It is literally the blueprint of the Universe itself. This is the parsha where we are told repeatedly “See that you make everything according to the pattern you saw on the mountain”. So every cubit, every talent of gold, every structure large or small is representing on earth what is in the heavens. And, as we will also see, ultimately that will also lead to the ultimate terumah, that Yeshua the Messiah Himself!
It is literally the blueprint of the Universe itself. This is the parsha where we are told repeatedly “See that you make everything according to the pattern you saw on the mountain”. So every cubit, every talent of gold, every structure large or small is representing on earth what is in the heavens. And, as we will also see, ultimately that will also lead to the ultimate terumah, that Yeshua the Messiah Himself!
It is perhaps the most comprehensive collection of commands ever assembled for a single Torah portion. Mishpatim has a near encyclopedic reach of concerns, from knowing when to use deadly force to an intruder, to rules for proper agriculture and from the world’s first known worker’s compensation system to proper management of servants, Mishpatim seems to cover pretty much every major aspect of life from that time. And yet, embedded in this amazing body of laws, protections and regulations a stunning vision of the heavenly throne awaits with an especially powerful message. What will Moshe see this week that literally no one else before him ever did? Find out from the only account of the event that has survived: his own.
It is perhaps the most comprehensive collection of commands ever assembled for a single Torah portion. Mishpatim has a near encyclopedic reach of concerns, from knowing when to use deadly force to an intruder, to rules for proper agriculture and from the world’s first known worker’s compensation system to proper management of servants, Mishpatim seems to cover pretty much every major aspect of life from that time. And yet, embedded in this amazing body of laws, protections and regulations a stunning vision of the heavenly throne awaits with an especially powerful message. What will Moshe see this week that literally no one else before him ever did? Find out from the only account of the event that has survived: his own.
Shalom all. Sorry but I am unable to do the parsha this week due to contracting influenza (type A flu) which has been going around lately. I have therefore reissuing 2017’s posts for Yitro and Yah willing will be back next week with “Mishpatim”. I am currently taking medication for this but your prayers as always are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Andrew
It’s the Ten Commandments being given–what more could possibly need saying after that? The answer is, plenty because this parsha is as much to do with all the drama BEFORE the Big Event as it is about the Torah being proclaimed at Sinai. As we will explore together, there’s a reason why the rabbis call this parsha “Jethro” and not “The Ten Words”. Moshe’s father in law ends up being the quiet hero who saves the day before the Big Day. And then Father Yah Himself descends in the fire to lay down the law before the Law is given to and following those rules is literally a matter of life and death.
It’s also the start of our 7th year of doing Torah portions! Find out how were are celebrating this great milestone!
Shalom all. Sorry but I am unable to do the parsha this week due to contracting influenza (type A flu) which has been going around lately. I have therefore reissued 2017’s posts for Yitro and Yah willing will be back next week with “Mishpatim”. I am currently taking medication for this but your prayers as always are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Andrew
It’s the Ten Commandments being given–what more could possibly need saying after that? The answer is, plenty because this parsha is as much to do with all the drama BEFORE the Big Event as it is about the Torah being proclaimed at Sinai. As we will explore together, there’s a reason why the rabbis call this parsha “Jethro” and not “The Ten Words”. Moshe’s father in law ends up being the quiet hero who saves the day before the Big Day. And then Father Yah Himself descends in the fire to lay down the law before the Law is given to and following those rules is literally a matter of life and death.
It’s also the start of our 7th year of doing Torah portions! Find out how were are celebrating this great milestone!
“And Elohim led Israel out with a mighty hand and with signs and wonders”. Nowhere are the words more true than this week, as Pharaoh’s entire army id destroyed in the Sea of Reeds. It’s the greatest chariot force to be destroyed by Israel—that is, until our Haftorah Portion in Judges 4-5, where Sisera’s fleet of 900 iron chariots is defeated by a woman with a glass of milk. You can’t make this stuff up. Also a special update on the latest Dead Sea Scrolls research that literally broke only a few days ago. Enjoy!
“And Elohim led Israel out with a mighty hand and with signs and wonders”. Nowhere are the words more true than this week, as Pharaoh’s entire army id destroyed in the Sea of Reeds. It’s the greatest chariot force to be destroyed by Israel—that is, until our Haftorah Portion in Judges 4-5, where Sisera’s fleet of 900 iron chariots is defeated by a woman with a glass of milk. You can’t make this stuff up. Also a special update on the latest Dead Sea Scrolls research that literally broke only a few days ago. Enjoy!
“And Elohim led Israel out with a mighty hand and with signs and wonders”. Nowhere are the words more true than this week, as Pharaoh’s entire army id destroyed in the Sea of Reeds. It’s the greatest chariot force to be destroyed by Israel—that is, until our Haftorah Portion in Judges 4-5, where Siseara’s fleet of 900 iron chariots is defeated by a woman with a glass of milk. You can’t make this stuff up. Also a special update on the latest Dead Sea Scrolls research that literally broke only a few days ago. Enjoy!
The picture above is a montage of Amenhotep II, whom I believe is the Pharaoh of Exodus. Just look at this guy…especially the shot of him on his own war chariot, and ask yourself: Does he not look the part of the adversary Moshe describes in this section of Exodus? Bear in mind this carving of him was done after he died, but if my identification is correct, the man Moshe confronts is much younger, athletic ruler and seasoned commander all of 26 years old and with 8 solid years of experience on the throne–10 if we count his 2 year co-regency with his father Thutmoses III who may be the greater warrior king of them all. Imagine Moshe going up against this formidable king whose empire is at the peak of its power and experience, more than 1,700 years after his civilization was founded. Egypt is at this moment, quite simply, the greatest human power the world had ever known, but all that counts for nothing when it goes to war, as it does this week, with Father YAH, Master of Hosts!
Here’s short but really good video showing why Amenhotep II is the most likely Pharaoh of the Exodus. Really like this one and hope you all will too.