Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.6MB)
The torah reading for this week is entitled T’tzaveh.
It means “Command.” It is taken from the book of Exodus chapter 27:20 – 30:10.
This parasha is rich with information and symbolism that foreshadows Messiah. I would urge each of you to seek the blessings of studying these chapters, as we will only look at a few topics this morning.
Verse 20 talks about pure pressed olive oil. This clear oil from crushed olives produced a smoke free light.
The golden lampstand had seven lamps.
The Israelis were commanded to provide the oil to maintain the lamps needed by the high priest and his priestly staff in the Tabernacle.
Aaron and his sons were to keep these lamps burning, every day from evening until morning.
This command was to be observed forever throughout all generations.
I believe that this command pertaining to the Tabernacle is apropos even to this day. The light of the Holy Spirit must burn brightly in every believer’s heart.
Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and (that) the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. 1 Cor 3:16,
Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing of God. Remember, what Messiah said to the five virgins who had no oil. Our prayer should be! Lord, help us to be filled with the oil Your Spirit every day.
Chapter 28, Moses is ordered to appoint Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, into the priesthood,
To minister before the Lord in the Tabernacle.
This chapter focuses on the clothing of the high priest, the chestpiece, the ephod, the robe, the tunic, the turban, the sash, and the garments for the other priests.
These garments should interest each of us. Every priest is required to wear these garments, when ministering before the Lord.
Without which the priest would suffer the judgment of death. According to Exodus 28:42-43
It would help, bless, and protect us to remember, that all of God’s people are priests.
1 Peter 2:9: You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Matt 22:11-13 reminds us of the wedding feast of the Lamb. “Remember” When the king saw a man without a wedding garment, the king said to his servants,
“Tie his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place.” This is a picture of death and Hell!
I believe that the physical garments spoken of in Exodus 28 are now for us, spiritual garments.
Spiritually, a believer must be washed in the blood of Yeshua.
A believer must be clothed in the righteousness of Messiah.
A believer must be draped in the true and pure holiness of the living God.
In chapter 29, commands were given concerning the ordination of the priests, the consecration of the altar, and the daily sacrifices.
If the Israeli people were obedient to these commands, Adonai would live among the people, and be their God.
An ordinary Israeli could not enter the tabernacle. He could only meet God in the courtyard when he brought his sacrifice to the altar.
Adonai promises, however, to meet with all Israelis with favor and acceptance. “I will meet there with the children of Israel, and the Tabernacle will be consecrated by My glory.”
Exodus 29:43
The presence of the Shechinah Glory was the true sanctification of the tabernacle. Adonai not only put His name there but at various times visibly manifested His presence there as well.
Chapter 30, Moses was commanded to make an altar to burn incense on. It was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold.
This golden altar of incense was place close to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the covenant was.
The purpose of the golden altar of incense was to create a pleasing fragrance in the Tabernacle. The spiritual application was one of prayer, as incense is associated with prayer in Scripture.
David said in, Ps 141:2: May my prayer be counted as incense before You; and the raising of my hands as the evening offering.
In closing, Please remember that every one of us is a priest and minister of God. And as priest and ministers, we have been reconciled to God by Yeshua the Messiah.
And, we have also been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We are to do the work of reconciling other human beings to God.
In order to fulfill this ministry, we must have the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit. He will give us the illumination and revelation into God’s Word.
We must be clothed with the garments of righteousness and holiness.
Everything pertaining to our lives must be sanctified, washed, and cleansed.
We must be the altar of incense, devoted to prayer.
May the Holy One of Israel work in each of our lives so that we fulfill our priestly ministries with excellence, before the Lord.