Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Parashah # 41: Pinchas (Phinehas) B’midbar (Numbers) 25:10-30:1
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 18:46-19:21
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Cor. 5:6-8; 16:8
As I wrote this commentary today, I was drawn to the upcoming 250th year celebration of the United States of America, but not with a joyful attitude. As I thought of the “Pledge of Allegiance,” I was saddened to reflect on the fact that there is much of the pledge that is no longer true. While the United States is still and will always be “Under G-d” as far as His Sovereignty, it is not in the same way in which the phrase was intended. At the time of the writing, the phrase meant that the nation was essentially of one mind and one heart, living by Judeo-Christian values. This is not the situation today. “Indivisible” is no longer an accurate description of America. This country is more divided in so many ways that it has ever been, even considering the Civil War.
Furthermore, there is not “liberty and justice for all.” Unfortunately, there has always been an oppressed people, whether it be the indigenous native Americans, African Americans, Jews, or other peoples who did and no not “fit the mold” of what it means to be an American citizen. Such distorted ideology certainly conflicts with G-d’s requirements for integration/inclusion into the community of true believers, Israelites who include Jew and Gentile who repent, accept Yahshua’s sacrifice and recognize He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, then follow G-d’s commands/law/instructions out of love (John 14;Rom. 1-3;Seven -fold witness in the Book of Revelation).
While I am no military scholar, I am a proud veteran of the U.S Navy, Army, and Guam Army National Guard. I pledged allegiance to uphold the principles of the Constitution, but above that to G-d.
I introduce this commentary as such because there are several commonalities between Israel and the United States; peoples that were so blessed by G-d both physically and spiritually, yet turned from G-d to follow the gods their fathers had not known. By “Israel” in this context I mean both the biological Israelites at the time. At this point I will qualify the statement that ‘All Israel will be saved”(Rom. 11:26) for those who believe that anyone who is either in Israel or has Jewish ancestry will be saved. This is not the case. “Israel” in this context is all true believers, Jew and Gentile as I described at the beginning of this commentary. Indeed, “ Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites are as numerous as the sand of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved” (Rom. 9:27).
So what are some of the commonalities between Israel in the context of a blessed people and the United States? Let us start with a conceptual explanation. HaSatan is the great deceiver( 1 Pet. 5:8), the imitator/angel of light(2 Cor. 11:14). True believers must learn to discern the spirits, including the ways Satan attempts to deceive us. The use of subtle words and half-truths leads many away from G-d’s truth. This includes the most immature of believers to those who tout years of theological scholarship and experience with an effort toward prideful aggrandizement.
When Satan fails with one strategy, he is quick to use another. In the case of Israel, first came the plot to destroy Israel by a curse. This was a case of opposition from without. Israel’s deliverer was not Baalam, although G-d used Baalam to utter the words of blessing. When the narrative in Parashah 40 ended, Balaam left to go “to his place.” Although Balaam’s words were directed by G-d, Balaam was not sincere. Now that he had lost the possibility of high honor and lavish gifts, he decided to try and cause Israel to fall using another tactic; a formula of consisting of licentiousness and idolatry. This brings us to the strategy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Balaam’s name does not appear in the record of chapter 25, because the sin of the Israelites is the focus. But 31:16 identifies Balaam as the one who gave council that caused Israel to sin against G-d this time. Satan’s strategy of opposition from the “outside” had failed. Now Satan’s strategy was that of opposing G-d’s leaders, and by default G-d’s authority from within. That was to let the Israelites themselves cause their own downfall through the lust of the flesh.
In the case of America, we may accurately add those sins found in Prov:16-19: “A proud look, a lying tongue, hand that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among the brethren.” Interesting and sobering that everything that is affecting American society today is included in these “abominations to G-d.”
Galatians 5:19-21 mentions several more sins , all of which are being promoted/instigated, taught, practiced, and held above G-d’s commands/instructions/law. These sins are described as follows “ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissentions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these., of which I forewarn you, that these who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of G-d.”
Satan is attempting to accomplish his goal of pulling both potential and true believers away from G-d by using methods with which our human animal soul resonates. TikTok is one of the most devious and effective “Trojan Horses” used by the CCP to insert sinful thoughts and behaviors in young people. The evil this and other similar strategies are working is in part because there is some good that is emphasized such as providing an audience for those who either have a fledgling business or want to start one.
