We pray every week for the leaders of the Jewish Ministry,
• Website: https://jewishadventist-org.gcnetadventist.org
A must website. To subscribe to our newsletter. To download some resources (Hebrew Sabbath School, and other documents). To order the book “Comfort, Comfort my people…” and many other things. •
Professional Urban Development: The WJAFC provides: - Professional Urban training for Jewish Ministry - Teaching for theological students - Help to plant new congregations. - Support for AdventistJewish dialogue with scholars and rabbis
Shalom Adventure Magazine online: www.ShalomAdventure.com
If you would like to read articles, watch videos, learn things about Judaism and Israel, this website is just for you. • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WJAFC: If you would like to share with people, this forum on facebook is a good place for that. • Photos on Google+: http://picasaweb.google.com/jewishadventist: We have posted a lot of pictures on Internet during the last years. Don’t hesitate to look at them.
• WebRadio: www.shema-israel-radio.com
If you would like to listen Jewish or Messianic songs. If you want to be used to ear modern Hebrew of the Apostolic Writings, it is the right radio to listen on the web. • Adventist Mission Website: http://wjafc.adventistmission.org/ This website is the new resource provided by the Office of Adventist Mission of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists. • Russian Website: http://www.boruh.info/ This website is in Russian, many articles and the parasha are posted on it every week.
684
Paris
A weekly Journal of information and training published by the World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center Under the umbrella of the General Conference —Office of Adventist Mission
Journal of Information and Training — Issue 684 — 11 June 2 0 1 6 / 5 S i v a n 5 7 7 6
This issue
week for leaders of the Jewish Ministry, According to our 2016, I suggest that our partners pray from June
English Edition: Richard-Amram Elofer
Richard Amram Elofer
Russian Edition: Alexandra Obrevko French Edition: Sabine Baris Spanish Edition: Jael Wells Cuellar Portuguese Edition: Carlos Muniz Dutch Edition: Hubert Paulleta
Hubert Paulleta 8
12 to 18, for Emails: English: richard@elofer.com Russian: sashok_l@mail.ru French: sabinebaris@gmail.com Spanish: jael_wells@hotmail.com Portuguese: cdmuniz@gmail.com Dutch: hpauletta@hotmail.com
Credit photos: Richard Elofer, Alexandra Obrevko, Jael Wells Cuellar Hubert Paulleta, Laurent Baris and Advent Digital Media
for more information: contact us at www.jewishadventist.org
Elena Kopylova, Alexandra Obrevko
News P.1 Parasha’s comments P.2-4 Haftara P.4-5 Apostolic Writings P.5 Stories P.6 Inspirational Corner P.6,7 Color Sheet for Kids P.7
Weekly Jewish-Adventist Journal of Information
list of prayer for
Carlos Muniz
rA;b√dImV;b
11 J u n e / 5 S i v a n 2016 / 5776
We pray every
WJAFC
Jael Wells Cuellar
Shabbat — Bemidbar
Shabbat Shalom Newsletter
Resources:
and Sergey
NEWS
Chag Shavuot Sameach
Excursion in Babiy-Yar, Ukraine
i Alexandra Obrevko, one of the leader
of the Jewish Adventist congregation in Kiev sent us a news saying: On May 29 we had a very important event. We organized an excursion to Babiy-Yar. There were 30 people who came with us to visit it. Most of them were our members (Beit Shalom and other SDA congregations), but there were also Messianic Jews and other people. My husband, Vitaliy (like in 2013), led this excursion. He explained the tragedy of Shoah and the massacres in Babiy Yar. ,ear 34,000 Jews were murdered in this place. This year is the 75th anniversary of Babiy Yar tragedy.
Komarnitsky who are leading the Jewish ministry in Moscow, Russia. Let’s
Sabine Baris
pray for their ministry.
The leitmotif of all the excursion was “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter” (Pro 24:11 NKJ). Every visitor was moved with all what they saw there. We plan to or-
ganize such an excursion few times a year. We would like that more Christians, and Adventists, to know about this tragedy, to understand the Jewish suffering and to comfort the Jewish people, in order to create relations of friendship, understanding, and brotherhood with Jews.
