short of miraculous, to have scales fall from your eyes and see all things NEW! My son Jesse David, the filmmaker in Lansing, gave us your name and sent a link to your teaching. It’s been just 2 months now and we’ve been listening to you every Sabbath this year! Now, with our coffee cups, notebooks and Bibles open, we feel like we are sitting in the living room just digging into the Word together. THIS is GREAT!

Though we are isolated in this wilderness of central Massachusetts (still working, teaching others, praying for that to change), GOD opened up an online community and made a way for us to be nourished and inspired. We LOVE the laughter and find your respect for one another totally refreshing. (Don’t stop or stifle the JOY you express–your lovely personalities blend beautifully!) We feel that we are friends and family and we have one heart–to KNOW the living GOD more and more and to REJOICE in every jot and tittle of His LIVING WORD! THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! BLESS YOU! Karen and Doug

Sheila, I also just saw this note as I am new to the site, and wanted to reiterate Janlyn’s post and send a virtual hug and prayer for your consolation. I also lost my parents and husband and experienced a wilderness journey of grief, for several years. Over time, I came to appreciate that my pain was also my platform for service, as Joni taught me. The Lord took me to Europe to work with refugees as well as to help start a non-profit here at home, prison ministry, and other things. Hard as the valleys of the shadow of death may be, they develop new muscles and fortitude to scale new mountains, from which we will one day turn and revel in the view, once cast with the light of God’s unfathomable grace. Bless you, sister!

Dear Sheila, I hope that you see this comment since it has been a year since you posted yours. I want to thank you for writing such an articulate passage about the conflict between attending a congregation or not. I have experienced that same kind of push and pull and have run into those same issues.
I pray that now, a year later, you are doing better and have experienced healing after the emotionally difficult time in your life. It is my prayer that you are walking in shalom and are in a place of joy. I pray that the relationship with your daughter has been restored.
My heart reaches out to you sister! May you feel sunshine even though we seem to be in an unending winter!
With love, Janlyn

Very worthwhile listen. Thank you all so much. I too was very disappointed when told shekinah was not in the tnk but N.G. did a super job clearing that up. There is the word shakan (shin, cof, nun) which I can find in my Quickverse using Strongs #7931. Biblehub.com is also very helpful. PLEASE keep up the good work, Sorry can’t donate quite yet as deeply in debt.

OH! Nehemia! I am SO glad you mentioned that you don’t go to Synagogue much because of the traditional repetition… I have felt the same way about attending Christian church… it’s all so traditionally repetitive and there seems to be no real meaning to it… no SPIRIT in the place… and so much of traditional Christianity is built on pagan beliefs… it just does not set well with me to attend.
I do, occasionally, like when the gentleman I am a caregiver to needs me to work on a Sunday and take him.
I tried a Messianic group within driving distance of where I live but the leader, in conversation about God’s name, went so far as to say God doesn’t really have a name, there are titles we call Him but He has no name! I was too shocked to come back with “what about the NAME that is written 6828 times in the written Word?” I mean… this was the LEADER of the congregation!
But even then I continued to try attending, but again, as with Christian Churches I was discouraged by the traditional religiosity and rituals with seemingly no movement of The Spirit flowing in and around the dwelling place or the hearts of the people.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for routine… without routine to keep me in check for morning and evening scripture and devotional reading and my Shabbat time with you three… I would have slacked off it all together and would be further away from God as a result… within the past 10 months I have lost the 2 people who were like Mom and Dad to me… and been estranged from my daughter, depression has had me where my ‘want to’ has faded. I decided just this past week to get antidepressant script from my Dr. to help me over the hump… I experience the same kind of depression 13.5 tears ago when my husband passed away, so I knew what I needed.

Thank you all for what you do to help us understand scripture better.

I also really enjoyed the conversation toward the end concerning the Skekinah. Nehemia referenced a phrase from Rabbinical tradition in relation to this topic that triggered another verse for me …
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three have been gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.
The context relating to sin and judgment against one another, yet seemingly implying YHVH’s presence or influence in matters of concern where seeking His “guidance” or even “Torah” in these matters.

Another point I find interesting is that this verse appears to be a quote. In looking at the previous verse, (Again I say to you, That if two of you will be in full agreement on earth concerning any circumstance that they should request for themselves, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven), it seems apparent that Yeshua is quoting in the following verse as from YHVH.

I am not well enough studied to presume to know where any similar verse can be found in the Torah, yet I can’t help but see the imagery of the Tabernacle / Temple with the gathering of His people in His Name of which anyone might see all throughout scripture. Shalom!

In reference to the earlier portion of the show speaking about the “mmeting places” dressing up portions to resemble the temple, I am reminded of Matthew 23. This whole chapter points out the hypocrisy surrounding creating appearances around the wrong reasons. In all of scripture, YHVH looks upon and seeks after hearts who are true regardless of appearances. Shalom!

WOW……fabricating is perfect…….THE FATHER TOLD ME THE SAME…..its is MANUFACTURED PRESENCE……..awesome jono

Nehemia, could you address this (Cannabis being one of the ingredients of the Holy anointing oil)?

