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    LIGHT

    Posted by Lev/Christopher on April 23, 2009 at 3:12am
    in Torah Studies

    Shabbat Shalom Kol Yisrael. It is our pleasure to present this week's Torah Parsha commentary by Nazarene Yisraelite Rabbi T. (Mordecai) Mitchell, Rabbi and Rosh Zaken of B'nai Yeshurun Nazarene Yisraelite Synagogue, Kittanning, Pa., and board member of the Union of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations. It is our sincere hope and prayer that these commentaries encourage, inspire, and strengthen the body of Messiah in Kol Yisrael. Our Parsha this week is Tetzaveh (and you shall command) Shemoth (Exodus) 27:20 – 30:10. Our Haftarah is Yechezk'el (Ezekiel) 43: 10 – 27. Our suggested Brit Chadasha reading is: Phillipians 4: 10 – 20. Also please read Tehillim (Psalms) 4, 51, and 145.


    Shemoth 27:20 And you, you are to command the children of Yisrael to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.


    In last week's Parsha, Terumah, Yahweh asked an offering of the Israelites who were of a willing heart. The offering, of course, was to build the physical tabernacle. However, in Tetzaveh, a specific offering of oil is commanded, not asked. This offering was not to build anything per se, but rather the oil was used to burn in the tabernacle menorah(s) for light.


    While most of the tabernacle items could be touched or handled, the light of the burning oil could not (neither of course could the Ark or any object behind the veil). The light in this case was a hot burning flame. There are an abundance of Scriptures concerning light and its many functions and representations. For sake of time, we'll examine only a few. However, I would encourage our readers to do a full and complete study of “light” on their own in order to gain a deeper understanding of this subject.


    In Bereshith 1:3, light was the first of Yahweh's creation. This light, which we may call His “Shekinah” glory, not only caused a division between light and darkness, but illuminated the world before the creation of the sun, moon and stars.


    Earlier, in Shemoth 10:23 we read that Israel “...had light in all their dwellings...” while the Egyptians lived in total darkness for several days. Like the account in Bereshith 1:3, this light was not a natural phenomena. It was a supernatural light, for it was present only in the homes of the Israelites and nowhere else.


    As we approach Purim, we should be reminded of Esther 8:16 For the Yehudim there was light and gladness and joy and value. (The KJV translates 'value' as 'gladness') Notice how “Light” is tied in with “Joy,” one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, and also with “value” or “gladness.” We refer to this verse weekly in the Havdalah service to close the Sabbath.


    Not so coincidentally, this Shabbat, the Shabbat before Purim, is known as Shabbat Zachar — the Sabbath of Remembrance. In reading and reviewing each weekly Parsha, we “remember” the events of thousands of years past that have a direct and profound effect on the lives of believers today, and the invaluable lessons and considerations each Parsha has for us.


    Let us continue with several more Scriptures concerning “Light”


    We read in Tehillim (Psalm) 27:1 that Yahweh Himself is Light: YHWH is my light and my deliverance (salvation). Note how Light is equated with deliverance or salvation.


    In Tehillim 43:3, Light is equated with truth: Send forth Your light and your truth! Let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your set-apart mountain, and to Your dwelling places.


    In this Psalm, the author asks to be led by the Light, just as Israel was led by a pillar of smoke fire that gave light by night, as they fled Egypt. To be led by The Light, into joy and truth and salvation and to the true worship of Yahweh should also be our prayer.


    Light also represents Torah, Mishle 6:23 For the command is a lamp, and the Torah a light.


    This same light shows us the way in which we are to walk (halakah). Tehillim 119:105 Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.


    And 119:130 The opening up of Your words gives light.


    The Light that Israel was given, however, and all the blessings it brought to them, was not meant to be kept hidden away or kept to themselves. It was meant to share.


    YeshaYahu 42:6 “I. YHWH, have called you in righteousness, and I take hold hold of your hand and guard you for a covenant for a people, for a light to the gentiles.”


    The message of YeshaYahu is the very message brought to a later generation, and by extension to us today, by Yahshua our Messiah. MattithYahu 5:14 “You are the light of the world. It is impossible for a city to be hidden on a mountain. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.”


    In Yohanan (John) 1: 4 – 9 we also read that Yahshua is The Light and the light of men. In verse 5 we have a Remez, a direct reference to Bereshith 1, The Light that shined to dispel darkness, the Shekinah Glory, is the same Light of the World that gives His Light to men..


    We must consider that the light of the menorah that illuminated the inside of the Tabernacle came by the direct command of Almighty Yahweh Himself, but through the efforts of men. We must make an effort, take positive concrete action, to bring light into the world, as Yahweh intends that we should.


    We may also not the the light came from oil. This oil was pressed from olives. Only the first few drops of oil from olives is considered pure enough to be consecrated or dedicated for oil with which to light the menorah. When we work to bring forth Yahweh's Light, we become partners with Him in His plan of salvation.


    There is yet one additional consideration of this oil that was used to give light. In Shir haShirim (Song of Solomon) 1:3 we read: For fragrance your oils are good. Your Name is as oil poured forth, therefore the maidens love you.


    Since oil is equated with he Name of Yahweh, and since oil is used to give light, it is reasonable to assume that whatever we do must be done in the name of Yahweh. This includes our praise, worship and witness. Today we have a number of believers who proclaim to be Torah observant and believers in Messiah Yahshua, yet who either downplay the importance of using Yahweh's revealed personal Name, or who refuse to use it altogether. I believe such folks can be compared to the foolish virgins of MattithYahu 25:1 – 12. As we know from this account, the foolish virgins took their lamps but took no oil. Consequently, when the Bridegroom came quite unexpectedly, their lamps gave no light and they were barred from the wedding feast.


    Through this all we can see a lesson of preparedness. The ancient Israelites had to prepare to light the menorah by taking action to make adequate preparation – gathering the olives, crushing them to extract the oil, and consecrating and dedicating the oil for its intended use. In the Purim account in Esther, we also see preparation. Esther asks her uncle Mordecai and all the Jews to fast for her as she prepares to reveal her true identity to the king, and to expose the evil plans of Haman. Her banquets were also preparations for the ultimate revelation of her identity. As we near the Passover season, we too must make adequate and proper preparation to partake of the Seder and present ourselves to Almighty Yahweh.


    On this Shabbat, Shabbat Zachar, let us remember the great miracles and deliverance that Yahweh has bestowed on His people. Let us seek The Light, the True Light, Yahshua our Messiah, and in turn take that light to ourselves for the purpose of sharing The Light with those who are in darkness.


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