Buenos Aires Beth B'nei Zion
i There are two Beth Bnei Zion communities right now in Argentina, one in Buenos Aires, which was founded by David Barzola who is currently in Miami, Florida, and one in Libertador St Martin, close to the Adventist University of Argentina. Richard Elofer, has the privilege to go to Argentine and the encourage the members of these congregation, the trip started on June 1, visiting the congregation of Buenos Aires and holding meeting with the leaders of the Union, the Conference and the local congregation (picture).
Parasha for this Week Bemidbar
Parasha Overview
rA;b√dImV;b
Bemidbar
T
he Book of Bemidbar “In the desert” begins with G-d commanding Moshe to take a census of all men over age twenty; old enough for service. The count reveals just over 600,000. The levi’im are counted separately later because their service will be unique. They will be responsible for transporting the Mishkan (sanctuary) and its furnishings and assembling them when the nation encamps. The 12 Tribes of Israel, each with its banner, are arranged around the Mishkan in four sections: east, south, west and north. Since Levi is singled out, the tribe of Yosef is split into two tribes, Ephraim and Menashe, so there will be four groups of three. When the nation travels, they march in a formation similar to the way they camp. A formal transfer is made between the firstborn and the levi’im, whereby the levi’im take over the role the
“The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.’” (Numbers 2:1–2)
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20
Bemidbar and Shavuot
T
he parasha Bemidbar has a particular relevance to the festival of Shavuot. In general, every parasha has a connection with the time of the year when it is read, and Bemidbar is usually read on the Shabbat before Shavuot. And in particular, Shavuot, which commemorates G-d’s giving of the Torah to Israel, is called the wedding of Israel to G-d; and on the Shabbat before a wedding, the bridegroom is called to the Torah as a preparation for the wedding. So Bemidbar is, as it were, a preparation for that special union between G-d and his people which came upon their receiving the Torah.
A Token of Love
T
hat is why Rashi says that the counting of Israel in the wilderness was a token of G-d’s love for Israel. Rabbi Marozov says “Our sages explain that these counts were “to express G-d’s love for the Jewish people.” This expression of love was especially important when only 40 days after receiving the Torah, they made and worshipped the Golden Calf. To
2
express His great love for His people, Israel, even after all they did, G-d wanted them counted.” Nachmanides underlines that the Hebrew word for counting is Cheshbon, but in the book of Numbers the Hebrew word for count, is pakod, which also means to “remember” and “be concerned with.” that is why it is believed in the Jewish tradition, that G-d counting is people is a manifestation of his care and love for them.
In the Desert
B
emidbar) is about the origin of G-d’s people. Let’s remember that the second book is about the exodus from Egypt the giving of the law and the construction of the Sanctuary. The third book is devoted to the standards set before the people of Israel by the presence of the Sanctuary. After giving the laws of the Cohanim and their roles in the Sanctuary in Leviticus, the book of Numbers, Bemidbar returns to the national reality. It shows as Israel as it actually is; it presents before us the actual nation in its relationship to the ideal of its calling as outlined in the third book or Leviticus.
