37-Torah-Week: Shelach - שְׁלַח
Portion Summary
In this thirty-seventh reading from the Torah, it is titled Shelach, meaning "send" or "send out." This title comes from the first few words of the second verse: "Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan" (Numbers 13:2).
The portion narrates the story of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. Upon returning, ten of the spies delivered a negative report, causing the Israelites to lose faith and rebel against YHVH. As a result, YHVH decreed that this generation would wander in the wilderness for forty years, missing out on entering the Promised Land.
This week's portion also covers commandments about offerings, a story about Sabbath violation, and the commandment regarding tzitzit (fringes).
TORAH:
Numbers 13:1-25 — The mission of the twelve spies to scout out the land of Canaan.
Numbers 14:1-26 — The people's reaction to the spies' report and YHVH's response.
Numbers 15:1-37 — Laws regarding offerings and the story of the Sabbath breaker.
Numbers 32:12 — Reference to Caleb and Joshua's loyalty.
Genesis 36:11, 15 — The lineage of Esau.
Numbers 15:15-16 — Instructions on offerings, applicable to both Israelites and foreigners.Leviticus 19:34 — Commands to treat foreigners with kindness.
Genesis 6:1-4 — Reference to the "Nephilim."
Exodus 34:6-7 — Attributes of YHVH's compassion and justice.
Deuteronomy 30:1-5 — Promise of restoration after repentance.
Numbers 21:1-3 — Israel's victory over Arad.
Deuteronomy 21:21 — Consequences for rebellion.
TARGUMS:
Numbers 16 — Rebellion of Korah.
Numbers 17 — YHVH's affirmation of Aaron's priesthood.
Numbers 18 — Duties and privileges of the priests and Levites.
NEVI'EM:
Isaiah 56:6-7 — YHVH's invitation to all nations to worship.
Isaiah 41:10 — YHVH's reassurance of His support.
Amos 2:9 — YHVH's protection over Israel.
Isaiah 26:12 — YHVH establishing peace.
WRITINGS:
Joshua 2:1 — The mission of the spies in Jericho.
Psalms 34:4 — Seeking YHVH in times of fear.
1 Samuel 17:4 — Description of Goliath, a challenge similar to the spies' fear.
Psalms 34:19 — YHVH's deliverance for the righteous.
Psalms 24:3-5 — Who may ascend the hill of YHVH.
2 Samuel 22:21 — Reward for righteousness.
Psalms 18:20 — YHVH's response to uprightness.
Psalms 119:142 — Truth of YHVH's law.
GOSPELS AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 10:1-14 — Y'shua's instructions for His disciples, similar to the sending of the spies.
Acts 10:34-35 — YHVH's acceptance of all who fear Him and do right.
2 Timothy 1:7 — Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, as opposed to fear.
1 John 4:18 — Perfect love casting out fear.
Matthew 28:18-20 — The Great Commission, another mission of sending.
Matthew 9:37-38 — Praying for laborers in YHVH's harvest.
Matthew 25:14-30 — Parable of talents, emphasizing faithfulness in service.
1 Peter 1:3-7 — Rejoicing in trials that test and strengthen faith.
James 1:2-4 — Joy in trials for the sake of maturity.
John 8:39 — Children of Abraham following his example.
Revelation 18:1-4 — Call to come out of Babylon's sin.
Acts 14:19-23 — Strengthening disciples to persevere in faith.
Revelation 7:9 — Vision of a great multitude in YHVH's presence.
Matthew 9:20 — Story of the woman with faith to be healed.
1 John 2:6 — Walking as Y'shua walked.
APOCRYPHA:
Sirach 2:10-14 — Assurance of YHVH's faithfulness.
Enoch 6:1-8 — Reference to the Nephilim.
Sirach 2:12-18 — Trust in YHVH and commitment in adversity.
2 Esdras 1:12-23; 1:35-37 — Warnings to Israel and Judah.
Jasher 6:11-23 — Noah's righteousness amidst corruption.
Enoch 63:1-12; 60:1-24 — Lamentation of the wicked and the fate of sinners.
2 Esdras 7:19-24 — Consequences for those who disobey.
Natsarim 7:30-31 — Call to faithful adherence.
Notes:
Tzitzit: The command to wear fringes as a reminder of YHVH's commandments and to avoid following one's own heart and eyes.
Korah's Rebellion: The story is associated with the tzitzit, underscoring the importance of visible symbols to inspire obedience.
QUESTIONS:
What did you find most interesting in this Torah reading?
How can you identify Y'shua in this week's Torah portion?
What is the general theme of this week's reading?
How can you apply this week's reading to your life?
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