Tag: Parashat Va’era

The Torah reading Va’era (“I appeared”) covers Exodus 6:2-9:35.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

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

Alt-text: Digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a heavy impasto palette knife style, depicting Pharaoh in royal purple and gold garments gripping a dissolving scepter, facing Moses in humble earth tones with his hand raised toward divine light breaking through swirling clouds. Fragmented chains and mist symbolize liberation and the loss of control. The image bears a “Hallel.info” watermark in the lower right corner and overlaid text reading: “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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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Standing strong or standing stubborn: What’s the difference? (Exodus 6–7)

What does it really means to have a “hardened heart,” like what cause the pharaoh of Egypt at the time of Israel’s Exodus? Three Hebrew words translated “harden” help us see the spiritual condition at work at that time and with us today. This study reflects on the balance between God’s actions and our choices, and how we can pray for softer hearts and “lips” to become more open, compassionate and effective in our internal and external lives.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Shekinah revealed: How the LORD’s tangible presence refutes the ‘absentee landlord’ myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33–34; Luke 8)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife-style image of an Ancient Near East older man sitting at the entrance of his tent and looking at three men approaching. Text says, "Shekinah revealed How the LORD's tangible presence refutes the absentee landlord myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33-34; Luke 8)."

This study of Genesis 18 further explores Abraham’s faith journey. His bargaining for the lives of the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights why the LORD knew he was the right choice to establish a legacy of overcoming the world and staying on Heaven’s path of justice and righteousness. This startling example of the LORD’s active presence and involvement in human affairs is far removed from the accusation that He’s an “absentee landlord.”

A parallel passage in Luke 8 reveals how the parable of the sower, the healings of the bleeding woman and dead girl, and the Shema (“Hear, O Israel” from Deuteronomy 6) seem to be intertwined — and linked to Sarah’s Heaven-sent gift of a son. A lesson in all that is we need to be open to, truly understand and obey God’s word. We also delve into the role of wealth, hospitality and service in the Kingdom of Heaven, calling us to faithfulness in all aspects of life.

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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).

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

The gospel according to Moses

The gospel according to Moses (Exodus 4-5)

Some may think that the gospel started with the Bible books named after it. But that good news of the Kingdom of Heaven long preceded — and prepared the way for — the arrival of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ). In the Torah reading וארא Va’era (“I appeared,” Exodus 6:2–9:35), we see how Moses foreshadowed the gospel message and the work of the Messiah.

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Discussions Torah

Could Pharaoh have repented?: Lessons from Messiah and apostle Paul (Exodus 6–9)

Could Pharaoh have repented? Lessons from the Messiah and apostle Paul
Pharaoh also refused to humble himself initially, but God did not supernaturally intervene to change the course of Pharaoh’s life the way He did for Saul before Heaven turned him into the apostle Paul.

The God that spoke to the Pharaoh of Joseph was the same God Who spoke to the Pharaoh of Moses, who we meet in the Torah reading וארא Va’era (“I appeared,” Exodus 6:2–9:35). God does not change or grow, but He expects us to grow and change for the better. When we do, He is pleased. When we don’t, He is not pleased. 

God showed great favor to the “Pharaoh who knew Joseph” because this Pharaoh accepted the warnings given to him by God and by Joseph. He and his people were blessed because of his humility and wisdom. 

Similarly, the chief priests wouldn’t relent from their jealousy against Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), yet Paul turned did turn away from his equally zealous persecution of believers.