TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 42 MATTOT

42-Torah Week Mattot – מַּטּוֹת

Portion Summary

In this forty-second reading from the Torah is named Mattot, meaning "tribes." This title comes from (Numbers 30:1), where we read, "Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the sons of Israel." This portion covers the laws governing vows and oaths, Israel's war against Midian, and the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River. Except during leap years in the biblical calendar, Mattot is read with the subsequent portion, Massei, on the same Sabbath.

TORAH:
Numbers 30:1-16 — Laws about vows and oaths, covering the responsibility and binding nature of personal commitments made to YHVH.
Numbers 31:1-54 — The story of Israel's war with Midian, following YHVH's command to avenge Israel against the Midianites, resulting in the conquest and the division of spoils.
Numbers 32:1-42 — The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh request and receive inheritance of land on the east side of the Jordan River.
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 — Instruction on the seriousness of vows, warning that a vow made to YHVH must not be delayed.
Genesis 3:16 — A reflection on the consequence of the fall, addressing obedience and responsibility in commitments.

NEVI'EM:
Malachi 3:1-3 — A prophecy about YHVH's messenger preparing the way, highlighting purification, responsibility, and loyalty.
Zechariah 13:9 — YHVH refines His people as silver and gold, a metaphor for purification and dedication.

WRITINGS:
Psalms 119:18 — A prayer for understanding YHVH's ways and commands.
Ecclesiastes 5:2-7 — Caution about making hasty vows, reminding us to keep our words few and our commitments sincere.
Proverbs 16:1-3 — Counsel on trusting YHVH to establish our plans.
Psalms 15:1-5 — A depiction of a person who keeps an oath even when it is difficult.
Psalms 37:1-40 — Encouragement to trust in YHVH and uphold righteousness.
2 Chronicles 20:20-23 — YHVH fights for those who trust in Him.
1 Samuel 30:21-31 — David shares the spoils with those who were left behind, emphasizing fairness and generosity.
Proverbs 27:4 — A reflection on anger and jealousy, addressing inner attitudes that impact oaths and vows.

GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 12:36-37 — A warning that we will be accountable for every word we speak.
Matthew 5:33-37 — Y'shua's teaching on not making oaths but letting our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no."
Luke 6:54 — Y'shua's call to treat others with sincerity and love.
Matthew 20:25-28 — A lesson on servant leadership and humility.
John 13:12-51 — Y'shua's demonstration of love and service, especially in leadership.
1 Peter 3:1-7 — Guidance on relationships, with an emphasis on commitment and honor.
Ephesians 5:31-33 — The unity and love in marriage as a model of commitment.
Revelation 7:1-17 — The sealing of those who are dedicated to YHVH, set apart by their commitment.
Revelation 19:2 — Celebration of YHVH's just judgments.
1 Peter 2:5 — Believers are described as a spiritual house, dedicated to YHVH.
John 15:8-13 — Y'shua calls His followers to love and serve in true devotion.
1 John 3:1-19 — An exhortation to live in genuine love, reflecting our commitment to YHVH.
Hebrews 3:13 — An encouragement to remain steadfast in faith.
Hebrews 10:25 — A call to gather and encourage one another.
Romans 14:19 — A call to pursue peace and edification.
Jude 1:17-23 — A warning to remain faithful and watchful.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 — An exhortation to grow in spiritual maturity and avoid divisiveness.