於2017-07-06發佈


每週一妥拉 2017/7/2-7/8

從古時起,世界各地的猶太會堂會一週一次在安息日讀經,從摩西五經(妥拉)到先知的書(先知書)。每週的讀經內容都有一個希伯來名稱,其出自經文內容起頭的字。每週慣例讀經的實例剛好記載在路加福音四章16節,耶穌來到拿撒勒的會堂,讀了一段先知書(以賽亞書61章)。我們發現每週一次閱讀這些內容,不僅提供我們機會,與世界成千上萬的猶太人來確認神話語的內容,在我們為以色列與猶太人的代禱上,聖靈更時常貼切的啟發具體的內容禱告。

這週的閱讀進度7/2-7/8稱為律例Chukat

妥拉:民數記22:2-25:9
先知書:彌迦書5:7-6:8

這週的閱讀聚焦在異教徒先知巴蘭的故事,摩押王巴勒到巴蘭的本鄉幼發拉底河附近,召他來咒詛以色列,此時的以色列正向著摩押平原前進,剛從耶利哥穿越約但河。然而以色列的神掌管巴蘭的口,將咒詛轉為祝福,在希伯來聖經中,此神諭是希伯來詩歌中最宏觀的例子之一,而祝福的元素持續在我們的日子喚醒先知性的共鳴!。

*民數記 22:8巴蘭說:你們今夜在這裡住宿,我必照耶和華所曉諭我的回報你們。摩押的使臣就在巴蘭那裡住下了。』這一節和18節可能會讓人認為巴蘭是拜神的;然而,在約書亞記13:22形容他是一個術士,那是申命記18:9-14強烈譴責的一種秘術行業。以此來看,他想要向巴拉展現他是眾神的『專家』,包括以色列的神耶和華。有趣的是,巴蘭在22:9, 12, 20, 22所提到的神,使用的稱呼是神(God)而非耶和華(YHVH)。雖然神對巴蘭說話,事實上是神掌管他的口,用他的口來說話,後來在新約中(彼得後書2:15-17, 猶大書11, 啟示錄2:14)明顯提到巴蘭的心離棄正路,『貪愛不義之工價』(彼得後書2:15-17);『又為利往錯謬裡直奔』(猶大書11)。在巴蘭企圖用法術咒詛以色列不成後(民數記24:1),他『教導巴勒將絆腳石放在以色列人面前,叫他們吃祭偶像之物,行姦淫的事。』 (民數記25:2; 啟示錄2:14)。因此他最終遭到殺害(約書亞記13:22),藉此警告在教會時代的信徒不要跌入他的邪惡道路。

*民數記22:20. 你只要遵行我對你所說的話。』在希伯來文中,這並不是一個命令,而是一個事實的陳述─『這就是正要發生的事』。

請禱告:神活潑、創造性的話語釋放在以色列境內。話語最好的出口是透過祂甘心樂意的僕人─但祂是主,可以在所有人的口中(甚至動物)來行使主權。禱告以色列肢體中間屬靈的分辨力─可以認出祂的話,可以將『善人和惡人,事奉神的和不事奉神的』分別出來(瑪垃基書3:18)。

*民數記22:22.神因他(巴蘭)去就發了怒;耶和華的使者站在路上敵擋他。』撒旦的希伯來文原意是『敵擋者』。在這裡的情況,敵擋的是耶和華好的使者。在撒迦利亞書3:1-2『撒但站在約書亞的右邊,與他作對。』寧可主的敵擋者亦是我們的敵擋者,祂的使者就會與我們一起站立對抗他們,也不要聖潔主自己出來敵擋我們。

*民數記22:31.當時,耶和華使巴蘭的眼目明亮,他就看見耶和華的使者站在路上,手裡有拔出來的刀,巴蘭便低頭俯伏在地。

請禱告:神會打開那些讓自己成為列國教會對以色列發言之人的眼睛,儘管他們帶著不純淨的動機─但他們將看見自己在玩火。禱告以色列信徒心中的眼睛被打開,看見我們正與彌賽亞同坐在天上,我們會隨著神天上的軍隊行動,而不是仇敵的軍隊(以弗所書1:3,18-21;列王記下6:16-17)。

