於2009-06-28發佈

從古時起,在全世界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)。本週的內容被給予一個希伯來名,出自於經文內容起頭的字。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。

從六月廿一日到六月廿七日的閱讀被稱為『律例』─律法中的『律例』

注意:我們發現住在以色列之外的讀者,他們的妥拉閱讀進度通常比我們這裡列的進度慢一週。這是因為以色列的五旬節活動只有一天,在他們遭驅散的日子(以色列之外的猶太社區)則是有兩天的慶祝活動,以確保不因世界各地不同的時差而弄錯時間。今年的五旬節在星期五,所以接下來的那一天(安息日/星期六)以色列持續按照他們的妥拉進度。但在其他地方,由於安息日仍被認為是五旬節,就有別於一般閱讀的不同閱讀。他們決定在七月四日那週,住在以色列之外的人會有『雙份閱讀』以趕上進度。

妥    拉:民數記19:1-22:1(外地:民數記16:1-18:32)
先知書:士師記11:1-33(外地:撒母耳記上11:14-12:22)

因著死亡不斷在他們中間發生,民數記十九章以一種特別的『消毒』來處理那些觸摸死屍的人。於是三十八年悄悄度過,到了二十章提到米利暗的死,他們已經靠近應許之地了。在這一章摩西與亞倫受肉體背叛而悖逆神,使他們無法進入應許之地;接著餘留下來愛發怨言的世代有許多人被蛇咬死,至少新一世代開始起來爭戰,戰勝擋住他們進入應許之路的巨人。

*民數記19章: 紅母牛條例。除了可拉背叛獻香的人死去外,沒多久還有一萬四千七百人死於瘟疫 ─ 神宣告還有成千上萬的人會死在曠野裡。『死亡』持續充斥的營中,所以需要特別的潔淨。一隻寶血顏色、沒有殘疾、未曾負軛的『母牛』在營外焚燒,再把香柏木、牛膝草與朱紅色線都丟在火中一塊燒。母牛的灰被收存在營外的器皿裡,需要的人將其與『活水』(17節)混在一起,用來除去那些觸摸死屍的污穢(實質上就是除罪的水,9節)。

請禱告:這週當以色列讀到這段經文,求 神賜下神聖的啟示,引導他們從第一世紀猶太人所寫的書卷中發現真理:『若山羊和公牛的血,並母牛犢的灰,灑在不潔的人身上,尚且叫人成聖,身體潔淨,何況基督藉著永遠的靈,將自己無瑕無疵獻給神,祂的血豈不更能洗淨你們的心,除去你們的死行,使你們事奉那永生神嗎﹖』(希伯來書9: 13-14)。

*民數記20:10, 24: 摩西說:『你們這些背叛的人聽我說:我為你們使水從這磐石中流出來嗎﹖』神說:『因為在米利巴水,你們(摩西和亞倫)違背了我的命。』
摩西是一個充滿勇氣、憐憫與謙卑的偉大領袖,卻仍有在怒氣方面的『盲點』。怒氣常在摩西生命中被提到或影射(出2:12、11:8、32:19,利10:16,民11:10、16:15)。雖然怒氣有存在的必要性,但當其出於肉體或不在 神的時間被釋放出來,就無法『成就神的義』(雅各書1:19-20)。最後,怒氣引發摩西違背 神的命令,使他指責人們的罪惡,對他們說而非對磐石說。提多書一章7節說 神的管家必須『不暴躁』。

請禱告:在以色列彌賽亞肢體的領袖能持續被聖靈訓練得以自制。禱告我們將處理聖靈所顯明的問題,否則在重大決定的關鍵時刻可能會用我們的情緒或創傷來回應,而沒有在人面前尊主為聖。

*民數記 21:9:『摩西便製造一條銅蛇,掛在杆子上;凡被蛇咬的,一望這銅蛇就活了。』『摩西在曠野怎樣舉蛇,人子也必照樣被舉起來,叫一切信祂的都得永生。神使那無罪(無罪:原文是不知罪)的,替我們成為罪,好叫我們在祂裡面成為神的義。』(約翰福音3:14-15/哥林多後書5:21)。

*民數記 21:34-35/申命記 3:11『耶和華對摩西說:不要怕他(巴珊王噩)!因我已將他和他的眾民,並他的地,都交在你手中;於是他們殺了他和他的眾子,並他的眾民,沒有留下一個,就得了他的地。』『利乏音人所剩下的只有巴珊王噩。』

當以色列在三十八年後抵達迦南邊界時,只剩下當初他們父親所懼怕的虛構『巨人』。神給他們的指示與他們父親的完全一樣,這次他們聽了神的話並毀滅了了巴珊王噩。打敗巴珊王噩的意義非凡,在申命記、約書亞記、列王記上、尼希米記與詩篇多次提到他。

這一段經文神所提到『交在以色列手中』的土地,就是1967年六日戰爭從敘利亞奪回的土地─戈蘭高地,這區域當時是分給瑪拿西支派作為部分領土。領土的南邊到達亞嫩河,是從亞摩利人的王西宏得來的,最後成為流便與迦得支派的領土。這地方目前位在約旦西北邊為約旦所佔據。

