Numbers 13:1 – 15:41
The Hebrew word “shelach” means “to send”.
This portion is divided up as follows:
Spies sent into Canaan
Israel Refuses to Enter Canaan
Death Sentence Given over Rebels
A Futile Invasion Attempt
Laws of Grain and Drink Offerings
Law Concerning Presumptuous Sin
Penalty for Violating the Sabbath
Tassels on Garments
In this reading we see how that YHVH wants to give the promised land of Canaan to His children. However, they are lacking in faith to believe that He is stronger than the giants in the land.
Only two spies come back with a good report: Joshua and Caleb. They were from the tribes of Ephraim and Judah. These two tribes represent the two witnesses who stand before the LORD throughout time. Please see my teaching on these two witnesses: The Two Witnesses/Anointed Ones.
In 14:26-38, YHVH decrees His judgment upon all those who complained against Him and declares that He will not allow all of those warriors who were numbered 20 years old and above to enter the promised land. It was their unbelief that kept them from their inheritance.
Joshua and Caleb are the only two of the spies who will be allowed to inherit the land.
In a previous portion we discussed that the tribe of Levi did not get counted along with the other tribes.
The tribe of Levi was counted from 30 – 50 years old. The tribe of Levi did not send a spy into the land of Canaan. This judgment did not apply to the tribe of Levi. Eleazar the son of Aaron and other Levites entered into the promised land, 40 years later, along with Joshua and Caleb, and the younger generation.
We also read here about the penalty for breaking the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a “sign of the covenant”.
YHVH set aside the seventh day in the very beginning. It is His holy and set apart day. We are commanded to keep it as such.
In 15:37-41 some very interesting scriptures are given pertaining to the wearing of tassels (tzitziot). Please refer to my teaching on tzitziot / tassels for more info regarding this commandment. #tassels
Shalom,
Leisa