Another way to introduce destructive thoughts and behaviors that were once held at bay because the majority of American society followed a Judeo-Christian set of rules and values is to subtly change people from the “inside.” By distorting G-d’s plan for inclusion and equity in His Word, the foreign gods Moloch, Baal. And the goddess Ashtaroth have been welcomed back with open arms just as King Solomon did when he sinned against G-d and defied His command against multiplying wives, houses, and horses. He “loved many foreign women; his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the L-rd his G-d, as the heart of David his father had been” (1 Kings 11:1-8).
The sin of Solomon was so severe that it resulted in the splitting of the Kingdom under Solomon’s reign which divided a once unified nation. The legacy of Moloch worship among other foreign gods continues to be a stumbling block for Israel and Judah as this pattern of sin which stems from allowing the animal soul of our humanity to override the spiritual soul of G-d within us, that is more people succumb to the evil inclination over the “good inclination.” This is why Yahshua provides a “new nature” for those who love and want to follow Him. This “new nature’ gives us strength, guidance, peace, and power against our human nature” which is not always in alignment with G-d.
The prophets and credible Torah teachers today continue encourage people to repent and diligently study G-d’s Word, ask, seek, and knock as Yahshua beseeches those who want to develop a dynamic relationship with Him. A credible Torah teacher will tirelessly warn people of G-d’s judgement that will come as a result of such a falling away from His Torah. Such disobedience was addressed in two of many occasions with the destruction of the two Temples and the Babylonian Exile. In parashah #40 chapter 25:1-3, we learned that the depth of sin within the Israelite nation was so prevalent “ Israel stayed at Sheetim, and there the people began whoring with the women of Moav. These women invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, where the people ate and bowed down to their gods.” Note the next sentence says, “ With Israel thus joined to Baal- P’or, the anger of G-d blazed up against Israel.” As we know, G-d never changes, His Word never changes. Following this logic based on the presupposition that G-d always was, is, and always will be(Rev. 1:8), we should be tuned in to the fact that if G-d judges his treasured people Israel (Deut. 7:6), again understanding that the word “Israel” in this context has prophetic implications for all true believers, He will certainly judge all men as stated in Revelation 20:12 and Romans 2:16.
Another tactic used of Satan to influence and essentially separate children and even students of higher education is to introduce and perpetuate secular humanism into schools curriculum and some undiscerning religious institutions. Secular humanism is a belief system that embraces human reasoning, logic, secular ethics, and philosophical naturalism, while specifically rejecting religious dogma, supernaturalism, mysticism, and superstition as the basis of morality and decision-making. It posits that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or belief in a deity. In other words, humans are believed to be superior to any deity and are self-sufficient. Of course there can be no consensus if everyone has the ability to decide with is ethical, so people are placed into groups for “brainstorming” so that a choice , solution, or decision can be made without any authoritative guidance or established set of moral/ethical values on which to base any choices or decisions.
Looking at the process of dividing individuals, societies, countries from the inside out by promoting, teaching, and integrating secular humanistic religion into our schools and some religious institutions, the worship of Moloch, Ba’al, and Ashtaroth represents the ultimate rejection of G-d’s Word along with the loss of sanctity for life through sacrificing our children to these gods, and rendering life as disposable. This paradigm of anti-G-d serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of syncretism and the need for learning to discern the spirits, repent while is still Day, and follow G-d’s Commands/instructions/Law. The only way to understand what is happening in America and other nations who subscribe to such tactics is to research these foreign deities and compare them to the word of G-d. Similarly, the only way to know there is a “right” and “wrong” that will never change throughout history is to ask about G-d and His Word, seek it out and study it; knock and the door will be opened to you. “ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8). By default, there must be a choice between at least two options of anything because that is the only way we may use our free will. Accordingly, we must learn to discern the spirits, especially with Artificial Intelligence now infiltrating our world on every possible level under various names and levels of “knowledge.” These platforms are even learning to “speak” to each other and develop their own plans for addressing various situations when placed together.
Getting back to Pinchas, he did not have to contend with modern technology, but he witnessed the turning away of G-d’s people and the vile behavior of one of the clan leaders of Shim’on (Zimri) with a foreign woman from Midyan, an association that G-d forbid. Because he knew G-d and was zealous for Him, he did not hesitate to right the wrong by killing them in their tent immediately. Pinchas knew the rules for marrying among the Israelites and those forbidding the worship of other gods. Yet the majority of the people were disobedient, consequently suffering G-d’s judgement. G-d commanded Moshe to kill “all the chiefs of the people and hang them facing the sun before Adonai, so that the raging fury of Adonai will turn away from Israel”(25:5). Furthermore, Moshe told the judges of Israel to kill those in tier tribes who had joined themselves to the worshipers of Ba’al-P’or. After Pinchas slayed Zimri and Kozbi, G-d inflicted a plague that killed 24,000 people (Num. 25:8-9).
