Num 16:1-18:32

The pattern in the wilderness is unmistakable – God moves mightily, and His people end up grumbling. It almost seems unthinkable that people could have the audacity to see the very provision of God in front of their eyes day after day, yet respond by grumbling and complaining.

Num 13:1-15:41

There are a number of important spiritual insights which emerge from this week’s Torah portion. 

First, we see the destructive power of grumbling and complaining. This had been Israel’s habit in the wilderness in the months leading up to this momentous account, where the 12 spies are sent into the promised land. In fact, even before the children of Israel had miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they were complaining. (See Exodus 14:10-12, then 15:23-24; 16:2-3, 6-9; 17:1-3; it really is devastating to read these verses, one after the other.) …

Num 4:21-7:89

There is one word that profoundly stands out to me in this week’s portion, and that word is “separation.” I circled each time it occurred in Numbers 6 and counted the word used 7 times in my New American Standard version. This particular chapter has to do with the law of the Nazirite which comes from the Hebrew word nazir which literally means, “one who is separated or consecrated” …

Lev 26:3-27:34

We all love to hear the words “I love you.” In truth, everyone enjoys having kind words spoken to them and about them. However, the beauty of that language can quickly evaporate when there is no substance to go along with it…

Lev 25:1-26:2

In this week’s Torah portion, we read about this seven-year cycle, the shemitah or sabbath (sabbatical) year, and why God instituted it…