請禱告:在迦勒與約書亞身上『不一樣的心志』,能激勵以色列年輕的世代再次甦醒過來;他們不會聽從冷嘲熱諷的聲音,哀嘆以色列現今的土地吞沒其上的居民─乃是我們會信靠和迦勒與約書亞一樣的 神,以擊敗再次在這塊土地所興起的巨人。

禱告以色列的領袖會領悟是 神將戈蘭高地交在以色列手中(在古時與1967年都是如此!歸還戈蘭高地或任何部分給敘利亞,不過是『用土地換和平』中可憐的嘗試,因為以色列目前全然掌管這塊土地,其上也沒像猶大與撒瑪利亞一樣充滿敵意的居民。我們沒有理由相信和平會藉此來到─敘利亞多年來不停的騷擾要將以色列帶回原來的地方─她持續與伊朗合作提供武器給我們在黎巴嫩邊界的敵人。

請禱告 神的國降臨,祂的旨意可以行在所有這些土地上。『地的一切疆界是你所立的;夏天和冬天是你所定的。』(詩篇47:17);『因為祂堅固了你的門閂,賜福給你中間的兒女。祂使你境內平安,用上好的麥子使你滿足。』(詩篇147:13-14)

*士師記11:23-24: 『耶和華─以色列的神在祂百姓以色列面前趕出亞摩利人,你竟要得他們的地嗎?你的神基抹所賜你的地你不是得為業嗎﹖耶和華─我們的神在我們面前所趕出的人,我們就得他的地。』

許多人對耶弗他有著負面的想法,因為他曾許了一個不幸的願,但事實不總是如此。這個人為妓女所生並被趕逐,卻以大能英勇戰士之姿興起,他要求朋友與敵人的敬重,並信靠主得勝(9節),他將自己所說的話與協定陳明在主面前(11節)。他也熟悉土地的歷史(14-29節),高舉主的手,藉此來勸說他的敵人避免不必要的衝突。對他而言,審判在於 神,所以這個人在 神與人面前備受敬重,他甚至被列在希伯來書十一章的信心英雄榜中。

請禱告:像耶弗他般的戰士在末日可以在以色列被興起。
禱告 神看顧那些來自破碎家庭的人(這樣的人太多了)─恩典與信心的種子會被撒在其中,好在好土中發芽。
禱告 神的國度臨到那區塊的土地(目前在約旦西部),也就是在這一章採取行動的地方─基列。以利亞先知就是從這地方出來的:『以利亞固然先來,並要復興萬事』(瑪垃基書4:5;馬太福音17:11),也是他被接到天上的地方。撒迦利亞在撒迦利亞書十章10節預言那塊地有一天會成為猶大家與約瑟家返回之處。

馬汀和娜瑪‧賽維士(Martin & Norma Sarvis)
於耶路撒冷
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This week's Torah Portion:
From ancient times there has been a weekly portion from the first five books of Moses (The Torah) and from the prophets (Haftarah) read on the Sabbath in synagogues around the world. This portion is given a Hebrew name taken from the opening words of the 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. All texts are those of English translations of the Scriptures.

The readings in Israel for 21-27 JUNE 2009 are called "Chukat" -"Ordinance" of the Law.

NOTICE: It has been brought to our attention that readers living outside of Israel are finding references to the Torah Portion in their area to be one week behind those listed here. This is because in Israel (and the Hebrew Bible) the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) lasts for only one day, while in the Diaspora (Communities of Jews living outside of Israel) it is celebrated for two days-an old custom to insure that the day falls within the correct time frame all over the world. Shavuot this year fell on a Friday, so the following day (Shabbat/Saturday) Israel continued with the next Torah Portion as usual. But in the Diaspora, because that Shabbat was considered still to be Shavuot, a different reading was used-putting the regular readings a week off from Jerusalem. All will be resolved the week of July 4th when those living outside Israel will have a "double reading" to catch up.

Torah: Numbers 19:1-22:1 (Outside of Israel: Numbers 16:1-18:32)
Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33 (Outside of Israel: I Samuel 11:14-12:22)

Because of the dead who would be constantly in their midst as an entire generation passed away, Chapter 19 deals with a special 'decontamination' for those coming in contact with death. Then 38 years pass silently and in Chapter 20, with the death of Miriam, they are already drawing near their close. In this reading Moses and Aaron themselves are betrayed by their flesh into a rebellion which will bar them from entering the Promised Land; then a further remnant of the complaining generation are killed by serpents, and at last the new generation begins to rise to a warfare from which their parents had shrunk back--and to prevail over the giants barring the way into their inheritance.

*Numbers 19: Ordinance of the Red Heifer. With the death of those offering incense in Korah's rebellion, the 14,700 who died by plague in the uprising shortly thereafter-and the pronouncement of God that hundreds of thousands would be dying in the wilderness wanderings ahead, "Death" hung over the camp continuously. There was need for an especial cleansing from death. A 'cow' the color of blood was, perfect and never yoked, was burned in its totality outside the camp; cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet (all related by color or ritual usage to blood) were fed into the burning. Then the ashes were stored in a receptacle outside the camp. When needed, they were mixed with "living water" (vs17, Hebrew: mayim haim) and used as a decontaminant (literally, "water kept apart, for sin", vs 9) for those who had come into contact with death .