According to our narrative, the atonement seen in G-d stopping the plague from continuing came by representative death which is seen by the hanging and in one case the impaling of the guilty leaders which turned G-d’s anger away from the people (25:4) and representative righteousness seen in the rapid response of Pinchas due to his jealousy and zeal for G-d (25:7-8) As a result, G-d gave a “covenant of peace” assuring him and his descendants the ministry and privlege of an “everlasting priesthood” (25;12,13).
Another crucial point that is often missed when speaking of Israel, her blessings, sins, and atonement is the outcome of those who taunt her, persecute her, seduce her, or generally hate her. The Midianites in our narrative were not exempt from G-d’s judgement, just as all those in America or anywhere else in the world who taunt, persecute, attempt to seduce, or otherwise simple hate any true believer, that is Jew and Gentile who repent and follow G-d’s Commands/instructions/Law will be judged, yes judged according to G-d’s standards.(See Romans 2-3). In Revelation 20:12 we read: “ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”
In case the seducers of the Israelites absolve themselves of guilt as is the case in many situations today, in our parashah G-d commanded Moshe to “Treat the Midyanim as enemies and attack them; because they are treating you as enemies by the trickery they used to deceive you in the P’or incident and in the affair of their sister Kozbi, the daughter of the leader of Midyan, the woman who was killed on the day of the plague in the P’or incident”( 25:17) By this the heathen nations quickly learned the universal truths about sin and its judgment. This is a reality that is completely foreign to those who subscribe to secular humanism and/or the DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) paradigm that does not coincide with G-d’s definition and instructions regarding these subjects.
For the Israelites (all true believers) we must guard ourselves from assimilating into pagan paradigms, thoughts, and behaviors, even those that “sound” enticing or “logical” through AI driven information. The whole armor of G-d(Eph. 6;13-20), diligent prayerful study of G-d’s Word, and learning to discern the spirits is key to our ability to resist Satan. The Law of G-d must be our guide and trust in our G-d our hope.
Pinchas is acknowledged as the first zealot if Israel. In this Haftarah, we learn that this quality still exists within B’nai Yisra’el and is one of the characteristics of a great prophet. As Eliyahu (Elijah) 19:10, 14 reads: I have indeed been very zealous for Adonai, the G-d of armies: because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, broken down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword.” Elijah echoed the same sentiment and motivation for his zealous as did Phineas.
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings 18:46-19:21
This raises another especially important point: We are to be zealous for the L-rd, but with knowledge and wisdom; not out of a rebellious, anti-Torah attitude. There is a huge difference between the two. Sh’aul addresses this very issue in Romans 10:2 “Brothers, (he is speaking to the Messianic community in Rome) my heart’s deepest desire and my prayer to G-d for Israel is for their salvation; for I can testify to their zeal for G-d. But it is not based on correct understanding; for, since they are unaware of G-d’s way of making people righteous as instead seek to set up their own, they have not submitted themselves to G-d’s way of making people righteous.” Similarly, we must remember that it is not by might nor power, but by my Sprit says the L-rd (Zech. 4:6). This is to say that the answer for what is happening in our country today is not hoarding weapons, ammunition, and planning rebellion. We are to pray, fast when we are led, study, internalize, and live Torah. Yahshua spent much time teaching his talmidim (disciples) then and us now how to prepare for what is to come. The Torah (instructions) from G-d is ALL we need. Let us not confuse zealous acts by men such as Elijah and Pinchas with many of the current movements spearheaded by those who know nothing of G-d and his Torah and think we can promote righteousness through the sword.
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 16:8
I encourage the reader to study sections in this parashah that were not covered today, including regulations regarding the designated times of G-d. These are found in Chapters 28-9 of Numbers with emphasis on Chapter 29 this week.
From this reading in the B’rit Chadashah, we are reminded that we have a new nature that gives us the strength and power to overcome our human nature fraught with animalistic, soulish behaviors and desires. Again, we must choose our course of action; a free will choice. The “new nature” given to those who want to lovingly follow YHVH/Yahshua, provided by His perfect sacrifice enables us to synchronize our hearts and minds to G-d’s Torah rather than Satan’s temptations. We must prayerfully and humbly study G-d’s Word, having ears to hear and a heart that longs for a life of truth and purity. Many complain that this cannot be accomplished but G-d states otherwise (Deut. 30:12; Matt. 11:30) and His Word is truth (John17:17; Psalm 119-160; John 14:6).
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart