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Torah readings

Readings: Nov. 1, 2025

Exodus 12:14–28 records the institution of Passover as a perpetual memorial — God’s rescue, sanctification and removal of leaven — pointing to Yeshua as the true Paschal Lamb whose sacrifice effects a spiritual exodus. Jeremiah 46:13–28 is a prophetic judgment on Egypt, underscoring God’s sovereignty over nations. Colossians 1:13–14 can be read like a midrash (often metaphorical commentary): believers are rescued from darkness and transferred into the King’s domain, paralleling Israel’s liberation.

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Torah readings

Readings: Oct. 25, 2025

Exodus 10–12 portrays God’s decisive judgment on Egypt and the first Passover: blood and unleavened bread mark Israel’s rescue and point forward to Messiah’s atoning work. Parallel passage Isaiah 19 warns of Egypt’s humbling yet promises future healing and inclusion among God’s peoples. In parallel passage John 1:29–34, Yokhanan names Yeshua (Jesus) “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world,” linking Passover to His Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) sin-removing, priestly atoning role.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12)

In this study of Exodus 8–9, we explored how Pharaoh’s attempts to negotiate with God revealed the futility of seeking control over true submission. We examined the motivations behind biblical negotiations — whether for personal gain or to save lives — and why God honors one over the other. Via parallel passages Isaiah 34–35 and Hebrews 12, we also discussed the destruction of Esau/Edom, compared how pagan gods and the God of Israel love humanity, and reflected on how authentic repentance and selfless motivations matter most when relating to God and others.

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Torah readings

Readings: Oct. 18, 2025

Adonai’s sovereign confrontation with Egypt’s gods through plagues continues in Exodus 8–9, calling Israel to true worship and revealing Pharaoh’s hardness. Parallel passage Isaiah 34–35 links divine judgment on Edom and the nations with hopeful restoration for Zion and healing for the redeemed. Parallel passage Hebrews 12:14–17 is read as apostolic exhortation: pursue peace and holiness, beware moral and spiritual immaturity exemplified by Esau, and persevere in covenant faithfulness toward Messiah and covenant community, grounded in Torah-rooted ethics and eschatological hope today.

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Torah readings

Readings: Sept. 27, 2025

Exodus 4:14–6:1 shows God commissioning Moses despite fears, to rescue Israel — foreshadowing deliverance. Parallel passage Isaiah 55:12–56:7 expands God’s invitation beyond Israel, promising peace, joy, and inclusion for the oppressed and foreigners, under the new covenant. Acts 7:35–37, via deacon Stephen, connects Moses’ role as deliverer to “the Prophet like him” (Deuteronomy 18) whom Israel must heed — seen as a prophecy fulfilled in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah (Christ).

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Torah readings

Readings: Sept. 20, 2025

God’s call (Exodus 3:1-4:17) shows that even when we feel weak, unknown, or afraid, God’s presence (“I am”) empowers us. He reveals Himself, commissions Moses, gives signs, and insists obedience. In parallel passage Isaiah 40:11-19, God’s greatness is contrasted with the frailty and worthlessness of idols and nations — He tends his flock, carries the lambs, shepherds the weak, showing compassion. Parallel passage Acts 10 (Peter & Cornelius) demonstrates that God’s acceptance is not limited to Jews — cleansed hearts, not food laws, bring people near; Gentiles are included in God’s covenant through Messiah Yeshua.

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Torah readings

Readings: Sept. 13, 2025

Exodus 1–2 shows God opposing oppression through courageous women and preserving Moses, patterning a redeemer whose story foreshadows Messiah. Parallel passage Isaiah 27:6–13 promises Israel’s fruitfulness and the great shofar gathering exiles to worship in Jerusalem — an end-time hope. Hebrews 11:23 highlights Moses’ parents’ faith, defying Pharaoh because they discerned God’s purpose in their son. Romans 16:1–2 commends Phoebe, who modeled Spirit-empowered female partnership in the Body of Messiah’s mission. Together these passages call disciples to fear God, honor women’s roles and trust Messiah’s deliverance.