Tag: Exodus

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Discussions Torah

Sinai’s call: A journey of renewal and spiritual awakening through Messiah (Exodus 19–20)

Sinai's call: A journey of renewal and awakening through Messiah Yeshua (Exodus 19-20). Artwork of the burning bush on the side of a mountain with other peaks in the background.

The 10 Commandments, recorded in Torah reading יִתְרוֹ Yitro (Jethro; Exodus 18:1–20:23), stand as a divine testimony, revealing the eternal plan of the Holy One for humanity. In this study, we will see that understanding our identity, purpose, and ultimate goal unfolds as we traverse the journey of Passover, marking our passage from bondage to freedom.

Like the modern British Commonwealth, Israel embodies a unique entity, with her sons and daughters designated as priests, kings and prophets but most importantly, as sons and daughters of God. Amidst vacillations between fidelity and faltering, Israel’s distinction emanates from divine appointment.

Central to the sanctification that Heaven bestows through this promise — covenant — of adoption is Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ). The essence of “new birth” intertwines Sinai’s instruction with the Spirit’s vitality, propelling us toward righteousness and intimate communion with the Holy One.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Yitro (יתרו): Exodus 18:1–20:23

Studies in Torah

Scripture likens people truly loyal to the Creator of Heaven and Earth to a bride. And the presentation of the Ten Commandments at Sinai is compared to the signing of a ketubah (wedding contract).

It’s not by coincidence there are a number of parallels between the events at Sinai recorded in this week’s Torah reading — יִתְרוֹ Yitro (Jethro), covering Exodus 18:1–20:23 — and the Jewish wedding ceremony. Marriage is about transparency, devotion and loyalty, and that’s the testimony of the LORD in the Ten Words of Exodus 20.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Beshalach (בשלח): Exodus 13:17–17:16

Studies in Torah

It took more to save Yisra’el from the House of Bondage than faith in lamb’s blood on the doorpost, as the Destroyer of the firstborn roamed the streets of Mitzraim during the first Passover. Then came being cornered at the Red Sea by a huge army and going into the desert without sufficient water or food. Discover the path of training in righteousness all believers in the LORD and His Passover (Yeshua the Lamb of God) must travel. It’s explained in this week’s Torah reading (בְּשַׁלַּח Beshalach, “when he sent” or “after he had let go,” Exodus 13:17-17:16).

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Discussions Torah

Faith and familiarity: Why God’s people often struggle to trust God (Exodus 10–13)

Faith & familiarity: Why God's people often struggle with trust in God (Exodus 10-13). An elderly man with a white beard wearing Middle Eastern style head covering and cloak looks pensively off to the right side with illumination mainly of his face.

The stubborn disbelief of Israel despite witnessing God’s power worked by Moshe (Moses) and Yeshua (Jesus) is a persistent, perplexing pattern across time and the Scriptures. Despite the miracles, generations of God’s people who witnessed the miracles remained resistant, while surrounding pagan cultures sometimes displayed more humility and open-mindedness to belief.

This study of Torah reading בֹּא Bo (“come,” Exodus 10:1–13:16) explores the paradoxical nature of Israel’s stubbornness, acknowledging its role in preserving Scriptures but cautioning against using stubbornness as an excuse to ignore God’s will.

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Passover Torah readings

Torah reading Bo (בוא): Exodus 10:1–13:16

Studies in Torah

The cost of freedom for enslaved Yisra’el (Israel) was the death of the firstborn of Mitzraim (Egypt), and the cost of our freedom from slavery to the deathward lifestyle away from the Creator is the death of the LORD’s Firstborn, Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ).

The last three plagues, including the coming of the Destroyer for the firstborn of Mitzraim, and the first Pesakh are the focus of Torah reading בֹּא Bo (“come,” Exodus 10:1-13:16).

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Discussions Torah

Walking blamelessly before God: A ransomed life moving toward spiritual maturity (Exodus 6–9)

Walking blamelessly before God: A ransomed life moving toward spiritual maturity (Exodus 6-9). The feet of a person wearing blue jeans and sneakers are seen walking on a road in late afternoon sun.

In this study of Torah reading וָאֵרָא‎ Va’era (“I appeared,” Exodus 6:2–9:35), Pharaoh’s unyielding heart despite God’s plagues on Mitzraim (Egypt) foreshadows humanity’s futile rebellion against the authority of the Creator, as echoed in Revelation. Pharaoh’s “hardened” heart yields briefly with his son’s death, which challenged both his lineage and Egypt’s deities.

Pharaoh’s obstinacy is part of a prophetic role for Israel to bear witness to the global importance of God’s names El Shaddai and YHWH. That role, which reaches its fullness in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), has come with persecution toward those who uphold the righteousness and sovereignty of the Creator.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Va’era (וארא): Exodus 6:2–9:35

Studies in Torah

It’s no coincidence that the freedom of Yisra’el from bondage in Mitzraim was accompanied by 10 plagues and the release of mankind on the coming Day of the LORD comes after seven plagues. Why such drastic measures are required to give people freedom is behind this week’s Torah portion, וָאֵרָא‎ Va’era (“I appeared,” Exodus 6:2–9:35).