Cannabis is one of the ingredients in the Holy anointing oil. You don’t have to smoke it to be a pot head, just get anointed.

Sprinkler,

You are using the same old blame game “the devil made me do it” a dangerous attitude to embrace because it shirks responsibility for our own actions. Aaron’s actions were due to the fact that his fear for man was greater than his fear for YHVH. Comedian Flip Wilson plays the character “Geraldine” in an effort to highlight the absurdity by being absurd when blaming the devil for our own choices.

you tube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kaiLcwHXB4&feature=player_detailpage

As for wisdom, it is an action not an unseen mystery to be unraveled.

“So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

hey, not everyone in Colorado is a pot smoker.

Nehemiah, you have indicated it seems, that you have largely rejected the tribes and tribal worship (customs) that come with them. Perhaps you have also “hitched your wagon” to this tribe that trumps all others. You just haven’t realized it yet!

YES. In the book of Hebrews, there is another tribe mentioned and that tribe is this one. If you wish to “join up!”, this seems to be a pretty good one as it trumps all others. It’s the one I personally have hitched my wagon to, so to speak.

Shalom youall’! Another great study and I was again considering how blessed these happenings are. Now on past studies, I mentioned about wisdom. Now wisdom in my humble opinion, is taking the seen to see that which is unseen. As President Reagan would say, “theeer you goo again!”, so I will now say to Nehemiah, there you go again taking the fabrication issue and putting it with the desire to feel good or feel something and coming up with possible wisdom. That is talking about what was happening in the unseen aspects of the golden calf incident. Yes! I’m confident that you are on to something in your wise assessment. The assembly was desperately needing a worship party and they were going to have it with or without YHVH though He was very near. Perhaps maybe closer that He has ever been. Now, using what we know, can we also conclude that someone else was very near as well? If you conclude HaSatan, then you are tracken straight according to wisdom. That is, taking what we know to know the unknown! Now consider how this anti god may wish to steal the fight as boxers do. They will wait for the right time and then strike to gain the advantage to make it appear they were winning all along! Deception! Deception! So if this counterfeiting one would wish to counterfeit that which the worshipers were desiring, could he not let the glory fall also? Could this wicked one give all the “party favors” of worship including being directly envolved with Aaron concerning this golden calf object? What I’m driving at here is to use wisdom to desern what folks have been arguing about for millennia and not been able to see. And I think it’s important as Jono was relating to our time. May I suggest something here? Do you really believe that Aaron was trying to deceive Moshea when he said, “I threw it all in and behold this golden calf appeared”? Folks call Aaron an outright lier, NO! I don’t believe it for a second. Nor do I condemn Abraham for saying “she is my sister”! Abraham is not a lier either as this was a very wise thing he did concerning fleshly preservation. Abraham, of course, should have had more faith as we all most likely agree but now let stay with our subject matter. After all that Aaron, the assembly and Moshea had seen and experienced, this was going to be “high level deception” put on by the wicked one. IT HAD TO BE or it wouldn’t have fooled anyone. I am saying that there were supernatural things going on with this incident that can be comprehended if we apply a little bit of wise thought as described in the meaning of wisdom above. HaSatan had his hands in all of this too. You see? No real argument here. Both sides of the issue are correct. Aaron DID carve the thing as mentioned and HaSatan also helped things along as also mentioned. The flesh (Aaron) & the spirit (HaSatan) working together to accomplish a given goal. The deception was so crafty that Aaron actually thought that YHVH was the miracle worker helping him. ReRead the story again with these things in mind. Deception! Deep dark Deception! It was a lesson, a very hard lesson to learn! And we are failing miserably today also as Jono testified because of the utter ignorance evident. In the true God’s absense, we are no match for the dark side! And so it was then and is now. Blessings to all the Father’s children in these troubled times. me

“11 And Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, the same was Shem, went out with his men to meet Abram and his people, with bread and wine, and they remained together in the valley of Melech. 12 And Adonizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave him a tenth from all that he had brought from the spoil of his enemies, for Adonizedek was a priest before God.” (Book of Jasher 16:11-12)

I thought this was pretty interesting.

Dear Orthodox-Jews and Karaites. How do you understand Psalm 110:4?

נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה, וְלֹא יִנָּחֵם– אַתָּה-כֹהֵן לְעוֹלָם;
עַל-דִּבְרָתִי, מַלְכִּי-צֶדֶק.

YEHOVAH hath sworn, and will not repent: ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek.’

Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. For Melchizedek to receive them he had to be an anointed priest. Conventional wisdom suggests pre Mosaic anointing of a priesthood. [opinion]

Jethro – Priest of Midian
Melchizedek – King Priest of Salem
Enoch – walked with YHWH _ [ as a priest who prophesied to his generation]
Noah – preached and prophesied to his generation [as a priest?]
Joseph – as the interpreter of dreams to Pharaoh, was not Joseph a priest and prophet unto Egypt even to deliver them?

Point being before Moses was born his family tree apparently contained priests unto YHWH – without instruction from Moses/ moshe