Parsha “Balak” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 21 July, 2024 by mark

Most people probably remember this story based on the name of the character who talked to YHVH more than the King for whom the parsha [“Balak” (Numbers 22:2-25:9)] is named.

More memorable, still, is “Balaam’s Talking Ass” – who isn’t actually named in story at all – but has registered as one of the most colorful, even humorous, vignettes in Scripture. And probably even influenced the language over time.

First, the Erev Shabbat reading of the story itself, and the ‘cliff-hanger’:

Most of the studies of this portion tend to focus either on the blessing(s) given by the most prominent, but arguably pagan, ‘seer’ of his day over the mixed multitude of Israel, or on the actions at the end of this part of the story by Pinchas (aka Phineas in most English Bibles) for which he was given the “Covenant of Peace,” by YHVH.

But Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship suggests that this year, in particular, it’s what Bilaam did to get himself killed that merits a deeper look.

Because it should hit very, VERY close to home today.

The Sabbath Day midrash:
“Balak: ‘It all depends on what the meaning of the word ‘curse‘ is. And by whom.”

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Chukat” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 14 July, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Chukat” (Numbers chapters 19 through 22:1) is, in at least one way, the second parsha in a sequence that arguably has to do with “rebellion.” Although in a very different way.

And virtually every element of this one, from the ‘chuq’ of the ‘red heiffer’ – which even King Solomon was believed to have found enigmatic – to aspects of the story responsible for Moses being forbidden from entering the Promised Land, are at least “confusing.”

The lessons are vital regardless, and perhaps even especially.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day midrash is all about that confusion.

The perplexing Red Heiffer is something of a ‘spiritual Inverter’ – it makes clean things UN-clean, while making those unclean clean again. And its death somehow helps restore from death.

Moses’ anger, however, is certainly a bit easier for us to understand. He’s heard the same ‘whining’ before. And he’s also the only man who, as we were just told, spoke to YHVH Himself, mouth-to-mouth. And the instruction he received here, at least in hindsight, certainly seem clear.

No doubt he was held to a “higher standard.” But the real key to what MIGHT seem like a harsh punishment is linked to words that are at the very heart of this story!

He called people, “you REBELS!” – Hebrew root word, “mara” – in his fury. And is the very same word that YHVH turned on him in pointed rebuke for what marked his greatest failure. But there seems to be even more to the ‘rest of the story.’

“Chukat: Meribah – Mara – Contention – and ‘I Blame Moses’ “

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Korach” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 7 July, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Korach” (Numbers chapters 16 through 18) is – outside of perhaps Genesis chapter 3 – the per-eminent story in Scripture about “rebellion.

And it comes during the very same week when at least a few remaining Americans celebrate the most successful “rebellion” in modern history, also known as the American Revolution, in the War for Independence. But the contrast is illustrative!

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day midrash asks a number of questions about that fatal rejection of the “anointed of YHVH.” Starting with, what could that guy POSSIBLY be thinking? Overthrow Moses?

But we don’t have anything even remotely close to such a leader, especially not one who follows the One, True, Creator, but instead – we seem to have a Whore Church that preaches the “Government-Inspired Version” (GIV) of Romans 13, in complete contradiction to the rest of Scripture. And despises the “Rule of Law” to boot!

Were the American Founders in “rebellion”? And to Whom? How do we reconcile what APPEAR to be contradictions?

“Korach: What is ‘Rebellion’? And to Whom? and How Can We TELL?”

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Shelach Lekha” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 30 June, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Shelach Lekha” (Numbers chapters 13 through 15) begins with a story that is often just called “The Spies,” because that might be sufficient to remind us what happened. But because the story is also truly tragic, there’s “more to the story.” As us so often also the case.

There was a time when most Americans knew what form of government we were supposed to have. Classes called “Civics” were taught, even in public schools, before they became open ‘indoctrination centers.’

Have you noticed the that more ‘certain people’ prattle about ‘our great democracy’ and the need to ‘count every vote’ (often more than once) – the more likely they are to hate* the Bill of Rights, Constitution for these united States, and – especially – the Word of YHVH?