PLEASE PRAY: For divine revelation when this is read in Israel this weekend (and around the world, next)-which will lead to discovery of the Truth written in a special letter written to First Century Jews: "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God?" (Hebrews 9:13-14).

*Numbers 20:10, 24: Moses: 'Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Elohim: "Because you (both: Moses and Aaron) rebelled against My word at the water of Meribah."

A great leader filled with courage, compassion and humility, Moses nevertheless appears to have had a 'blind spot' regarding anger. One finds it quietly mentioned or alluded to throughout his life (Exodus 2:12, 11:8, 32:19, Lev 10:16, Numbers 11:10, 16:15). Although there is a place for anger, when released in the flesh or outside of God's timing, it will "not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19). In the end, it triggered within Moses the very rebellion against God's command which he accused the people of committing when he spoke to them rather than to the Rock. Titus 1:7 speaks of the necessity that God's stewards be "not quick-tempered".

PLEASE PRAY: For leaders in the Body of Messiah in Israel to always continue being trained by the Holy Spirit in self control. Pray that we will deal with issues which the Spirit discloses, which otherwise in critical moments of decision might result in our responding out of our emotions or woundings-and not hallowing God in the eyes of those who are looking up to us.

*Numbers 21:9: "So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (John 3:14-15/II Corinthians 5;21).

*Numbers 21:34-35/Deuteronomy 3:11 "Do not fear him (i.e. Og, King of Bashan), for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people and his land.So they defeated him, his sons, and all his people, until there was no survivor left him; and they took possession of his land."."For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants." (Emphases ours).

When Israel arrives 38 years late at the border of Canaan, only one of the fabled "giants" which had terrified their fathers remains. God gives them exactly the same directive he'd given their fathers.and this time they take Him at His word and destroy him. The significance of defeating this Og was huge-and he is mentioned many times in Deuteronomy, Joshua, I Kings, Nehemiah and the Psalms.

The territory which this text says God Himself "delivered into Israel's hand" is that area taken from Syria in the 1967 War-the present- day Golan Heights. That area became part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh. The territory southward to the Arnon River was taken from King Sihon of the Amorites and eventually became territory of the tribes Reuben and Gad. This area is presently occupied by the north-western part of the Kingdom of Jordan.

PLEASE PRAY: That the "different spirit" of Caleb and Joshua which motivated this younger generation of Israelites would awaken again in Israel; That we would not listen to the cynical voices which lament that the Land of modern-day Israel devours its inhabitants-but that we would believe in the SAME GOD as did Caleb and Joshua to defeat the giants which have arisen again in the land to which we have returned. Pray that Israel's leaders will realize it was God who delivered the Golan Heights into Israel's hands-both in ancient times (see Scripture heading this prayer point)-and also in 1967! Returning the Heights or any part of them to Syria would indeed be a pitiful attempt at "land for peace", since Israel is presently in total control of this territory-nor is it filled with hostile inhabitants as is the case in Judea and Samaria. There is no reason to believe that peace would come-it was years of continual harassment from Syria which brought about Israel's driving her out in the first place-and she has been continually co-operating with Iran in arming our enemies on the Lebanon Border. Pray that God's Kingdom come and His Will be done in all of these territories. "You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter" (Psalm 75:17); "He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat" (Psalm 147:13-14).

*Judges 11:23-24: "And now YHVH Elohei-Yisrael (The LORD, the Israel God) has dispossessed the Amorites from before His people Israel; should you then possess it? Will you not possess whatever Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whatever the LORD our God takes possession of before us, we will possess!"

Jephthah (Hebrew: Yiphtakh) has come amongst many to be remembered negatively because of an unfortunate vow he made-but this has not always been so. This man, who was born of a harlot and dispossessed, rose nevertheless to be a mighty heroic warrior (gibor-hayil) who commanded the respect of both friends and enemies and who trusted in the LORD for victory (vs 9)-and who made his agreements and pacts in the Presence of the LORD (vs 12). He was also intimately acquainted with the history of his land (vss. 14-29), acknowledged the LORD's hand in that history, and brought it to bear in reasoning with his enemies to avoid conflict if possible. To him, judgment rested with the LORD. So highly respected was this man before both God and man, that he is included in the chapter of heroes of Faith in Hebrews 11.

PLEASE PRAY: For warriors like Jephthah to be raised up in Israel in the Last Days. Pray for God's oversight of those from broken families (there are so many)-that seeds of grace and faith will be sown which will catch and germinate in fertile soil! Pray for God's Kingdom to come in that section of land (A western portion of the present-day Kingdom of Jordan) where the action in this chapter took place-the land of Gilead. It was from this land that the Prophet Elijah "who is coming first and will restore all things" (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:11) came forth-and where he was taken up into Heaven. And Zechariah prophesied in Zech. 10:10 that that territory would someday be one of the areas in which the houses of Judah and Joseph would be returned.

Martin and Norma Sarvis
Jerusalem
Glory of Zion International Ministries