Parasha Chukat – Year 2 – The Bronze Serpent.
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will study the parasha Chukat, portion of year 2, where we will learn about the importance of obedience to Yahweh’s instructions. We will explore how Moshe (Moses) and Aaron faced the consequences of not sanctifying Yahweh before the people by giving them water from the rock. We will also see Edom’s rejection of Israel’s passage through their territory and how Yahweh brought healing to His people through a bronze serpent when they were bitten by poisonous snakes after their disobedience and murmuring.
Bemidbar (Numbers) 21:9
9 So Moshe (Moses) made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 19:1-20:6 / 20:7-21:9 / 21:10-22:1
- Shophetim (Judges) 11:1-10 / 11:11-28 / 11:29-40
- Kepha Aleph (1 Peter) 4:1-8 / 4:9-14 / 4:15-19
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 20:7-21:9
In these verses, Yahweh instructs Moshe (Moses) to speak to the rock to give water to the people, but he strikes the rock, disobeying. Because of this, Yahweh denies Moshe and Aaron entry into the promised land. Then, Edom refuses Israel’s passage, forcing them to go around their territory. After Aaron’s death, the people murmur against Yahweh and face an attack by poisonous snakes. Yahweh provides healing by means of a bronze serpent. This teaching shows us the need to obey Yahweh, trust in His provision and recognize His set-apartness in the face of all adversity.
Shophetim (Judges) 11:11-28
In these verses, Jephthah, a judge of Israel, defends the possession of the land Yahweh gave them. The Ammonites claim the territory, arguing that Israel took it unjustly when they left Egypt. Jephthah responds with a historical account, showing that Israel did not invade the land of Moab or Ammon, but won it in battle against the Amorites at Yahweh’s command. He also points out that the Ammonites did not claim the land for 300 years. This teaching shows us how Yahweh grants victories and the importance of defending the historical truth of His promises and His righteousness.
Kepha Aleph (1 Peter) 4:9-14
In these verses, Kepha (Peter) encourages believers to show hospitality without complaining and to use their gifts to serve others, administering Yahweh’s grace. He also reminds them that they should expect sufferings for the sake of their faith, but they should consider it an honor, since they share in Messiah’s sufferings. To be insulted for Yahweh’s name is a cause for joy, for the Spirit of glory rests upon them. This passage teaches us the importance of loving service, perseverance in adversity and the privilege of glorifying Yahweh through suffering for His sake.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadashah). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
To view the Tanach studies, click here
To view the Brit Chadasha studies, click here