*民數記23:3b. 於是巴蘭上一淨光的高處。』這與以賽亞書41:18所用的字一模一樣(只是在這裡是單數):『我要在淨光的高處開江河,在谷中開泉源。』神透過巴蘭所釋放的是先知性真理的洪流,數十世紀以來川流不息,到今日仍在滋養著以色列。 

*民數記23:9.我從高峰看他,從小山望他;這是獨居(被分離出來、隔絕)的民,不列在萬民中。』 

請禱告:今日的以色列會在他呼召的位置上興起─神會斷絕我們習慣性渴望『像別國一樣』。禱告列國中信主的弟兄姊妹,釋放以色列能從神呼召他成為的樣式中『分別出來』。

*民數記23:21.祂未見雅各中有罪孽,也未見以色列中有奸惡。耶和華他的神和他同在;有歡呼王的聲音(號角聲)在他們中間。』

請禱告:祢的國降臨,祢的旨意行在以色列,如同行在天上!

*民數記24:7, 20. 水要從他的桶裡流出;種子要撒在多水之處。他的王必超過亞甲;他的國必要振興。巴蘭觀看亞瑪力,就題起詩歌說:亞瑪力原為諸國之首,但他終必沉淪。』

正如我們先前讀到出埃及記17:8-16和申命記25:17-19時曾提到過,亞瑪力人意味著仇視神立約子民的靈;在歷史上不斷彰顯出來,試圖毀滅神立約的子民─以色列,此靈正是所有反閃主義的核心。亞甲是亞瑪力人的王(撒母耳記上15:8),而哈曼這位『猶太人的敵人』想要根除波斯帝國所有的猶太人,他正是亞甲的後裔(以斯帖記3:1,10)。神與以色列的約是生命之約,藉由此約祝福臨到所有按祂形象被造的人。因此,祂起誓必世世代代和亞瑪力人爭戰,直到祂將亞瑪力的名號從天下全然塗抹了(出埃及記17:14-16)。祂的兒子(詩篇2:6-7)得了權柄、榮耀、國度,使各方、各國、各族的人都事奉祂。祂的權柄是永遠的,不能廢去;祂的國必不敗壞。(但以理書7:14)

*民數記23:23. 斷沒有法術(在希伯來文中,這裡所使用的『法術』和『蛇』是同一個字)可以害雅各,也沒有占卜可以害以色列。現在必有人論及雅各,就是論及以色列說:神為他行了何等的大事!』

*彌迦書5:12-13.又必除掉你手中的邪術;你那裡也不再有占卜的。我必從你中間除滅雕刻的偶像和柱像,你就不再跪拜自己手所造的。

上面這兩段經文,不管是出於妥拉或是先知書,在今日的以色列都非常適用。仇敵知道牠的日子不多,牠把邪術佈滿在這塊土地上。在世俗的學校裡,孩子常在低年級時被教導星座和新世紀(我們自己在孩子的回家功課中便看見此)。大多數正統猶太教徒都在行秘術;以色列人常在結束服役後成群飛到亞洲(特別是印度和泰國),將東方的玄學帶回來填補心中的空缺。此外,以色列一年還有好幾次的新世紀活動,吸引成千上萬的人參與。

請禱告:蛇在以色列的工作會被暴露並剪除。
禱告主藉由聖靈的大能,奉耶穌的名釋放神蹟奇事,使人脫離魔鬼的轄制。
禱告外界抵擋這地與百姓的咒詛會撞上牆、掉落在地。
禱告神會興起像約西亞一樣的領袖,以神聖的熱心與忌邪的心來潔淨我們的地。

*彌迦書6:8: 世人哪,耶和華已指示你何為善。祂向你所要的是什麼呢?只要你行公義,好憐憫,存謙卑的心,與你的神同行。

請禱告:這節經文遍及以色列地。神『抵擋驕傲的人、賜福給謙卑的人』,祂渴望再次與以色列『同行』!

