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Torah: Numbers 1:1-4:20
Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22
Besorah: John 11:38-57

This week we begin the book of Bamidbar—“In the Wilderness”—a time of transition, structure, and preparation. Before Israel can journey toward the Promised Land, they must learn to camp around the presence of God, to organize their community, and to honor each role within the people of God.

In the Torah portion Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1–4:20), we witness the beginning of a holy journey—not of chaos, but of divine order. The Haftarah (Hosea 2:1–22) calls us back to covenant faithfulness through the metaphor of a restored marriage. And the Besorah (John 11:38–57) shows us the cost and power of resurrection as Yeshua raises Lazarus—and in doing so, sets His own path toward the cross.

Let’s explore these sacred texts together.

You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!

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Torah Portion Bamidbar: Numbers 1:1–4:20

Understanding the Portion

The book of Numbers opens in the wilderness of Sinai. God commands Moses to take a census—not just a headcount, but a sacred organization of Israel’s potential. Each tribe is counted, and their encampment is carefully ordered around the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. This visual arrangement reinforces a profound truth: God’s presence is at the center of everything.

The census only includes men aged 20 and older, capable of bearing arms—because Israel is being prepared to move, and to protect the holiness of their community. Meanwhile, the tribe of Levi is excluded from military duty.

Instead, they are appointed to serve the Tabernacle, each clan with a specific role: transporting curtains, frames, furnishings, and especially the sacred vessels. The Kohathites, for instance, may not even look upon the holiest items, lest they die (Numbers 4:20). Their task is sacred and dangerous, marked by reverence and order.

This portion teaches that God does not lead His people into chaos, but into consecrated order. Each person is seen. Each tribe has purpose. And the journey forward begins not with movement, but with worship.

A Little Nugget

In Numbers 2:17, we read:

“The Tent of Meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps.”

God doesn’t lead from the front or trail from the rear—He dwells in the center. His presence is our axis.

Application

Are you centered on God’s presence in your own journey? Do you know your place and role in the community of faith? This portion challenges us to see life through the lens of order, sacred service, and the collective movement of God’s people. When we walk in formation around Him, we discover that holiness is not about hierarchy—it’s about harmony.

A Drash from the Torah: In the Wilderness, We Are Found

The wilderness is often associated with loss, with wandering. But in God’s economy, the wilderness is where identity is clarified. Before the people move forward, they are counted—not because God needs numbers, but because He wants each person to know: you matter. You’re not a random traveler; you are named, placed, and given purpose.

And isn’t that the message we all need? In a culture that often prizes individuality to the point of isolation, Bamidbar calls us into sacred community. In the wilderness, God says: I see you. I’ve placed you. I’m with you. And our highest honor is to camp our lives around His glory.

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Haftarah: Hosea 2:1–22

Understanding the Portion

Hosea’s prophetic message is bold and deeply emotional. It begins with confrontation—God is grieved by Israel’s unfaithfulness. She has chased after other lovers (idols), forgetting the One who rescued her from Egypt.

But the portion quickly shifts from judgment to pursuit. God declares that He will “allure her into the wilderness” (v. 14)—not to abandon her, but to speak tenderly and renew their vows.

This section reflects a full arc of redemption: the removal of idolatry, the promise of safety and restoration, and the re-establishment of covenant. God declares: “I will betroth you to Me forever… in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, and compassion” (v. 19).

These are not just emotions; they are covenantal foundations. God’s faithfulness does not falter in the face of betrayal.

By the end of the passage, even the names of judgment—Lo-Ruchamah (“not loved”) and Lo-Ammi (“not My people”)—are reversed. Israel will once again be called “My people,” and they will respond, “You are my God.”

A Little Nugget

Verse 15 speaks of a renewed “Valley of Achor” (trouble) becoming a door of hope. The place of past sin becomes the place of future promise.

Application

God doesn’t entice us into the wilderness to punish, but to restore. Are there areas in your life where you’ve experienced loss, consequence, or spiritual dryness? The wilderness isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of new intimacy. Let the hard places be where you hear Him most clearly.

A Drash from the Haftarah: Betrothed in the Wilderness

This passage reminds us that God’s love is not transactional—it’s transformative. He doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up before renewing His vows. He comes after us in our failure, not just to forgive, but to re-covenant.

Hosea’s message cuts to the heart of the Gospel: we are the unfaithful bride, yet God still calls us His. He leads us gently, speaks tenderly, and promises a relationship rooted in righteousness and mercy.

If you’ve felt distant, take heart—God’s love is still pursuing you. He hasn’t given up. He’s opening a door of hope in your valley of trouble.

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Besorah: John 11:38–57

Understanding the Portion

This portion brings us to the climactic moment of Lazarus’ resurrection. Yeshua approaches the tomb with grief and authority. Despite Martha’s hesitation about the odor of death, He insists the stone be rolled away.

He prays aloud—not because He needs to—but to demonstrate the connection between His will and the Father’s. Then He calls: “Lazarus, come out!”

This act is not just a miracle—it’s a declaration of identity. Lazarus is no longer defined by death but by the voice of the Son of God.

The miracle ignites faith among many, but also seals Yeshua’s fate. The Sanhedrin, fearing His influence, begins plotting His death. Ironically, Caiaphas, the high priest, says it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish—unwittingly prophesying the very heart of the Gospel.

A Little Nugget

John 11:44 tells us Lazarus came out “bound hand and foot with linen strips… Yeshua said to them, ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” Resurrection demands release.

Application

What part of your life still bears the grave clothes of fear, shame, or bondage—even after Yeshua has called you out? Are you walking in new life, or still tied to past identities? Yeshua’s resurrection power is complete—but we must choose to walk in freedom.

A Drash from the Besorah: Called Out to Be Freed

Yeshua doesn’t just raise Lazarus—He liberates him. And He doesn’t do it alone. He involves the community: “Unbind him and let him go.” This is the picture of discipleship—resurrection followed by release, surrounded by people who help us walk into freedom.

Yeshua’s miracle is also a turning point. In calling Lazarus out, He marches toward His own death. He knows the cost—but He embraces it. Why? Because our freedom was worth His sacrifice. This is the heart of the Gospel: He who is Life gave Himself to death, so that we who were dead might walk in life.

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Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Dalet (ד)

Sound: “D” as in “door”
Numerical Value: 4
Appearance: A simple, humble form—slightly bent, like a doorway.

How Dalet Is Written

ד

The Dalet is composed of two basic strokes: a horizontal line on top and a vertical line descending on the right. What’s unique is the small gap between the top line and the vertical line. This gap symbolizes humility—the Dalet is not a closed, proud figure, but one that leaves space for God’s presence to enter.

In scribal tradition, the Dalet must be written carefully so it is not confused with the letter Resh (ר), which looks similar. The difference is in the sharp corner at the top right. That sharp edge distinguishes the humble (Dalet) from the proud (Resh). This reminds us that even a small shift in posture—from self-reliance to God-reliance—makes all the difference in the spiritual life.

Spiritual Meaning of Dalet

Dalet comes from the root delet, meaning “door.” It speaks of access, humility, and invitation. In Jewish tradition, Dalet represents the humble receiver—standing next to Gimel, the generous giver.

The Dalet teaches us to posture ourselves with open hands, ready to receive from God and walk through His open doors.

Yeshua declares: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” (John 10:9). Dalet embodies this truth—salvation is not earned, but entered.

Application

Are you trying to earn your way to God, or are you walking through the door He’s already opened? Dalet reminds us to live in humility, openheartedness, and responsiveness to Yeshua’s invitation.

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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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