G-d’s Counting
I
n Hebrew, the fourth book of the Torah called Bemidbar (In the Desert) and also
Sepher HaPekudim (The Book of the Countings). In English, this is the biblical book known as “Numbers.” And yes, there are many, many numbers in the fourth book of the of the Chumash (Torah). In this parasha we learn that on the first of the month of Iyar, one year and two weeks after the Exodus, the people of Israel were 603,550 males between 20 and 60, of whom 22,273 were firstborn. The detail of the counting is as following: The tribe of Reuben: 46,500; Simeon: 59,300; Gad: 45,650; Judah: 74,600; Issachar: 54,400; Zebulun: 57,400; Ephraim: 40,500; Manasseh: 32,200; Benjamin: 35,400; Dan: 62,700; Asher: 41,500 and Naphtali: 53,400. Then the Torah gives the number of each of the four “camps” into which the twelve tribes were divided: Judah’s camp in the East, which also included the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, totaled 186,400 (Numbers 2:3-9). Reuben’s camp in the South, which included Simeon and Gad totaled 151,450 (Numbers 2:10-16). Ephraim’s camp in the West, Which included Manasseh and Benjamin totaled 108,100 (Numbers 2:18-24). And the camp of Dan in the North, which included Asher and Naphtali were
counted as 157,600 (Numbers 2:25-31). And finally the tribes of the Levites (22,300 people) where placed in the middle surrounding the Sanctuary (Numbers 2:17). Even the structure of the text gives the central place to the Levites. However, twenty-six chapters and 39 years later, we are still in the Book of Numbers, and in the midst of another census. Again, we get the total figure (now 601,730) and the numbers for each tribe. We notice that Simeon has been tragically decimated (22,200, down from 59,300), while Manasseh’s ranks have swelled to 52,700 (a gain of 20,500). But most of all we notice how G-d’s passion for counting His people has not waned. That is why we can say that the book of Bemidbar is a divine tale of Providence. Except for specific mitzvot, the events of Bemidbar depict G-d’s constant and intimate involvement with His People.
Why Counting His People
A
ccording to the Jewish tradition and specially Rashi, it is said that: “Because they are precious to
Him, He counts them all the time” and according to the Midrash the people of Israel were counted 10 times: The Jewish people were counted on ten occasions: 1. When they went down to Egypt (Exodus 1:5) 2. When they departed from Egypt. (Exodus 12:37) 3. In the beginning of the Book of Numbers (1-3). 4. At the end of the story of Balaam (Numbers 26:1-2). 5. In the days of Yehoshua, when the Land was divided between the twelve tribes (Joshua 1621). 6. Twice in the days of Sha’ul (1 Samuel 11:8; 15:4). 7. In the days of David (2 Samuel 24:9). 8. In the days of Ezra (2:64). 9. And it is believed that G-d will count his people again, in the future to come, in the time of the coming of Mashiach (Jeremiah 33:13), which is confirmed in the book of Revelation (7:4; 14:1,3). In order to prove this point, Rashi continues, “When they left Egypt, He counted them.” This refers to the verse in Parshas Bo, which states: “The children of Israel journeyed from Ramses to Sukoth, about six hundred thousand men.” (Exodus 12:37). Since the Torah does not mention that any census took place, we can only assume that this number
“about six hundred thousand men” was counted by G-d Himself. This supports Rashi’s assertion that “He counts them all the time.” even when no actual census is taking place, G-d counts his people. This idea is confirmed by Yeshua who affirms: “even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7). So each one of us is very precious in the eyes of G-d.
The Age of Twenty
T
he Torah states: “From the age of twenty and upward, all who are fit to serve in the army of Israel, you shall count them” (Numbers 1:3) Moses’ census of the Jewish people, defined as a count of “all who are fit to serve in the army of Israel,” included only those who were “from the age of twenty and upwards.” The Rebbe of Lubavitch asks this question: “What is the significance of this requirement?” He answer: The fifth chapter of Ethics of the Fathers includes an outline of the phases of a person’s education and life: “At five years of age, the study of Scripture; at ten, the study of Mishnah; at thirteen,
3
first-born would have had serving in the Mishkan if not for the sin of the golden calf. The transfer is made using all the 22,000 surveyed levi’im from one month old and up. Only levi’im between 30 and 50 will work in the Mishkan. The remaining first-born sons are redeemed with silver, similar to the way we redeem our first-born today. The sons of Levi are divided in three main families, Gershon, Kehat and Merari (besides the kohanim — the special division from Kehat’s family). The family of Kehat carried the menorah, the table, the altar and the holy ark. Because of their utmost sanctity, the ark and the altar are covered only by Aharon and his sons, before the levi’im prepare them for travel.