下週的閱讀進度(7/9-7/15)稱為『非尼哈』(Pinchas),讀經內容包括:妥拉─民數記25:10-29:40;先知書─列王記上18:46-19:21。 

馬汀和娜瑪賽維士(Martin & Norma Sarvis
於耶路撒冷

 

THIS WEEK’S TORAH PORTION: 

From ancient times there has been a weekly portion (Parashah) from the first five books of Moses (The Torah) and an ending (Haftarah) from the Prophets read on the Sabbath in synagogues around the world.  This portion is given a Hebrew name drawn from the opening words of the Torah passage. An illustration of this practice appears to have been recorded in Luke 4:16 where Yeshua (Jesus) arrived in the synagogue in Nazareth and was asked to read the portion (Isaiah 61) from the Prophets.  We have found that in perusing these weekly readings, not only are we provided opportunity to identify in the context of God’s Word with millions of Jewish people around the world, but very often the Holy Spirit will illumine specific passages pertinent that week in our intercession for the Land and people of Israel.  The Haftarah, unless otherwise noted, will be that read in Ashkenazy synagogues around the world. The references for all texts are those found in English translations of the Scriptures.

The Parashah for this week 2-8 July 2017 is called Balak:

     TORAH:  Numbers 22:2—25:9
     HAFTARAH:  Micah 5:7—6:8

This week’s Portion focuses upon the story of the pagan prophet Balaam (Hebrew pronunciation: Bil’am). He was called by the Moabite king Balak to come from his homeland in the Euphrates area and curse Israel, at that time spread out on the plain just east of the Jordan from Jericho.  But Israel’s God takes authority over the vocal chords of Balaam, and the intended curses pour forth as blessings over Israel and doom for those which arise against her. Portions of these oracles are recognized as among the most magnificent examples of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, while elements of the blessings continue to awaken prophetic resonance into our own day!
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*Numbers 22:8. “And he [i.e. Balaam] said to them, ‘Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the LORD [YHVH] speaks to me.”  This as well as vs 18 (“YHVH my God”) might seem to suggest that Balaam was a worshipper of the LORD.  However, Joshua 13:22 describes him as a “soothsayer”—an occult occupation strongly condemned in Deuteronomy 18:9-14.  As such, it is more likely that he wished to present himself to Balak as an ‘expert’ on all gods, including YHVH the God of Israel.  It is interesting that in the Deity’s early dealings with Balaam in 22:9, 12, 20, 22, the term “God” (Elohim) is used, instead of “YHVH” as would likely have been the case had he truly been a follower of the LORD of Israel.   Although God speaks to Balaam, and in fact takes over his mouth to speak through him, it is obvious from later allusions in the New Testament (II Peter 2:15-17, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14) that this magician was divided—he “loved the wages of unrighteousness”(II Peter 2:15-17); he “ran greedily into error for profit” (Jude 11)—and, after the failure of his attempts to curse Israel by his magic arts (Numbers 24:1), he later “taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children if Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality”(Numbers 25:2; Revelation 2:14).  For such he was eventually slain (Joshua 13:22)—and believers in the Church age are warned against falling into his evil ways.

*Numbers 22:20. ” …only the word which I speak to you shall you do.”  In the Hebrew, this is not a command but rather a simple statement of fact— “This is what is going to take place”.  

PLEASE PRAY:  that God’s living, creative Word be released in Israel.  It comes best through His willing servants—but He is Lord, and as such exercises sovereignty over the lips of all humankind (and even the beasts).  Pray for spiritual discernment among the Body in Israel—to recognize His Word, to discern “between the righteous and the wicked— between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:18).

*Numbers 22:22. ”But Elohim was angry because he [Balaam] was going, and the messenger/angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary [Literal Hebrew: “as a satan”] against him.”  The Hebrew word “satan” originally meant “one who is an adversary”.   In this case (vs. 22, 32), the adversary was good— “The Angel of the LORD”.  In Zechariah 3:1-2, “The Satan” standing to accuse Joshua the high priest was evil.  “Against whom one stands” as adversary is the issue.  Better that the LORD’s adversaries be also ours and His angel standing with us against them, than that the Holy One Himself come to be revealed as adversary against us!  

*Numbers 22:31. ”Then the LORD opened [Hebrew: revelated] Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.” 

