Parsha ‘Beha-alotecha’ ends with what Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has often described as “the Whining.” Which is followed by ‘the Lusting.’ And a lot of people who end up dead as a result. And that leads directly into parsha “Shalach Lekha,” where the words mean “send out men.” It is the story of the infamous “spies” — including Joshua and Caleb — and is also what Mark calls the “first recorded VOTE in history.”

And Joshua and Caleb LOST it, 10-2. But, much like ‘votes’ today, the only people that REALLY lost were those who participated. Their “bodies fell in the wilderness,” ultimately, as they were promised.

The Erev Shabbat reading of the entire ‘parsha-plus’ clarifies that connection:

Did EVERY single man over the age of 20 die in the wilderness because they went along with the “evil report” of those ten spies? Scripture makes it clear that they did. But, other than Joshua and Caleb, weren’t there ANY men above ‘voting age’ that simply didn’t participate with that infamous ‘first vote’? Would God really do that?

But it turns out the pattern, and the progression, are clear. First they “murmured,” but perhaps “whined” really is what it would probably be termed today. Then they lusted, and got quail. A LOT of it. And probably wished they hadn’t. But Scripture told us the complaining, and worse, was widespread – but did not use the word “all.” Even if it may have been the vast majority.

UNTIL that ‘first recorded vote.’ After which, it says clearly, and repeatedly, “ALL” of ’em. And Joshua and Caleb admonished ALL of ’em, too. And then ALL of them tried to kill them both.

After which “ALL” of them got what they deserved. Or had earned. But it may not have been the very first time after all.


“Numbers 10 through Shalach-Lekha: “Sodom VOTED to Die! How long will ‘they’ Despise YHVH”?


Service information:

Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked.

Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central)

Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday).

email: mark@markniwot.com

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

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