Overview: “Matot” covers laws concerning vows and oaths, the Israelites’ war against Midian, and the settlement of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan.
Commentary: The laws about vows underscore the importance of integrity in speech and commitments. Yeshua echoes this principle, teaching that our “yes” should mean “yes” and our “no” should mean “no.” The conquest of Midian reminds us of God’s justice and the necessity of holiness among His people.

Overview: “Pinchas” begins with the reward given to Phinehas for his zeal in stopping Israel’s sin at Baal Peor. It also includes a census, inheritance laws, and instructions for the daily and festival offerings.
Commentary: Phinehas’ actions highlight the need for zeal in defending God’s holiness. For Messianic believers, Yeshua exemplifies perfect zeal, offering Himself as a sacrifice to restore humanity to God and calling us to live in faithful service.

Overview: “Balak” recounts the story of Balak, king of Moab, hiring the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. However, God intervenes, and Balaam blesses Israel instead. The portion also includes the incident of Israel falling into idolatry with Moabite women at Baal Peor.
Commentary: Balaam’s blessings reveal God’s sovereignty and His protective hand over His people. Yeshua, as the promised King from Jacob’s lineage, fulfills the prophetic hope declared in Balaam’s words. The story of Baal Peor warns against compromising faithfulness to God.

Overview: “Chukat” begins with the laws of the red heifer for purification and recounts the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. It also includes Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, which leads to his punishment. The portion ends with Israel’s victories over surrounding nations.
Commentary: The red heifer symbolizes cleansing from impurity, pointing to Yeshua’s ultimate sacrifice for sin. Moses’ disobedience reminds us of the importance of trusting God’s instructions fully. Yeshua is the source of living water, offering eternal life to all who believe.

Overview: “Korach” tells the story of Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership. God confirms His chosen leaders through dramatic judgments, including the earth swallowing Korah and his followers. The portion concludes with laws concerning the priests and Levites.
Commentary: Korah’s rebellion warns against pride and divisiveness within the community. Yeshua, as the ultimate leader and High Priest, exemplifies humility and service, showing believers how to walk in unity and obedience.

Overview: “Sh’lach” recounts the story of the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land. Ten of them bring back a fearful report, leading to the people’s rebellion and God’s decree that the generation of the Exodus would wander for forty years. The portion also includes laws about offerings and tzitzit (fringes).
Commentary: The spies’ failure to trust God highlights the importance of faith over fear. For Messianic believers, the tzitzit serve as a reminder to live according to God’s commandments. Yeshua calls His followers to trust Him completely, even when circumstances seem daunting.

Overview: “Beha’alotcha” details the menorah’s lighting, the consecration of the Levites, and Israel’s journey from Sinai. It also recounts the people’s complaints about manna and Moses’ burden of leadership.
Commentary: The menorah symbolizes God’s light shining through His people. Yeshua, as the light of the world, illuminates the path for those who follow Him, providing guidance and hope.

Overview: “Naso” discusses the duties of the Levites, the laws of the Nazirite vow, the priestly blessing, and the offerings of the tribal leaders at the Tabernacle’s dedication.
Commentary: The priestly blessing reflects God’s desire to bless and protect His people. Yeshua, as the ultimate High Priest, embodies and extends this blessing to all who follow Him.

Overview: “Bemidbar” begins the Book of Numbers, detailing the census of Israel’s tribes and the arrangement of their camp around the Tabernacle. It also outlines the duties of the Levites in the sanctuary.
Commentary: The organization of the camp reflects God’s order and presence at the center of His people. For Messianic believers, Yeshua’s role as the cornerstone emphasizes unity and purpose among God’s people.

Overview: “Bechukotai” concludes Leviticus with blessings for obedience and warnings for disobedience. It also includes laws regarding vows and dedications to the Lord.
Commentary: This portion highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, underscoring the consequences of faithfulness or rebellion. For Messianic believers, Yeshua embodies the ultimate blessing, securing our covenant relationship through His obedience and sacrifice.

Overview: “Behar” discusses the sabbatical (Shemitah) year, the Jubilee (Yovel), and laws about property, servitude, and care for the poor. These laws emphasize rest, justice, and the recognition that the land and people ultimately belong to God.
Commentary: The Jubilee points to a future era of freedom and restoration. For Messianic believers, Yeshua’s proclamation of liberty in Luke 4 aligns with the themes of Jubilee, symbolizing His mission to bring spiritual freedom and redemption.

Overview: “Emor” outlines the laws for the priesthood, regulations for sacrifices, and instructions for the appointed festivals, including Shabbat, Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. It also addresses the menorah and showbread.
Commentary: The appointed times provide a rhythm of worship and remembrance of God’s faithfulness. For Messianic believers, these festivals point to Yeshua’s redemptive work and the promise of future restoration.

