Torah Portion – Week 48 (25-26)
Deut 16:18 – 21:9
Welcome brothers and sisters to week 48 – Shofetim, meaning Judges. This portion outlines societal structure for the Israelites; which discusses rules for Judges, Kings, Levites, Prophets, cities of refuge, witnesses, war and murder crimes.
Ch.16
16 – Leadership – link
- Adversary is prowling through fellowships
- Even this is not without reason (right-ruling)
16:19 – Test on both ends
Ch.17
17:1 – Sacrifices. Everything we have – Verses
17:4 – Diligence in all matters
17:12 – Priests should be trustworthy and trained in the word
17:8-13 – Kings are from YHWH, for the people, not the other way around
- Kings are not autonomous (under YHWH’s subjection – king of kings) – verses
17:19 – Copy of the book – The Word (how much time do we spend?)
17:20 – Not lifted up above his brethren – Verses
- Nevertheless, respect is needed – Verses
Ch.18
- 18:5 – Test. Of levi 1:6-15, 2:1-5
18:5 – Forever (Kings and Priests) – verses
18:9 – Christmas, Easter etc… are abominations of the nations
18:10-12 – Movies & Video games (big open door area for transgression within your home)
- Testimony
18:13 – We should strive for perfection – Verses
18:19 – Prophet like Moshe – Comparison chart
- In this portion, we have the raising up of a prophet, king and priest
- Last week we had the test, this week we have the promises of raising up – Verses
Ch.19
19:1-13 – Yahuah is righteous, making sure a fair trial ensued.
- Diligent inquisition must surface motive
19:13 – don’t pervert justice
19:18 – Inquire diligently (Book of Susanna)
19:21 – Eye for eye (but what did Yahusha say) Natsarim 16:48-49 (pdf 156)
Ch.20
20:1-10 – Very thoughtful sentiments from a caring Elohim
- Eliminate backbiting & fear within the camp
- Fish now, war later – Verses
Doesn’t want the fearful with him
20:19: “Tree is a mans life” We are likened to trees (Psalm 1) – Verses
- Natsarim 8:46-48 (pdf 84)
Ch.21
21:3 – “most likely” precept