And they virtually NEVER seem to know that the word ‘democracy’ never – not once – appears in any of the founding documents?  Not the Declaration, nor the Bill of Rights, nor the Constitution.  And it doesn’t appear in the Bible, either.

But there is plenty of condemnation of “demonocracy” in all of them, in one form or another.  While those same Founders were overt in their hatred of “the devil’s own government” in their letters and papers, including the ‘Federalist Papers’.

It’s also now at least arguable that more people are starting to see that those who worship at the altar of the great fake god ‘Democracy’ [ok, Demonocracy] don’t care much at all for the Real One that Wrote the Bible.

There is a “choice” to be made, but it isn’t among the “lesser of evils.”

The Erev Shabbat reading connects what Mark Call, of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, suggests are the VERY clear reasons WHY every single man ‘Numbered’ among that mixed multitude DIED – their “carcasses fell in the wilderness’ – before entering the Promised Land:

The Sabbath Day midrash will probably upset a lot of people. But, of course, so will what’s coming. And regular listeners know Mark is not inclined to “pull punches” – especially concerning Scripture-as-Written, but it’s time to make clear what He did to those who “despised His Word.“

They still do. And participation with them (or “following after a crowd to do evil”) can prove deadly.

“Shelach Lekha: Anointed? Or ‘Elected’? And by Who?”

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Beha’alotecha” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 23 June, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Beha’alotecha” (Numbers chapters 8 through 12) is a reading that spans what seems to be a number of ‘disparate’ stories. Is there a common theme?

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day midrash is all about ‘prophets’. Moses, elsewhere, writes about a prophet ‘like unto Moses’ that will eventually appear. In this parsha, we get some of the details about what that might look like – and ultimately did.

But there’s more, and it includes the haftorah and Brit Chadasha readings, too. And there are a lot of questions that might help us ‘connect some dots.’

Like, who are Eldad and Medad, and why are those two named, when the other 70 that we to help Moses’ burdens were NOT? And who are those two witnesses in Revelation chapter 11?

And why does Moses self-describe as the most ‘meek’ (or is it something more?) man on the planet?

“Beha’alotecha: Prophets, Witnesses, and Being Teachable”

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Naso” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 16 June, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Naso” (Numbers 4:21 through chapter 7) continues with the numbers – this time the other sons of Levi, and their assignments, but continues with SO much more. Including what Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship suggests is one of the most central in Scripture, even if is perhaps also one of the most ‘overlooked.’

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day midrash begins with an observation about a common thread that connects every aspect of the apparently disparate elements of this parsha, submission, and the Authority to which it is rendered.

But it is the ‘cup of abominations’ that not only ties the pieces together, but should help us understand what it at play today, and coming to a head ‘soon’.

“Naso: Submission and Authority”

The combined two-part teaching WILL be here – if the server will ever upload it!

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Parsha “Bemidbar” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 9 June, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Bemidbar” (Numbers 1:1 – 4:20) begins the Book who’s Hebrew name literally means “In the Wilderness.” And that certainly fits.

So, actually, does the English moniker ‘Numbers,’ because it has a lot of those. And this first parsha gives us a major clue as to why that will be so important.

The Erev Shabbat reading begins with another important point: What is commanded is more than a mere ‘census,’ although “headcount” is perhaps a better rendering. But, literally, what Moses is told to do is “lift up the head,” of all of the fighting-age men of Israel. And everything about the process, the description, and what is recorded tells us about His attitude concerning His people.

And that time “in the wilderness” is central to our understanding.

The Sabbath Day midrash connects the ‘greater Exodus,’ promised by Moses and other prophets, the time “in the wilderness,” and the related prophecy of Hosea, and a look at cycles, and timing. We are told to “come out of her,” and not participate in the myriad, obvious, undeniable sine, wickedness, abomination idolatry, and perversion of a world which hates YHVH and His Word.

Sukkot, obviously symbolic of the coming ‘wedding feast,’ is also a time to remember and even practice to be “in the wilderness.”

Can we not start early?

