32-Torah-Week - Behar-Bechukotai - בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי
Portion Summary
Behar
In this thirty-second reading from the Torah, and the second-to-last reading from the book of Leviticus, is titled Behar, which means "On the Mountain." It opens with the words, "YHVH then spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai" (Leviticus 25:1). This portion introduces the laws of sabbatical years, the Jubilee, and guidelines regarding redemption. Typically, Behar is read together with the next portion, Bechukotai.
Bechukotai
The final reading from Leviticus is Bechukotai, meaning "In My Statutes," from its opening words, "If you walk in My statutes ..." (Leviticus 26:3). This portion includes blessings for obedience to the Torah and consequences for disobedience. It concludes with laws about vows, valuations, and tithes. Bechukotai is generally read alongside Behar on the same Sabbath.
TORAH:
Leviticus 25:1-50 — Laws on sabbatical years, Jubilee, and redemption.
Leviticus 26:1-46 — Blessings for obedience and warnings of curses for disobedience.
Leviticus 27:1-34 — Rules on vows, valuations, and tithes.
Deuteronomy 30:1-10 — Call to return to YHVH and His commandments.
Deuteronomy 6:25 — Emphasis on righteousness through obedience.NEVI'EM:
Jeremiah 16:19-21 — YHVH as the refuge and strength for Israel.
Jeremiah 17:14 — A plea for healing and salvation.
Isaiah 26:1-4 — Trust in YHVH as an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 61:1-3 — Proclamation of the year of YHVH's favor.
Joel 2:1-18 — Call to repentance and return to YHVH.
WRITINGS:
2 Chronicles 36:14-22 — Warnings against unfaithfulness and the need for repentance.
Job 13:15 — Trust in YHVH even in trials.
Psalms 2:12 — Blessed are those who take refuge in YHVH.
Psalms 5:11 — Finding joy and protection in YHVH.
Psalms 37:1-40 — Encouragement to trust in YHVH and wait patiently.
Psalms 56:1-13 — Confidence in YHVH despite fear.
Psalms 118:1-29 — Thanksgiving for YHVH's steadfast love.
Joshua 6:1-5 — The conquest of Jericho, exemplifying trust in YHVH's commands.
Psalms 47:1-8 — Praise and acknowledgment of YHVH's sovereignty.
Psalms 119:44-45 — Emphasis on the freedom in keeping YHVH's commandments.
Psalms 19:7-11 — The perfection and wisdom of YHVH's law.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Luke 4:14-22 — Y'shua proclaims the fulfillment of Isaiah 61 in Himself.
Matthew 16:20-28 — Following Y'shua requires self-denial and obedience.
Luke 16:10-13 — Faithfulness in small things.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — Assurance of hope in Y'shua's return.
Revelation 4:1-2 — Vision of YHVH's throne.
John 8:25-36 — Freedom through the truth of Y'shua.
1 John 3:4 — Sin as lawlessness.
1 Peter 2:15-16 — Freedom as servants of YHVH.
James 1:25 — The blessing of being a doer of the Word.
Matthew 6:25-34 — Encouragement to trust YHVH with all needs.
APOCRYPHA:
Sirach 2:1-17 — Wisdom on serving YHVH with a sincere heart.
1 Maccabees 2:49-84 — Remembering the legacy of faithfulness.
Sirach 4:11-19 — Wisdom's guidance to the faithful.
Testament of Joseph 1:1-25 — Reflections on trust and integrity.
Enoch 1:1-9 — Vision of judgment and justice.
Apocrypha of Abraham 29:1-19 — Reflections on YHVH's covenant.Key Themes in Behar-Bechukotai:
Trust and Obedience
Observing YHVH's sabbaths, including the sabbatical year, requires faith in His provision and timing, demonstrating to trust in Him.
Jubilee and Restoration
The Jubilee year signifies a time of restoration and freedom, reminding Israel of their inheritance and YHVH's provision.
Blessings and Consequences
YHVH offers blessings for obedience and warns of consequences for disobedience, underscoring the covenant relationship.
Y'shua as Jubilee
Y'shua embodies the spiritual Jubilee, offering release from sin and ultimate restoration for believers.
Reflection on Y'shua:
In Leviticus, Y'shua is portrayed as our Jubilee, bringing freedom and restoration. His work fulfills the call to repentance, offering redemption and a future inheritance. Just as the land rests and debts are released in the Jubilee, Y'shua provides eternal rest and reconciliation with YHVH.
Study Questions:
How does Behar-Bechukotai relate to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
Which aspects of the readings stood out most, and why?
How can you identify reflections of Y'shua in this week's portions?
What is the general theme of Behar-Bechukotai, and how can it apply to our lives today?
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