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Discussions Torah

Exodus 7-8 — Aharon’s rod ‘eats’ the magicians’ rods; the first three plagues on Mitsraim

The people of Israel didn’t follow Moshe (Moses) initially. Moshe didn’t believe that Pharaoh would hear him either. God affirmed Moshe yet God told Moshe and Aaron to go to Pharaoh anyway. God had a plan to elevate Moshe and Aharon (Aaron) in the eyes of Pharaoh and the people of Israel. The first three plagues were unleashed on Mitsraim (Egypt) but the magicians of Mitsraim have the same power and Pharaoh doesn’t want to believe that the hand of the Creator is at work in Moshe and Aharon.

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Discussions Torah

When God Reveals His Name: Lessons from Exodus 6

In today’s discussion, we explored Exodus 6, focusing on God’s promise to deliver Israel and the meaning behind His name, “I Am, that I Am.” We talked about Moses’ doubts, the Israelites’ broken spirits under oppression, and how God’s actions fulfill His promises. The group reflected on the importance of faith during hardship, the pattern of God revealing Himself, and the significance of genealogy in understanding Israel’s story. We also connected these lessons to our own spiritual journeys.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Samuel 28-29 — Sha’ul sought knowledge from God, resorted to a medium when God stopped talking to him

As Saul faced his end, he became so frustrated with God’s silence that he sought out counsel in a way he knew was wrong. David, on the other hand, considered coming back to Israel alongside the Philistine army but is rebuffed just as Saul was rebuffed by God — and Samuel.

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Discussions Torah

Moshe returned to Mitsraim with Aharon; Tzipporah does emergency circumcision; Pharaoh rejects the first request for Yisrael to leave (Exodus 4–5)

Moshe (Moses) returned to Mitsraim (Egypt) and found Aharon (Aaron) was willing to help him accomplish the task God gave him to do. However, Moshe and his wife Tzipporah have a life-and-death confrontation with God first, and she saved them all by quickly circumcising a son. Once Aharon and Moshe set God’s plan into motion, they face Pharaoh and hit their first roadblock.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 21:1–16 — Paul travels from the isles of Asia toward Yerushalayim

Paul is anxious to return to Yerushalayim for the feast of Shavuot (Pentecost), but on his way he receives dire warnings of what would face him when he gets there. The events that occur in Yerushalayim start the process of Paul’s journey to Rome.

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Discussions Torah

Moses’ first 80 years (Exodus 1–3)

The first 80 years of Moses’ life are summarized in Exodus 1-3. It starts with his birth in Egypt and the end of chapter 3 tells us about his call to return to Egypt. The rest of the book focuses on the last 40 years of his life.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Samuel 27 — David flees Saul to Philistia

David grows weary of trying to keeping one step away from Saul in the land. David doesn’t want Israelite blood on his hands so he flees to Philistia to hide from Saul there. During his time under the Philistines, David continues his attacks on the enemies of God.0