“Those to camp on the East side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah by their companies… On the South side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben by their companies… On the West side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their companies… “On the North side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan by their companies” (Numbers 2:3, 10, 18, 25)
Haftara Overview
Hosea 2:1-22
H
osea is a married man who loves his wife. He is a member of G-d’s people and loves his people too. However, his wife at the image of the people of Israel is not faithful. Speaking to this children, Hosea said to them: “Plead with your mother, plead—for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband—that she put away her whoring from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts,”(Hosea 2:2). In the book of Hosea, his wife become an illustration of the unfaithfulness of Israel. Hosea says to his wife the words G-d addresses to Israel, “Now I will uncover her shame in the sight of her lovers, and no one shall rescue her out of my hand. I will put an end to all her mirth, her festivals, her new moons, her sabbaths, and all her appointed festivals.” (Hosea 2:10-11). But in spite of her unfaithfulness he wants to continue to love her, “Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.” (Hosea 2:14). The Bible is also a romantic book. “From there I will give her her vineyards, and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope..” (Hosea 2:15). It is clear that Hosea’s wife represents Israel. “There she shall respond as in the days
the obligation to observe the mitzvot; at fifteen, the study of Talmud; at eighteen, marriage; at twenty begins the pursuit [of a livelihood]; at thirty, one attains strength; at forty, understanding; at fifty, one can give counsel . . .” The first twenty years of a person’s life represent those periods and areas of his life in which he focuses almost exclusively on his individual growth: the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom, and his moral and spiritual development. “Twenty” represents the point at which he ventures out to the world and begins to concern himself with the material involvements of life.
Special Purpose of the Levites
A
bout the Levites, The Torah states: “But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them” (Numbers 1:47). Originally, the service in the Sanctuary was to have been performed by the firstborn, since “on the day that I smote all firstborn in Egypt, I have consecrated to Me all firstborn in Israel.” But this privilege was taken from them when the firstborn joined in the making of the golden calf, and only the tribe of Levi re-
4
mained loyal to G‑d (cf. Exodus 32:26). The tribe of Levi remained faithful to G-d and to its Torah, defending the inviolability of the Torah against the rest of the people, even against its own kin. This tribe, the tribe of Levi, is now appointed “guardian” of G-d’s revelation, and for this purpose is to remain apart from the rest of the people. Levi does not belong to the community, but solely to the Sanctuary, which is the expression of G-d’ salvation plan. For this reason the tribe of Levi is not to be counted, inside of the children of Israel. It is only by appointment that G-d allowed the Levites to take care of the Sanctuary and its furnishings, that is why only the Levites were allowed to approach the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), whoever even the Levites were not allowed to do every service of the sanctuary, a specific Levite or family of Levite were authorized to perform only the particular task allotted to him, and according to the Jewish tradition it was forbidden for a Levite to transfer from one task to another (Arachin 11b). Moreover, two branches of the Tribe of Levi were organized, the branch of “Cohen” or Cohanim who were the descendants of Aaron and the branch of “Levi” or Levites
who were the descendants of Moses, and just as the Levites were obligated to abstain from the service of the Cohanim, the Cohanim were prohibited from the service of the Levites. Rabbi Hirsch adds that the whole service of the Mishkan was stamped with the character of being prescribed, ordained and inviolable. Indeed, the whole purpose of the separation of the Mishkan and the setting apart of its servants was to constantly remind Israel of this character of the Service of the Sanctuary.
T
United
he Torah commands “by clans, by fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head” (Numbers 1:2 ESV). The congregation of the children of Israel. is the Hebrew word ‘adat. Rabbi Hirsch teaches us that the root of ‘adat is related to yachad which means: “to unite for the sake of a common purpose”. The word ‘adat then denotes people who have joined together for the sake of a common calling, and who are united by the solidarity not by means of an order that comes to them from without, but by means od a shared concern that calls them from within their own hearts.
