The Hosts Above and the Hosts Below

The unseen spiritual world above casts a reflection onto the surface of the material world. Sometimes we find that which is above in some other form down here below.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Bamidbar (במדבר | In the wilderness)

Torah: Numbers 1:1-4:20

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

Gospel: Luke 16:1-17:10

The Hosts Above and the Hosts Below

Earthly things reflect heavenly things. The Sanctuary on earth is a copy of the true heavenly Tabernacle above—the eternal dwelling place of the living God. The priesthood of the Sanctuary has a corresponding priesthood in the Tabernacle above; namely, the priesthood of the Messiah. Earthly institutions ordained by the Torah reflect heavenly realities.

If that which is below is a reflection of that which is above, then the hosts of Israel on earth must correspond to the hosts in heaven. This Torah portion offers a close look at the hosts of Israel. We see them numbered and counted. We see them divided into tribal identities. We see them encamped around the Tabernacle.

According to the sages, the encampments of Israel around the Tabernacle correspond to the placement of the angels around God’s throne. Likewise, the mustering of the hosts of Israel can be compared to the mustering of the hosts of heaven.

Revelation 19 offers us a glimpse of the Messiah as commander of the LORD’s hosts prepared for battle. He rides at the head of the host of heaven. As in the beginning of the book of Numbers, the hosts of the LORD are arrayed for war, ready to swoop into action. Angelic hosts will accompany Messiah into battle at the time of the second coming. Yeshua has twelve legions of angels at His disposal. The twelve legions correspond to the twelve tribes.

Revelation 19:14 describes “armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” The reference to the fine linen suggests more than just angels. Revelation 19:7-8 describes the righteous bride of Messiah as those clothed “in fine linen, bright and clean, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). The ranks of the heavenly cavalry, mounted upon the white horses, include the righteous of the generations.

-First Fruits of Zion