Overview: “Kedoshim” includes the famous call to “be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” It covers ethical and moral laws, including loving your neighbor, honesty, and justice.
Commentary: This portion emphasizes holiness in everyday life, reflecting God’s character in ethical behavior. Yeshua’s teaching on loving one’s neighbor aligns with this portion, illustrating how holiness manifests in love and compassion.

Overview: “Acharei Mot” focuses on the Yom Kippur service, providing instructions for the High Priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies to atone for the sins of Israel. It also outlines laws against idolatry and forbidden relationships.
Commentary: The Day of Atonement highlights God’s provision for forgiveness and renewal. Yeshua, as our High Priest, fulfills the atoning work described in this portion, granting believers access to God’s presence through His sacrifice.

Overview: “Metzora” continues the laws of tzara’at, detailing the purification process for those who have been healed. It also addresses bodily discharges that cause ritual impurity.
Commentary: This portion highlights the transition from impurity to restoration and the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness. Yeshua’s healing ministry reflects these themes, showing His role in bringing ultimate purification and reconciliation with God.

Overview: “Tazria” outlines the laws of ritual impurity, focusing on childbirth and skin diseases, including the process of examining and isolating individuals with leprosy-like conditions (tzara’at).
Commentary: These laws emphasize the concepts of purity and holiness in the community. For Messianic believers, Yeshua’s healing of lepers demonstrates His power to restore not only physical health but also spiritual wholeness, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

Overview: “Shemini” recounts the eighth day of the Tabernacle’s inauguration, during which Aaron offers sacrifices and God’s glory appears. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire and the laws of kosher animals are also included.
Commentary: The tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu underscore the importance of reverence and obedience in worship. The laws of clean and unclean animals highlight living in holiness. For Messianic believers, Yeshua exemplifies the holiness required to dwell in God’s presence.

Overview: “Tzav” continues with instructions for the priests regarding the sacrifices, including details on how they are to be offered. The portion also describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.
Commentary: The consecration of the priests reflects the sanctity required to serve before God. Yeshua, as our High Priest, embodies this sanctity and provides a way for all believers to approach God through Him.

Overview: “Vayikra” introduces the laws of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices provide a way for the Israelites to atone for sin and maintain fellowship with God.
Commentary: The sacrificial system underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. For Messianic believers, Yeshua’s sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of these offerings, providing eternal atonement and reconciling humanity to God.

Overview: “Pekudei” concludes the construction of the Tabernacle. The portion accounts for all materials used and describes the assembly process. Once completed, God’s glory fills the Tabernacle, signifying His presence with Israel.
Commentary: The detailed accounting emphasizes integrity and transparency in sacred work. God’s indwelling presence in the Tabernacle symbolizes His desire to dwell among His people. Yeshua fulfills this theme as Emmanuel, “God with us,” who brings the ultimate manifestation of God’s presence.

Overview: “Vayakhel” recounts Moses gathering the Israelites to commence the construction of the Tabernacle. The portion describes the people’s generous contributions of materials and the skilled craftsmanship involved in creating the sacred objects, including the Ark, menorah, and altar.
Commentary: This portion highlights the unity of Israel in fulfilling God’s commands. The willingness of the people to give reflects the heart of true worship. For Messianic believers, the Tabernacle foreshadows Yeshua as God’s dwelling among us, who fulfills the ultimate purpose of connecting heaven and earth.

Overview: “Ki Tisa” includes the census requiring a half-shekel contribution, instructions for the bronze laver, and the anointing oil. The golden calf incident dominates this portion, showing Israel’s failure to remain faithful. Moses intercedes for the people, and God reveals His attributes of mercy. The covenant is renewed as Moses receives the second set of tablets.
Commentary: This portion reveals both human weakness and God’s immense mercy. The golden calf episode demonstrates the danger of impatience and idolatry, but Moses’ intercession reflects the power of advocacy before God. For Messianic believers, Yeshua embodies the ultimate intercessor, standing in the gap for humanity. God’s proclamation of His mercy and compassion points to His desire for restoration, even after failure.

Overview: “Tetzaveh” outlines the sacred garments for Aaron and his sons as they serve as priests, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban. It also describes their consecration process and the construction of the golden altar for incense, which symbolizes intercessory prayer.
Commentary: The priestly garments reflect the honor and responsibility of those who serve before God. The breastplate, with its twelve stones, represents the tribes of Israel, showing how the priest carries the people’s needs before the Lord. Yeshua, our eternal High Priest, fulfills this role, interceding for us with the Father. The incense altar signifies the prayers of the saints, a sweet aroma before God.