T
Apostolic Writings — Revelation 21:1-8
his night (Saturday June 11) is a very special night for the Jewish people, they will start the celebration of the feast of Shavuot, known as Pentecost in English. It is very interesting to read how the Apostolic Writings describe the first feast of Shavuot of the talmidim of Yeshua after he left them. It is written “When the day of Shavuot arrived, they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1). They were about 120 people all together, that means they already had a sense of community of the ‘Adat (see comment of the parasha). They were together as a synagogue or kehilah, worshiping G-d, celebrating Shavuot, not knowing what would happen on this special day. The text says that they were all united, asking forgiveness to one another, loving one another and as it is said at the end of this same chapter: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common…” (Acts 2:42–47). In the parasha Bemidbar we discover that the day of Shavuot in the desert (Bemidbar) was the day of birth of the Jewish people, in the same way, this day of Shavuot in Jerusalem was the day of birth of the movement of Yeshua the Messiah. In the wilderness (Bemidbar) G-d gave to Israel his law, the Ten Commandments and by extension the Torah as a gift. G-d was preparing now a special gift for the followers of Yeshua on that special day of Shavuot.
Let’s remember G-d’s promise about a new covenant with Israel. Jeremiah said: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the L-rd, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah … this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the L-rd: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:31, 33). G-d wanted to engrave the Torah not anymore on stones, but in the heart of his people. Only the Ruach Elohim (spirit of G-d) has power to engrave the Torah in G-d’s people heart. That is why on Shavuot of the year 31 ce, a few days after the ascension of Yeshua to heaven, G-d gave the wonderful gift he prepared to the talmidim of Yeshua, to the 120 who were gathered in their own synagogue to celebrate Shavuot and to worship Him. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:2–3). It is this Ruach Elohim the Ruach Hakodesh (holy spirit) that gave them the courage to preach the good news of Yeshua in spite of the opposition of the leaders. It is this Ruach Hakodesh that wrote the Torah in their heart. Anyone who has been blessed by this same Holy Spirit will honor G-d and His Commandments. As the result of this pouring of the Spirit of G-d upon the disciples, the first among them, Shim’on-Peter, started
to preach to word of Yeshua and gave a strong drasha to the Yerushalmites and the pilgrims who were gathering in Yerushalayim: He started his sermon saying: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. … “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by G-d with mighty works and wonders and signs that G-d did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:14, 22) We dont have the space to report here the full sermon of Peter, but I invite everyone to read it in this chapter of Acts chapter 2. At the end of this drasha, the people of Jerusalem were touched in their heart and they asked: “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37), Shim’on answered : “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the L-rd our G-d calls to himself.” (Acts 2:38–39) as a result there was a great service of immersion in a Mikve of Jerusalem and 3,000 Jews accepted Yeshua on that day and were added to the new movement of Yeshua. It was the great start of this movement two thousand years ago. But the good news is that this blessing of the Holy Spirit is not only for the disciples of Yeshua but for each one of us too. We just have to accept the invitation made by Shim’on, to repent and be immersed and according to this promise: we will receive forgiveness for our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
5
of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. ” (Hosea 2:15). Then the prophet plays with Hebrew words, the Hebrew word Baal means “husband” or “master” and it is also the name of an idol worshiped by Canaanite people. “On that day, says the L-rd, you will call me, “My husband,” and no longer will you call me, “My Baal.” (Hosea 2:16). All idols will be removed. “For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned by name no more.” (Hosea 2:17). And will make a covenant with Israel. “I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety.” (Hosea 2:18). What a wonderful promise for Israel in this text. “And I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the L-rd. (Hosea 2:20-21).
