Read Time: 5 Minutes
This week’s Torah study brings us to the double portion of Mattot-Massei, a powerful and multilayered section of Scripture that delves into vows, oaths, the power of speech, and the divine wars waged against Midian. Through these passages, we uncover profound truths about our covenant with YAH, the importance of integrity in our words, and the typological foreshadowing of Yeshua’s second coming.
Let us journey together through this rich portion, exploring its spiritual depth and uncovering the blueprint it offers for understanding Messiah’s return as the ultimate Deliverer and Bridegroom.
Mattot: Vows, Oaths, and the Power of Speech
The Torah portion begins with Mattot (Numbers 30), where Moses addresses the heads of the tribes regarding vows and oaths. The Lord emphasizes that when a person makes a vow or oath, they are bound by their words and must fulfill them. This principle underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in speech.
As followers of Yeshua, we are reminded that our words carry immense weight, both spiritually and practically. Proverbs 18:21 declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James 3 further elaborates on the tongue’s ability to bless or curse, comparing it to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze.
YAH calls us to be a people of truth, reflecting His character in our speech. Yeshua Himself is the embodiment of truth, declaring in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” To walk in His ways, we must tame our tongues and speak words of righteousness, blessing, and integrity.
Massei: Journeys and Spiritual Progress
Massei (Numbers 33) recounts the 42 stations of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. These stations symbolize the stages of spiritual growth and transformation that each believer undergoes in their walk with YAH.
The number 42, often associated with testing and transition, reminds us of the trials we face as we progress toward the fulfillment of YAH’s promises. Just as Israel pulled up their tent pegs and moved forward at each station, we are called to break camp spiritually, deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Yeshua (Matthew 16:24).
Our spiritual journey is not without challenges, but it is guided by the hand of our Savior, who leads us step by step toward His eternal kingdom.
The War of Midian: A Shadow of the Second Coming
Numbers 31 introduces the divine war waged against Midian, led by Moses and Phinehas. This war serves as a typological blueprint of Yeshua’s second coming, where He will execute judgment upon the wicked and redeem His bride.
In this account, we see several parallels to the second coming of Christ:
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Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
The war against Midian was commanded by YAH as an act of divine vengeance. Similarly, Yeshua will return to tread the winepress of YAH’s wrath (Isaiah 63:3, Revelation 19:15). -
Phinehas: A Picture of the High Priest
Phinehas, armed with the holy articles and the trumpet, represents the zeal and righteousness of the High Priest. Yeshua, our eternal High Priest, will come with the trumpet blast and execute judgment with the sword of His mouth. -
Victory Without Loss
In Numbers 31:48, the officers report that not a single Israelite soldier was lost in the battle. This mirrors Yeshua’s declaration in John 17:12 that none of His own will be lost except the son of perdition. -
The Ark and Trumpets
The presence of the Ark of the Covenant and the sounding of trumpets in the war against Midian foreshadow the events of Revelation, where the Ark is revealed and the trumpet of YAH announces the return of Messiah.
Gideon’s War Against Midian: Another Foreshadowing
The book of Judges provides another account of a war against Midian, this time led by Gideon. This story further illustrates the second coming of Yeshua and His ultimate victory over evil.
Gideon, initially a fearful farmer, is empowered by the angel of the Lord to become a mighty man of valor. He is called to lead Israel with only 300 men, demonstrating that victory comes through YAH’s power alone, not human strength or strategy.
Key elements of Gideon’s story reflect the second coming:
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Threshing Wheat in the Winepress
Gideon is found threshing wheat in the winepress—a symbolic act that points to the dual harvests of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age (Revelation 14:14-20). -
Trumpets, Torches, and Earthen Vessels
Gideon’s men use trumpets, hidden torches, and earthen vessels to confuse and defeat the Midianites. The smashing of the vessels reveals the light, a picture of our transformation at Messiah’s return (1 Corinthians 15:52). -
Judgment at the Rock and Winepress
The princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, are executed at the rock and the winepress. Yeshua, the Rock, will tread the winepress of YAH’s wrath, bringing judgment upon the wicked.
The Bride and the Husband
Throughout Scripture, Yeshua is portrayed as the Bridegroom, and His people as the bride. Isaiah 54:5 declares, “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name.”
As the Bridegroom, Yeshua desires a pure and spotless bride, one who speaks truth and walks in integrity. Though we often fall short, He has made provision for us. Just as the husband in Numbers 30 could nullify the rash utterances of his wife, Yeshua nullifies our sins and cleanses us through His sacrifice.
Our prayer should echo the words of Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Conclusion: The Call to Faithfulness
The Torah portions of Mattot-Massei challenge us to evaluate our speech, our journey, and our readiness for the return of Messiah. They remind us of the power of our words, the importance of spiritual progress, and the certainty of YAH’s ultimate victory.
As we await Yeshua’s second coming, let us strive to be a people of integrity, truth, and faithfulness. Let us prepare ourselves as the bride, adorned and ready for the Bridegroom.
From our house to your house, shalom.
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