PLEASE PRAY:  that God will open the eyes of those who are allowing themselves to be honored as spokespersons to the Gentile church regarding Israel, albeit with impure motives—that they will see that they are playing with fire.  Pray that the eyes of the hearts of Israeli believers be opened to see into the heavenlies, where we are seated with Messiah.  Pray that we will flow with God’s heavenly armies rather than contrary to them (Ephesians 1:3,18-21; II Kings 6:16-17).

*Numbers 23:3b.  “So he went to a desolate height…”  This is exactly the same word (only in the singular) used in Isaiah 41:8, “I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.”  What God was about to release through Balaam was a torrent of prophetic truth which would stream through the centuries, and which is still nourishing Israel today!

*Numbers 23:9.  “…Behold, a people who dwells apart, and will not be reckoned as being among the nations.  

PLEASE PRAY:  that modern Israel would rise up to her place of calling—that God would wean us away from the habitual longing to be “like other nations.”  Pray that the believing Body of Messiah in the Nations will release Israel to “be set apart” to what God has called her to be.

*Numbers 23:21.  “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.  The LORD his God is with him, and the shout [or royal shofar blastof a King is among them.” 

 PLEASE PRAY:  “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done—in Israel—as it is in Heaven!”

*Numbers 24:7, 20.  “His [i.e. Jacob’s] King shall be higher than Agag, and His kingdom shall be exalted…Amalek was first among the nations, but shall be last until he perishes.”  As we have mentioned during our traversals of Exodus 17:8-16 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19, Amalek signifies a covenant-hating spirit which has historically manifested in seeking to destroy God’s covenant-people Israel; this spirit is at the heart of all anti-Semitism.  Agag was an Amalekite king (I Samuel 15:8) and Haman, the “Enemy of the Jews” (who sought to exterminate them out of the Persian Empire) was a descendant of Agag (Esther 3:1, 10).  God’s covenants with Israel are covenants of Life, through which flows blessing for all humankind made in His image.  Therefore, He has sworn war with Amalek from generation to generation until He has utterly blotted out his memory from under Heaven (Exodus 17:14-15).  “His King”— (His Son, Psalm 2:6-7) “was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14). 

*Numbers 23:23.  “For there is no sorcery [In Hebrew, the word used here for “sorcery” and that used for “serpent” are identical] against Jacob and no magic against Israel.  It now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’”

*Micah 5:12 (Haftarah).  “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no soothsayers.  Your carved images I will also cut off, and your obelisks from your midst; You shall no more worship the work of your hands.

Both this passage from the Torah and that from the Haftarah are very pertinent for us in Israel today.  The enemy knows that his time is short—and he has sown sorcery throughout the land.  In secular schools, children are often taught the horoscope and New Age in the early grades (we have seen the homework papers ourselves). Much of ultra-Orthodox Judaism is permeated with the occult.  A week ago an Israeli weekend newspaper magazine “In Jerusalem” presented a cover story related to “the role of magic here in Israel, and in Judaism”.  At the end, a “Part 2” was promised in which “the writer will delve deeper into divination, examining the breadth of practices available, from tasseography to tarot cards.”   Often Israelis flocking to Asia (particularly India and Thailand) after military service, bring back Eastern mysticism to fill the void within.  And there are New Age festivals several times a year which attract thousands. 

Please Pray:  that the works of the serpent (who hates all those made in God’s image) will be exposed and cut off in Israel.  Pray for the Body of Messiah in the Land, for release of signs and wonders and deliverance from demons in the Name of Yeshua through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pray that curses made against this Land and people from outside will hit a wall and fall to the ground.  Pray for God to raise up leaders like Josiah who will work with holy Zeal and Jealousy for the cleansing of our land.

*Micah 6:8:  “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the YHVH require of you but to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  

PLEASE PRAY this verse over Israel—God “resists the proud but gives grace to the humble,” and He longs to “walk” closely with His people again!


Martin & Norma Sarvis
Jerusalem

[The Parashah for next week 9-15 July 2017 is called Pinhas— “Phinehas”:  TORAH: Numbers 25:10—29:40;  HAFTARAH: I Kings 18:46—19:21]