Tzemach Institute for Biblical Studies

Understanding the Scriptures for Times Such as These

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Ken Garrison

Bible Study: Exodus 28-30 (Tetzaveh)

Bible Study

This section of the Bible continues the specifications for the tabernacle, its furnishings and the High Priest’s garments.  Last week I emphasized that the tabernacle is the first prophetic type of the church in the Bible.  This pattern is continued throughout history.  Following the tabernacle was the First Temple in Jerusalem.  That was followed by what I call the Living Temple.  The Living Temple is made up of Jesus and His church.  Finally, there is the city of New Jerusalem revealed in the book of Revelation.  In each case, these provide the place for God’s dwelling.

When we consider the reason why God chose to deliver Israel out of Egypt, there are many responses.  Some would say that God did it simply to demonstrate His power and dominance over mankind and man’s environment.  Of course, this is true.  Others might add that God did this for humanitarian reasons because Israel was suffering under the Egyptian tyranny.  This would be true also.  But what did God say was the reason?  God declared:

And I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.  “And they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.”  (Exodus 29:45-46)

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A Christian Pastor’s Thoughts Concerning the Carlson-Huckabee Interview

Current Events

Photos of Tucker Carlson (left) and Mike Huckabee

Recently Tucker Carlson flew to Israel to interview U. S. Ambassador Huckabee.  Carlson’s intentions were to set forth questions relative to the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel.  It did not appear as if he was interested in Ambassador Huckabee’s responses to his questions.  From this interview and other statements made by Mr. Carlson, I conclude that he sees his purpose as undermining Evangelical Christian support for Israel. 

Carlson asked Ambassador Huckabee to justify Israel’s claim to the land.  I believe that there are multiple answers to this question. The first is based on ethnicity.  Throughout the 20th century, there was a cry for a Jewish homeland.  This was most emphatic in the wake of the Holocaust.  Jews needed a place of refuge.  Secondly, those who practice the religion of Judaism have claimed a Biblical right to their ancient homeland. Those who practice Judaism have been distinguished throughout the ages by participating in communal synagogue activities as well as advocating and living a Torah lifestyle. Biblically speaking, they have been distinguished by observing the Shabbat. The Bible declares that Shabbat is a special sign between G-d and the people of Israel (Exodus 31).  I have read rabbinical statements to the effect that: “We (the Jewish people) have not kept the Shabbat, but the Shabbat has kept us”.  To further distinguish the Jewish people from other groups, Christians moved their special holy day to Sunday while the Moslems moved theirs back to Friday.  Finally, there is the mystical element of faith. I have witnessed the testimony of different Jewish people who spoke of a deep inward call to return to the land of Israel in accordance with and responding to ancient Biblical promises.

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Bible Study: Exodus 25-27 (Trumah)

Bible Study, Hebraic Roots

As soon as the covenant between God and Israel was consummated, God immediately instructed Israel to build a special house that He could dwell in.

“And let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them”.  (Exodus 25:8)

Later God declared that He had brought Israel out of Egypt for this very purpose.

“And they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.”  (Exodus 29:46)

There are many explanations for God bringing Israel out of Egypt but this is His explicitly stated reason.  He desires to dwell in the midst of the human community on planet earth.  That plan has not changed throughout the ages.

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Bible Study: Exodus 21-24 (Mishpatim)

Bible Study

God spoke what we call the “Ten Commandments” in the hearing of all of Israel. The people were terrified and requested that Moses hear from God on their behalf. So, God gave the more detailed commandments to Moses who then relayed them to Israel. According to Rabbinical reckoning, there are 613 commandments. These commandments define what I will call a “Biblical lifestyle” for God’s people. 

When we consider the commandments, I propose that they fall into two basic categories: the first has to do with commandments defining relationship between God and man, the second category has to do with commandments defining relationship between man and his neighbor. In other words, the first has to do with vertical relationships while the second has to do with horizontal relationships. In a similar manner, we can consider the first five of the “Ten Commandments” are vertical while the last five are horizontal. Jesus recognized these two categories. When asked concerning the most important commandment, He answered:

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Bible Study: Exodus 18-20 (Yitro)

Bible Study, Prophecy

In this section of the Bible the most powerful manifestation of God to this date is recorded.  Nothing in history compares to it, however, I believe that it is prophetic of an even greater manifestation in the future.  

The timing of Israel’s encounter with God will define the second of the Biblical festivals, Shavuot, described in Leviticus 23.   Israel arrived at Mt. Sinai on the first day of the third month (about 42 days after the Exodus from Egypt).  After a few days (we will assume seven days total) God descended onto the mountain and a covenant was made between God and the nation of Israel.  The exact timing is not specified but after their arrival, there was a three day purification period.  Later the festival of Shavuot is specified to occur on the 50th day following the Shabbat after Passover.  I therefore arrive at the speculation that an additional four days were spent at Mt. Sinai after their arrival before God initiated the covenant.

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Will You Identify with Israel or the World?

Current Events, Hebraic Roots

World events continue to pressure each of us to choose identity with either the universal world system or with the nation of Israel. This program investigates the history of the separation of Christianity from Israel and encourages you to identify with the God, people and land of Israel.