NASO (lift up) Num,4:21–7:89; Judges 13:2–25; Jn.11:1–54 By Raphael ben Levi
This parasha is the longest of all the 54 Torah portions in the annual cycle and contains many passages from the Aaronic blessing, to when a husband suspected a wife of infidelity.
But, here is something from Num.7 concerning the offerings presented by each of the 12 tribes for the dedication of the Tabernacle that at first glance appears unnecessary repetitive. Every day for 12 days, identical offerings were presented by a different tribe brought on six wagons that were drawn by oxen. The offerings brought by the 12 tribes were presented on,
- 1 silver plate (5lbs) and 1 silver bowl (3lbs), both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for the grain offering. v13
- 1 gold ladle filled with incense for the incense offering offered up to God on the altar of incense. v14
- 1 young bull, 1 ram and a male lamb in its first year as a burnt offering; v15
- a he-goat without blemish as a sin offering; v16
- 2 cattle, 5 rams, 5 he-goats and 5 sheep without blemish for peace offerings. v17
Why does Scripture repeat things 12 times over instead of just once? It is a reminder that whoever we are, however good we are, or bad, the price of redemption remains the same for every person.
Moreover, God’s favour was not determined by the size of the tribe but by obedience. Each tribe brought Him exactly what He requested in the manner prescribed in both cases – with the building of the tabernacle and for its dedication – it was the manner of giving that was significant not the amount. One entire chapter is devoted to the 12 tribes’ offerings which further illustrates the importance of this principle – God delights in those who do His will – “ I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” (Ps.40:8) – but never uses coercion.
God did not need the Israelites help to build a structure to serve as His dwelling place. Rather He gave them an opportunity to obediently create something with their own hands under His direction contrasted with the Golden Calf that represents disobedience and apostasy ending with 3000 Israelites who were destroyed by the fire of God.
Now at Shavuot recorded in Acts 2, the seal of the Holy Spirit descended upon 3000 believers as flames of fire, representing restoration and power for service, and ever since then for every true believer.
