It is very significant that this parsha is named “Jethro” and not “The Ten Words” or Commandments that it contains. In a sense the advice that Jethro gives Moshe is just as important as the Ten Commandments because it shows YHWH’s plan.
First Moshe needs to keep himself from getting exhausted. Then he needs to set the leaders of the nation of Israel on the right course, and encourage discussion between them and the people. And finally, the people need to understand that when Abba YHWH says “Don’t go there or you will die” that He means business! Only then, with every one playing their appropriate part and in the right frame of mind, can the Commandments be given.
“Be’shalach” means “let go”, and the portion begins with Pharaoh regretting his decision to free the Hebrews, so he musters his chariots in an attempt to bring them all back. Instead however Abba YHWH parts the waters of the Reed Sea and destroys Pharaoh’s army. But even as Israel rejoices, her trials are just beginning. After leaving camp from Elim on the 15th day (proving lunar sabbath wrong), the Israelites complain they don’t have enough meat, Abba YHWH sends a flock of quail and this is the first appearance of the mysterious Manna bread. The portion ends with a key victory against Amalek; a victory only achieved with Moshe’s arms being held up by Aaron and Hur.
“Be’shalach” means “let go”, and the portion begins with Pharaoh regretting his decision to free the Hebrews, so he musters his chariots in an attempt to bring them all back. Instead however Abba YHWH parts the waters of the Reed Sea and destroys Pharaoh’s army. But even as Israel rejoices, her trials are just beginning. After leaving camp from Elim on the 15th day (proving lunar sabbath wrong), the Israelites complain they don’t have enough meat, Abba YHWH sends a flock of quail and this is the first appearance of the mysterious Manna bread. The portion ends with a key victory against Amalek; a victory only achieved with Moshe’s arms being held up by Aaron and Hur.
“Bo” means “go,” and that’s exactly what the Israelites do! After the last three plagues of locusts, darkness and killing the first born of Egypt do their damage; Pharaoh at last relents and lets Israel go. In the stunning aftermath of these events, the Pesach meal is instituted as an eternal memorial.
“Bo” means “go,” and that’s exactly what the Israelites do! After the last three plagues of locusts, darkness and killing the first born of Egypt do their damage; Pharaoh at last relents and lets Israel go. In the stunning aftermath of these events, the Pesach meal is instituted as an eternal memorial.
Our special Hebrew Roots introductory videos done for Channel 24 continues. In this installment we look at how the Scripture defines our true path as believers in Messiah before traditions came along to obscure it. Presented in an easy to follow and non-technical style, join me as I continue the outreach of Torah truth to show we are not a “New Testament only” dispensation. Enjoy!
For everyone who is celebrating the Festival of Lights right now and to all those who did so last month, Happy Hanukkah! May you be blessed by the Light of the World, Yeshua HaMashiyach!
Va’Era means “and I appeared”, as in Abba YHWH explaining that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and this thought of course follows from His introduction in Shemot that Moshe is a descendant of these people, “I am the El of your fathers…”. After the initial “Bricks Without Straw” setback which happened last week, Moshe is strengthened to go back to Pharaoh though neither he nor his own people seem willing to do the right thing. Now also the “warning period” is over and Abba YHWH prepares to begin the real battle. After the signs of the serpent and the leprosy are given and Pharaoh refuses to listen, Moshe turns the Nile to blood and Egypt thirsts for 7 days. Plague after plague follows, along with failed attempts on Pharaoh’s part to either muddy the issue or distract Abba YHWH from His purpose. The portion ends with the plague of hail, but worse plagues are still in their future.
Va’Era means “and I appeared”, as in Abba YHWH explaining that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and this thought of course follows from His introduction in Shemot that Moshe is a descendant of these people, “I am the El of your fathers…”. After the initial “Bricks Without Straw” setback which happened last week, Moshe is strengthened to go back to Pharaoh though neither he nor his own people seem willing to do the right thing. Now also the “warning period” is over and Abba YHWH prepares to begin the real battle. After the signs of the serpent and the leprosy are given and Pharaoh refuses to listen, Moshe turns the Nile to blood and Egypt thirsts for 7 days. Plague after plague follows, along with failed attempts on Pharaoh’s part to either muddy the issue or distract Abba YHWH from His purpose. The portion ends with the plague of hail, but worse plagues are still in their future.
One epic ends and another begins. Joseph and all the other sons of Jacob are dead. And now, their descendants are in bondage waiting for a deliverer. Enter Moshe. Born a prince of Egypt, explore the real life Egyptian history behind the Torah account. Find out who the main people in Moshe’s life really were and how archaeology sheds light on the world they knew. This is just about as exciting as any parsha gets and it is packed with extras…enjoy!
One epic ends and another begins. Joseph and all the other sons of Jacob are dead. And now, their descendants are in bondage waiting for a deliverer. Enter Moshe. Born a prince of Egypt, explore the real life Egyptian history behind the Torah account. Find out who the main people in Moshe’s life really were and how archaeology sheds light on the world they knew. This is just about as exciting as any parsha gets and it is packed with extras…enjoy!
Vayechi means “and he lived”, referring to the 17 years Ya’akov would spend in Egypt before dying. The portion begins with Jacob making final arrangements to be buried in Canaan once he dies. Ironically the portion ends with Joseph making those same arrangements, but deferring final relocation until the Exodus. It seems that Joseph’s final vision then was his foretelling the time of Moshe. In between these events, Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh are introduced to Jacob and in a very ironic twist Jacob does intentionally the same thing his father Isaac was deceived into doing by blessing the younger son Ephraim ahead of elder Manasseh. After this, all tribes are given prophecies and blessings and the family of 70 souls make final settlement in Egypt.