Terumah
Terumah | תרומה | Heave offering
Torah Reading: Exodus 25:1-27:19
This Torah portion gives the instructions concerning the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Articles on Terumah:
What is the command to wear tzitzit (tassles) all about, and how is it relevant to Christians?
During Israel’s wilderness journey, they were to follow the lead of Yahweh via the cloud the rested over the tabernacle and the blowing of the silver trumpets. What can we learn from this?
One of the most controversial verses in the Torah is the ban on homosexual activity found in Leviticus 18. David Wilber looks at this commandment and explains why it is still applicable today.
Some feminists cite the Torah’s ritual purity legislation, such as laws concerning menstrual impurity and childbirth, as evidence of sexism in the Bible. This article exposes the flaws in such an interpretation.
The apostle Peter gives an interesting commandment to Christians. He says that we are to be holy in ALL our conduct. What does that look like?
Emotions are powerful. Our emotions, like compassion and empathy, often motivate us to do wonderful things like give to charity and help people in need. When we see an injustice, many times it will deeply affect us and move us to take positive action. And yet, strong negative emotions—jealousy, vindictiveness, resentment—can often overpower our better judgment and move us to neglect or hurt people.
The difficulties that we endure in this life are sometimes so painful that we feel stuck in unending sorrow. Many of us have been through tragedies that have left us with a crushing despair, which years later turns into a continuous dull ache that never leaves. We become despondent and therefore reluctant to believe that God could heal us.
Can you recall times in your life when you’ve lost control of your emotions? Perhaps it happens more often than you’d like to admit. We’ve all had heated moments where we’ve reacted out of anger or pain, often provoking others and dragging out arguments. What guidance do the Scriptures give us in these situations?
Many of us carry around a deep sense of rejection, insecurity, and longing. We struggle to feel accepted, which sometimes drives us to unhealthy behavior. What does the Bible teach us about overcoming these feelings?
When the New Testament authors talk about Abraham, they always highlight his faith. Indeed, Abraham is most well known, both in Judaism and Christianity, for his great faith in the God of Israel. But Abraham also exhibited another important godly characteristic that is often overlooked: hospitality.
Our Messiah said that His return at the end of the age will be like the days of Noah. What can we learn from Noah's flood as it concerns the end days?
It's easy to get discouraged by the instability of our culture these days. There is a growing distrust towards our leaders, the Media, and each other—and for good reasons, in many cases! But we shouldn't feel hopeless. Instead we should consider this the perfect opportunity to be a light in the darkness by offering something different, something stable, something that people can hold on to.
There is perhaps no experience more painful than losing a loved one to death. What does the Bible say about finding comfort and hope in these difficult times?
One of the greatest temptations of mankind is to exalt ourselves. We want people to think we're the smartest, coolest, and most talented. We want to be seen and admired for our gifts and talents. It's natural to desire acceptance and affirmation from others, but there's a danger of idolatry when we make God's work about us instead of Him.
In the Bible we often see God speaking to people, seemingly having regular conversations with them, and revealing Himself in very tangible ways. But that’s not the regular experience of many believers today. Did something change?
If you start reading the Bible from the beginning of Genesis, you can’t even get four words in without being confronted with two profound truth claims. First, there was a beginning. Second, God exists.
Yeshua said that the world would know the Father sent Him when His followers are united (John 17:21). Therefore, we as believers have an important duty to try to maintain unity within the body of Messiah. But in order to work towards unity, we must first identify the cause of disunity.
Is there a danger of leaving Jesus and the Gospel behind in our pursuit of Torah obedience?
The Bible says, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). It’s not enough just to know about Torah. Followers of Yeshua must also live Torah. Part of that means keeping your word.
It is often said that believers ought not to judge. Indeed, “Judge not that you be not judged” is one of the most memorized Bible verses ever. Even people who have never read a Bible in their life will immediately quote that verse to silence anyone who might dare express disapproval toward them. But is it true that we are not to ever judge anyone?
Feelings are important and shouldn't be dismissed. But we must not be led by our feelings. We cannot assume that our feelings reflect the complete truth of any situation. Our feelings reflect only how we interpret the truth of the situation. New information or another perspective often leads to a different interpretation.
Why do people complain and rebel against God’s will? Before we answer that question, it’s important to understand that the reason given by the complaining rebels is usually not the complete picture. Rebels give one reason for their complaint, but there is often a secret reason below the surface.
Video Teachings on Terumah:
David Wilber
David Wilber is an author, Bible teacher, Messianic/Christian apologist, and joint CEO of Pronomian Publishing LLC. He has written several books, including his most recent work, "Remember the Sabbath: What the New Testament Says About Sabbath Observance for Christians." In addition to his books, David has written numerous theological articles for various publications and websites. David lives in Lake Wylie, SC, with his wife and two children. His articles and teachings can be found at DavidWilber.com.
The Bible instructs us not to get jealous over others’ success but to “rejoice with those who rejoice.”