Bemidbar: Pray to be “B’midbar – in the wilderness“

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Bechukotai” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 2 June, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Bechukotai” (Leviticus 26:2 through the end of the Book) contains one of the two most dramatic sets of ‘blessings and cursings,’ but particularly cursings, in all of Scripture. And it is, as Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa demonstrates, utterly relevant now.

First, the Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day midrash starts with a reminder: We are NOT in the land; we’re in exile.

But America’s Founding Fathers knew that. In August, 1776, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were tasked with coming up with a suggested design for the Great Seal of the united States. Both Franklin and Jefferson wanted a depiction of then-Israel from the Exodus. Ben Franklin described a scene from the ‘parting of the Red Sea,’ with the inscription, later adopted, that “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.”

Yet they also clearly understood what was at the heart of the message of Leviticus chapter 26: “IF you will walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments,” you will be blessed. They believed that in this New land, there was a Covenant to be kept.

But now, what is beyond doubt is not merely that it has been broken, but that what He says in verse 15 is true: That this has become a nation, and a world, that rejects His statutes, and has a soul which abhors His laws. And, evidently as a direct result, “those that hate you,” do “rule over you?“

And what, exactly, does it look like when YHVH Himself “appoints terror over you?”

Mark Call, of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, observes that we are about to find out.
But do we consent to that “other master?”

Bechukotai: The Covenant is clearly broken – so Where Are We in Those Curses?”

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Behar” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 26 May, 2024 by mark

Parsha “B’har” or ‘in the mount’ [Sinai] (Leviticus 25:1-26:2) is both notable – for one specific English word – and also problematic, because it applies “in the land,” where we’re NOT any more, and arguably because it is even more foreign to our anti-Torah economic and ‘world’ system than almost anything else except the dishonest weight of the Almighty Fiat Dollar itself.

But, ‘Jubilee’ we’ve HEARD of, even if to no real effect.

And, again, what with the world melting down, and at the brink of civil and world war to boot, what would a REAL ‘great reset’ accomplish at this point anyway?

First, the Erev Shabbat reading, where the concept of the ‘yovel’ – or Jubilee – is outlined:

It seems clear from the reading that that one of the primary prerequisites of the ‘shmita’ rest for the land, and then the 50 year ‘yovel’ – or “Jubilee” – was TRUST: that Yahuah would actually do what He promised, so that His people would have sufficient provision for the rest years.

Ultimately, history – and Scripture – shows they did not. We still don’t.

“Proclaim liberty throughout the land, and to all the inhabitants thereof,” is the inscription on the Libery Bell in Philadelphia, and it comes from this parsha, Leviticus 25:10. But that’s just one of the disconnects with Scripture today.

A even bigger one has to do with the entire concept behind that verse. And a world economic system, based on an abomination to YHVH, that will soon demonstrate why His plan was so much better – because a ‘reset’ every 50 years beats societal collapse.

THAT is virtually inevitable now.

And the “Babylonian Exile,” was said to be so that The Land could have its rest. Something that was commanded to be done, that wasn’t. In contrast, much of this next judgment seems to be a function of things that He commanded NOT be done, that are. And are taught in schools, too, as a slap in His face.

Behar: Trust in a Time of Cyclical Churn and Turmoil“

The combined two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Parsha “Emor” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa

Posted on 19 May, 2024 by mark

Parsha “Emor” (Leviticus chapters 21 through 24) continues the theme of “holiness” – but this time for a group of people that many ‘christians’ would now see as irrelevant. After all, we have new ‘priests’ today, and the sons of Aaron seem to have been displaced centuries ago.

And, besides, with the world melting down, and at the brink of civil and world war to boot, what difference does it make?

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The continuing theme of Kedoshim is to “be set apart.” Emor comes next.

And the kohenim, or priests, were not only to be “set apart” themselves, but to teach what that means, and were held to a “higher standard” as well.

Bitterly ironic, however, and especially now, is that what replaced the priests of YHVH were ultimately a pagan imitation, where mandated marriage to virgins was turned on its head, to mandated celibacy – except for what Yahuah made clear was abomination.

Arguably, what has happened since should be no surprise. But it will still be denied.

Emor: Compare and Contrast! “

The combined two-part teaching is here:

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