Stories and Traditions
HONESTY IN BUSINESS
T Inspirational Corner v
The Hebrew nation were educated during their journeying through the wilderness (Bemidbar). They engaged in physical and mental labor. They used their muscles in various lines of work. (SW 44)
his story is given by Rabbi Yitzchak Buxbaum from Chabad. The Baal Shem Tov was once shown from heaven that a certain simple man called Moshe the Shepherd served G‑d, blessed be He, better than he did. He longed to meet this shepherd, so he ordered his horses harnessed to his coach, and traveled, with a few of his disciples, to the place where he was told the shepherd lived. They stopped in a field at the foot of a hill, and saw, on the hillside above them, a shepherd who was blowing his horn to call his flock. After the sheep gathered to him, he led them to a nearby trough to water them. While they were drinking, he looked up to heaven and began to call out loudly, “Master of the world, You are so great! You created heaven and earth, and everything else! I’m a simple man; I’m ignorant and unlearned, and I don’t know how to serve You or praise You. I was orphaned as a child and raised among gentiles, so I never learned any Torah. But I can blow on my shepherd’s horn like a shofar, with all my strength, and call out, ‘The L-rd is G‑d!’” After blowing with all his might on the horn, he collapsed to the ground, without an ounce of energy, and lay there motionless until his strength returned. Then he got up and said, “Master of the world, I’m just a simple shepherd; I don’t know any Torah, and I don’t know how to pray. What can I do for You? The only thing I know is to sing shepherds’ songs!” He then be-
6
gan to sing loudly and fervently with all his strength until, again, he fell to the earth, exhausted, without an ounce of energy. After recovering, he got up again and began to call out, “Master of the world! What is it worth that I blew on my horn and sang songs for You, when You’re so great? What more can I do to serve You?” He paused for a moment and said, “There’s something else I know how to do, and I’ll do it for Your honor and glory!” He then stood on his head and began to wave his feet wildly in the air. Then he did somersaults one after the other, until he collapsed on the ground, exhausted. The Baal Shem Tov and his disciples watched all this from a distance, in amazement. The shepherd lay there silently until his strength returned. Again, he began to speak and said, “Master of the world, I’ve done what I can, but I know it’s not enough! What more can I do to serve You?” After pausing to reflect, he said, “Yesterday, the nobleman who owns the flock made a feast for his servants, and when it ended, he gave each of us a silver coin. I’m giving that coin to You as a gift, O G‑d, because You created everything and You feed all Your creatures, including me, Moshe the little shepherd!” Saying this, he threw the coin upward. At that moment, the Baal Shem Tov saw a hand reach out from heaven to receive the coin. He said to his disciples, “This shepherd has taught me how to fulfill the verse: ‘You shall love the L‑rd your G‑d with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.’”
B
HONESTY
inyamin the Righteous was the supervisor of the charity fund. One day, during a year of famine, a woman came to him and said, “Master, provide sustenance for me.” Binyamin replied. “There is no money left in the charity fund.” She said, “Master, if you do not provide for me, a woman and her seven children will perish.” He provided for her out of his own pocket. Sometime afterwards Binyamin became very ill and was about to die. The angels said to G-d: “Master of the universe, You have said that he who saves the life of one soul is considered as if he had saved the entire world. Shall Binyamin the righteous, who saved the lives of a woman and her seven children, die at such a young age?” The Talmud concludes that, as a result, twenty two years were added to his life!
Kids Parasha Bemidbar
rA;b√dImV;b
Inspirational Corner v In bringing forth
Effort in Study
A
student once approached his Rabbi, “I have a very difficult time comprehending my Torah studies. It takes a lot of effort for me to understand and then remember what I learned. What can I do about this problem?” The Rabbi looked at him and said, “You have a problem? What should I do when studying comes easy for me and it is effortless?!” Although there is an advantage when things come easy, there is also an advantage when one puts effort into studying Torah and the service of G-d.
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 “The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. Those to camp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah by their companies, the chief of the people of Judah being Nahshon the son of Amminadab, his company as listed being 74,600. Those to camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, the chief of the people of Issachar being Nethanel the son of Zuar, his company as listed being 54,400. Then the tribe of Zebulun, the chief of the people of Zebulun being Eliab the son of Helon, his company as listed being 57,400.” (Numbers 2:1–8) http://www.bnai-tikkun.org.nz 7
Israel from Egypt, the L-rd again manifested His power and His mercy. His wonderful works in their deliverance from bondage and His dealings with them in their travels through the wilderness (Bemidbar) were not for their benefit alone. These were to be as an object lesson to the surrounding nations. The L-rd revealed Himself as a G-d above all human authority and greatness. The signs and wonders He wrought in behalf of His people showed His power over nature and over the greatest of those who worshiped nature. (COL 287)