Numbers 30:2 till 32:42; Jeremia 1:1 till 2:3
Israel is warned against seeking foreign comforts over its divine purpose, and cautioned regarding making treaties with hostile elements - lessons which still have relevance today!
By Michal Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
In chapter 32 we read of the last preparations of the people of Israel on the east side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land. Two tribes, Reuben and Gad, asked Moses to get as their inheritance the lands east of the Jordan.

Moses reacted angrily: It could “discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them.” Moses feared other tribes would likewise prefer to remain where they were rather than fight for possession of the Land, and he reminded Reuben and Gad what happened when then Ten Spies brought the discouraging report about giants 40 years earlier. read more…

Numbers 25:10-30:1; 1 Kings 18:46-19:21
By Pastor Rolf Piller with reference to a commentary by Michael Schneider (israel today, Jerusalem)

Commentary:
In our previous Torah portion we read about 3 sacrifices (on each of the 7 altars, 7 bulls and 7 rams). We read further on how Israel was saved by God from the curses the Moabite king Balak wanted to be spoken by Balaam, a man used by God. This is clearly seen in 24:2, And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. read more…

Numbers 22:2-25:9; Micah 5:6-6:8
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
We read in our weekly Torah portion about Balak, king of Moab, who was frightened by thevictorious people of Israel after they defeated the mighty Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. (Both of these battles are still remembered in daily Jewish prayers!) read more…

Numbers 19:1-22:1; Judges 11:1-33
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
This week’s Torah portion contains further “ordinances” (Hebrew: hukkim). First, we read about the “water of cleansing,” an atonement mechanism made from ashes of the sacrifice of a red heifer. The ashes are kept (Numbers 19:19) for the cleansing of a person who came into contact with a dead body or became unclean even by touching a grave. read more…