Overview: “T’rumah” introduces the divine instructions for constructing the Tabernacle (Mishkan), a sacred dwelling for God’s presence among the Israelites. It details the materials to be contributed voluntarily, including gold, silver, and acacia wood, and provides the design for key items such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Menorah.
Commentary: The Tabernacle symbolizes the relationship between God and His people, serving as a physical reminder of His holiness. The voluntary offerings reflect the heart of worship—giving willingly and joyfully. For Messianic believers, the Ark’s mercy seat points to Yeshua, who intercedes as our High Priest, bridging heaven and earth.

Overview: “Beshalach” narrates the Israelites’ journey through the Red Sea, their experiences in the wilderness, the provision of manna and quail, and the battle with Amalek.

Overview: “Bo” covers the final plagues, including the death of the firstborn, the institution of Passover, and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

Overview: “Va’eira” recounts the first seven of the ten plagues on Egypt, demonstrating God’s power against Pharaoh’s resistance.

Overview: “Shemot” marks the beginning of the Book of Exodus, detailing the Israelites’ suffering in Egypt, the birth of Moses, and his early life, culminating in his divine appointment to deliver the Israelites.

Overview: “Vayechi” concludes the Book of Genesis with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph, Jacob’s blessings to his sons, and Joseph’s assurance of God’s promise to his brothers.

Overview: In “Vayigash,” Judah pleads for Benjamin’s release, leading to Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers. The portion also covers the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt.

Overview: “Miketz” recounts Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, and his first encounter with his brothers who come to Egypt for grain.

Overview: “Vayeshev” begins the story of Joseph, focusing on his sale into slavery by his brothers, his righteousness in the face of temptation with Potiphar’s wife, and his imprisonment.

Overview: “Vayishlach” recounts Jacob’s preparation to meet Esau, his wrestling with the angel, the reunion with Esau, and the incident at Shechem with Dinah.

Overview: “Vayetze” describes Jacob’s journey to Haran, his marriages to Leah and Rachel, the birth of his children, and his conflict with Laban.

Overview: “Toldot” focuses on the life of Isaac, the birth of Esau and Jacob, the sale of the birthright, and Isaac’s blessings.

Overview: “Chayei Sarah” recounts the death and burial of Sarah, the search for a wife for Isaac, and the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah.

Overview: “Vayeira” covers Abraham’s three visitors, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the story of Lot, the birth of Isaac, and the binding of Isaac.

Overview: “Lech Lecha” introduces Abram (Abraham), his call to go to a new land, the covenant with God, the birth of Ishmael, and the institution of circumcision.

Overview: “Noach” tells the story of Noah, the flood, the covenant with Noah, the Tower of Babel, and the lineage leading to Abram.

Overview: “Bereshit” is the first portion of the Torah, describing the creation of the world, the Garden of Eden, the fall of man, and the lineage from Adam to Noah.

Overview: “V’Zot HaBerachah,” the final portion of the Torah, recounts Moses’ blessings to the twelve tribes and his death.

Overview: “Ha’azinu” features Moses’ poetic song, a reflection on the history of Israel and a call to remember God’s teachings.

Overview: “Vayeilech” describes Moses’ final days, his transfer of leadership to Joshua, and the command to read the Torah every seven years.

Overview: “Nitzavim” includes Moses’ speech about the covenant, the choice between life and death, and the call to choose life by loving and obeying God.

Overview: “Ki Tavo” describes the ritual of bringing first fruits to the Temple and the recitation of blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.

Overview: “Ki Teitzei” contains a series of laws covering various aspects of daily and communal life, including family, social justice, and property rights.

Overview: “Shoftim” discusses the establishment of a judicial and administrative system, laws regarding kingship, the role of priests and prophets, and laws of warfare.

Overview: “Re’eh” presents the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience, laws about false prophets, the centralization of worship, and the pilgrimage festivals.

Overview: “Eikev” discusses the rewards for obeying God’s commandments, the reminder of the Israelites’ rebellions, and the exhortation to follow God wholeheartedly.

Overview: “Va’etchanan” includes Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land, the repetition of the Ten Commandments, and the Shema.

Overview: “Devarim” begins the final book of the Torah, with Moses recounting the Israelites’ journey and experiences.

Overview: “Matot-Masei” covers vows and oaths, the war against Midian, the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness.

Overview: “Pinchas” begins with Pinchas being rewarded for his zealous act, includes a census of the people, the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, and the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor.

Overview: “Balak” tells the story of King Balak’s attempt to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam, which ultimately turns into blessings.