Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa teaches “Bemidbar,” the first parsha in the Book of that same name, aka “Numbers” (and there are a lot of THOSE, too!) — Numbers 1:1 through 4:20.
The Erev Shabbat overview describes why the English monikers of “Numbers” really isn’t so inappropriate in this case, because much of this first portion is about precisely that.
Alternative link via Hebrew Nation Radio:
Audio PlayerThere is, of course, much more, too, although the numbers themselves are the very reason why Moses is commanded to make that first census of the children of Israel.
The Sabbath Day teaching continues that exploration of the major themes of the portion, beginning with the concept of ‘counting heads,’ or conducting a census — <strong>at the command of YHVH.</strong> — and what that says about ‘why’ such a census of His people is only made at His explicit command (as King David later realized).
Again, there are elements of contrast between those who, as did Moses, “did as Yahuah commanded,” and so much of what happens today, where those who count themselves as owned by “another master” should realize that WHATEVER that master may claim, it isn’t Him!
There is a very important reason why Yahushua responded with the questions that He did to those that tried to trip Him up over a “tax question”. And the part that is often overlooked is not just “whose image and inscription” is on Caesar’s coin, but WHOSE are WE?
Alternative link via Hebrew Nation Radio:
Audio PlayerThe combined part 1 and 2 files for both sections are up here:
Audio Player