35-Torah-Week - Nasso - נָשׂא
Portion Summary
In this thirty-fifth Torah portion is the second reading from the book of Numbers and the is titled Nasso, meaning "take up" or "lift up." This title is derived from the first verse of the reading, which can be translated as "Lift up the heads of the sons of Gershon" (Numbers 4:21), an idiomatic way of saying, "Take a census of the sons of Gershon."
This Torah portion continues the census of the Levites begun in the previous portion. It goes on to discuss the purification of the camp, the ritual for a woman suspected of adultery, the Nazirite vow, the priestly benediction, and the offerings made by the leaders of the twelve tribes for the dedication of the altar.
TORAH:
Numbers 4:21–7:89 — The census of Levites, camp purification, ritual for suspected adultery, Nazirite vow, and offerings for altar dedication.
Exodus 32:20 — Moses' actions after the golden calf incident.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 — Laws concerning divorce and remarriage.
TARGUMS:
Exodus 32:20 — Reflection on Moses' response to Israel's unfaithfulness.
NEVI'EM:
Ezra 3:2 — Rebuilding the altar by exiled Israelites.
Obadiah 1:6 — Examination of Esau's descendants.
Jeremiah 3:1-25 — YHVH calls Israel to return despite her unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 23:1-34 — Symbolic allegory of Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness.
Isaiah 40:1-2 — Comfort and assurance of forgiveness.
Amos 2:10-12 — YHVH's provision and Israel's ingratitude.
WRITINGS:
Psalms 75:5-8 — YHVH's power and judgment.
Judges 13:2-25 — The birth and Nazirite vow of Samson.
Joshua 8:30 — Joshua builds an altar to YHVH.
Joshua 22:10 — Altar of witness by the Jordan River tribes.
2 Kings 1:8 — Elijah's distinctive appearance.
1 Samuel 1:11 — Hannah's vow for a son.
Lamentations 4:7 — Description of Nazarites in their purity.
Psalms 3:1-8 — David's prayer for deliverance.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Luke 1:11-80 — Announcement of John the Baptist's birth and his Nazirite dedication.
Luke 14:15-33 — Y'shua's parable of counting the cost.
Matthew 22:1-14 — Parable of the wedding feast.
Romans 12:3-18 — Exhortation to humility and unity in the body.
Ephesians 4:11-16 — Roles in the community of believers.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 — Guidance on dealing with sin in the congregation.
Matthew 18:15-17 — Instructions on handling conflict.
Matthew 5:23-24 — Reconciliation before offering.
1 Corinthians 11:1-15 — Conduct and order in worship.
Revelation 8:11 — Bitterness in judgment.
Mark 14:34-36 — Y'shua's prayer in Gethsemane.
Revelation 18:1-6 — Judgment on Babylon.
Revelation 3:15-18 — Counsel to the lukewarm.
Matthew 26:26-29 — Y'shua shares the Passover cup.
Matthew 27:33-35 — The crucifixion.
Romans 12:14-21 — Instructions on peace and kindness.
APOCRYPHA:
Book of the Order of the Ancients 8:3 — Insights on faithfulness and purity.
Testament of Gad 6:3-7 — Teachings on honesty and sincerity.
Jasher 23:1-40 — Details of the faith and vows of patriarchs.
Notes:
Spiritual Adultery: Israel and Judah's worship of idols and blending with pagan practices is likened to adultery. Their covenant with YHVH was broken, necessitating repentance and restoration.
The Bitter Cup of Jealousy: Y'shua's acceptance of the bitter cup symbolizes taking on the punishment for an unfaithful bride, fulfilling the penalty that Israel would otherwise face.
Key Themes in Nasso:
Purification and Reconciliation:
Addressing sin and ritual purity is necessary to maintain a community aligned with YHVH's will.
The Nazirite Vow — Separation and dedication to YHVH show a willingness to live sacrificially and distinctively.
Faithfulness and Jealousy — The ritual for an unfaithful wife and YHVH's warnings to Israel illustrate the importance of loyalty and the cost of infidelity.
Y'shua's Fulfillment — Y'shua's acceptance of the cup parallels the bitter water of jealousy, representing His atonement for unfaithfulness on behalf of Israel.
Study Questions:
How does Nasso connect with the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
What did you find most interesting in this week's readings?
Can you identify aspects of Y'shua in this portion?
What is the general theme of this reading, and how can it apply to our lives today?
This summary provides a structured view of Nasso and highlights its key messages about faithfulness, community purity, and dedication to YHVH.
YOU ARE READING
TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES
Spiritual"Introduction to Torah" is a comprehensive study guide designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, particularly the Torah, within the span of a year. What sets it apart is its emphasis on reading the Torah literally, along with...
