Portion Summary for Matot
(In 2023 this portion is combined with Portion Masei: Numbers 33-36. Joint production with chatgpt.)
Parashat Matot is the 42nd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. It can be found in Numbers 30:1-32:42. Here is a brief summary of Parashat Matot, along with related New Testament verses:
- Laws on vows and oaths (Numbers 30:1-16): God provides guidelines on vows made by men and women. In some cases, vows made by daughters or wives may be annulled by their fathers or husbands, respectively.
Related New Testament Verse (James 5:12): “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
2. War against the Midianites (Numbers 31:1-54): The Israelites take revenge on the Midianites for their involvement in leading the Israelites astray.
Related New Testament Verse (Romans 12:19): “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
3. Request to settle on the east side of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-42): The tribes of Reuben and Gad express their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan River, which they find suitable for their livestock. Moses initially expresses concern about their commitment to join the rest of the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land, but they assure him that they will participate fully. Moses grants their request to dwell east of Jordan along with half the tribe of Manasseh, on the condition that they fulfill their commitment.
Related New Testament Verse (Galatians 6:2): “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”