They say the best secrets are the ones that hide in plain sight. The ones in this parsha are no exception, as the most visible and prominent member of the Israelite community–the high priest–literally hides a universe worth of secrets both on and under his own clothes. The fabrics, the colors, the dimensions, not a single detail is without a deeper meaning. Also get a very special calendar update on the challenges that await us in 2019 and find out how one of the most familar parables of them all hides one of the greatest secrets of them all. And feast season returns…the Purim Special is next week!
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.
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 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 greatest 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!
And finally, I make a comment about Exodus 12:43 towards the end of Video #1 that I felt the need to clarify in Video #2. Basically the way my English translation read gave me a slight hesitation as I was comparing it to the Hebrew. I was expecting to see “stranger” or “uncircumcised” rather than “estranged” as Keter Crown had it and this created some hesitation on my part as I read that was not needed. Thought you all should know in advance.
And now the great struggle begins. The warnings have been given. The signs have been seen. Now, the time has come for Moshe to fight for the freedom os his people against the very same group of people that raised him for 40 years in their royal courts. But Moshe doesn’t fight alone–Father Yah is with him as He promised, and beginning this week we start to see what that “I am with you” promise really looks like. Stay tuned for special teachings also on the Egyptian Plague Clock and a detailed look at what I believe the Scripture says about life after death. Enjoy!
Joseph is gone and also, apparently forgotten, at least by the Egyptians. Now dark times fall on the Hebrews of Goshen as they go from valued partners to hated enemies and from the pinnacle of power in Egypt to the lowest of the low, slaves who can’t even get straw for their bricks. But a new hero arises too. Moshe is born and begins what may be the most important journey in all of the Tanakh, from prince, to fugitive, to failed leader and then to Lawgiver. Let’s rest the clock again as an entire new adventure is about to begin.
The title says it all–vayechi–“and he lived”. But this is not just true of Jacob spending his last 17 years in Egypt but really of the entire generation of two nations that lives because of Joseph. Jacob’s preparations to leave this earth, as well as those of his son’s Joseph that we will get at the end, range from the sensible to the surprising. Why does Jacob feel the need to adopt two of Joseph’s own sons as his own? Why is it that the way Jacob’s body is treated in Egypt gives us clues to Jacob’s real status as one of the greatest funeral processions ever recorded sojourns to Canaan to let the patriarch rest? And how is it that the most important prophecy Joseph ever gives is right at the end of his life? Find out as we explore Egyptian archaeology and history to reveal the truth!
After 22 years, grieving father and son are finally reunited this week, and it literally could not be closer to being too late. Jacob, long weakened by the loss of Joseph, has barely been hanging on for more than two decades. And Joseph has already gone through enough false imprisonments and accusations to last several lifetimes, and now only has one more foe to master: himself. As the drama with his brothers reaches its climax this week, Joseph may be on the verge of a near breakdown. Can he hold it together long enough to restore his family and save the lives of millions? Also, a member Q&A on a controversial topic once again creates an unexpected opportunity to set the record straight on what may be the most contentious calendar topic of them all. Enjoy!
An innocent man languishes in prison for two years for a crime he did not commit. He is only freed because the selfish cupbearer, who broke his word and didn’t speak up for Joseph once he was comfortable, saw an opportunity to help Pharaoh. As Joseph is freed from one prison, he enters the new world of international politics where his word will become law and the fate of Egypt rests in his hands…and his dream interpretations.
Welcome to the 2017 Hanukkah Special. It is thanks to the generosity of our members and donors that we can bring this free feast teaching to you.Come join us on a surprising tour of the “Hidden Hanukkah” throughout the Scriptures, as hints and details about that feast were prophesied in astonishing detail up to thousands of years in advance. There are also some amazing connections in the Renewed Covenant writings and wider history to explore together. Enjoy and Happy Hanukkah!
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