DRY GROUND

“’Lift your staff, reach out with your hand over the sea, and divide it in two. The people of Isra’el will advance into the sea on dry ground.’”
Exodus 14:16

Within all the surrounding panic of Pharaoh closing in on the Hebrews, as well as the Hebrews blaming Moshe for what looked like a bad day, Adonai spoke to Moshe. The words may not have been what Moshe was expecting, but they were the words advised. “Stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it in two.” I am pretty sure they didn’t teach that miracle in Leading the Nation 101, yet still Moshe obeyed. And why not, each other time Adonai had told Moshe or Aharon to stretch out their hand in Egypt Adonai followed through. So once again Moshe’s hand was outstretched and the waters parted.
The weather patterns that Adonai had placed in front of those being delivered now moved from the front to the back, to prevent Pharaoh and his army from pressing in further. It stationed itself to where the Egyptians were in the darkness and the Isra’elites were in the light. Then, with the light from the fire of Adonai shining for them, they watched as a strong wind pulled back the waters, congealing them and dividing them in two walls of water. Dry ground covered the land for the nation to walk across.
The Torah speaks that Pharaoh and the Egyptians continued their pursuit, but were seen by Adonai. It was He who caused the waters to split. It was He now who also allowed the chariots, horses, and cavalry to get stuck in the passage way. Wheels got broken off, stuck, and rendered useless. In even this, as with the plagues, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened while his people saw clearly that the battle was one sided. Adonai was fighting for His people.
I know that sometimes it does not seem like it, but Adonai is fighting for us just as well. Deliverance has been promised, and perhaps the plagues have even come. Yet still we face the Red Sea and are unsure how we will survive. As I am personally learning, Adonai fights for His people. The army of Egypt may not like the fact that we are free, but the God we serve will be sure to have the chariots rendered useless and army stuck in mud or trapped between tight rocky splits. We will find ourselves walking on the dry ground, even when surrounded by walls of water. We will find ourselves walking on dry ground because we trust in Adonai to continue on in what He has promised – our complete deliverance.

Exodus 14:15-25

ADONAI WILL BATTLE FOR YOU

“’Adonai will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!’”
Exodus 14:14

When the Hebrews saw the army of Pharaoh coming after them, they began to fear. Fear can cause us to say and do some pretty stupid things. I am a testimony of this. It was a fear of being caught in my addiction that prevented me from opening up to get help for so many years. It was a fear of being known that kept me in prison to my addiction. And it was a fear of what was to come that kept me from telling the full truth when I was confronted of my addiction. But fear is to have no place. Although I said and did some stupid things in my years bound, the freedom was worth the price of honesty.
Here as well the Hebrews acted in fear. In fear they blame Moshe. They question why he brought them out, why they couldn’t have just remained slaves, and why they should die here as opposed to in Egypt. What they did not know is what I also failed to see. Freedom was knocking on their door. Just as in my circumstance, Adonai was fighting for them. Adonai was their man of war, their ISYH MILCHAMAH (Ex 15:3), and He was about to prove Himself. So then, with the word of the LORD, Moshe worked to calm the people’s fears by announcing that this would be the last day the Egyptians would ever be seen. Adonai was about to roll up His sleeves and do battle on their behalf.

Exodus 14:9-14

WEATHER PATTERNS

"After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."
Exodus 13:20-22

Last night the storms raged through Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and continued moving northeast. The first alert I had of it came around 8pm, while I was at the bowling alley with my kids. They estimated it to hit my area between midnight and 2am, so already I knew I was in for a long night. With two children under 10, even the joke of a tornado sweeps fear into them. I did my best to put them to sleep before it came, but even with a high dose of prayer against fear, they both were afraid. I myself worked also to sleep, with the TV on and the weather radio at my side. Sure enough, the alert started to blare.
Once my children heard the alert they were wide eyed again. There we were, from about 1am to 2am, glued to the TV. We watched the weather casters track each piece of the storm, informing us of hooks and giving us best guesses of wind speeds. And with each new piece of data they did their best to be brave. Finally, I felt it was time to go ahead and bunker in the closet for a bit while the worst of the storm swept over our area. When the storm had passed and news of our area being clear of the climax was given, we came out and all went back to bed. The storm had been tracked and under the direction of the weather people we had done as we were told. Under the authority of God, however, we were kept safe from another potential disaster.
In a similar way, the people of Israel had the same opportunity of tracking weather and being in a place of safety under God’s authority. After Moses had brought the people out of Egypt and they began their journey to the Promised Land, God chose to make the way clear. The people followed Moses in the direction he took them. Granted sometimes happily and sometimes grumbling, the Israelites nevertheless they did reach their destination. But God chose to give a sign that no one could mistake. So that there was no mistaking His path, God provided a cloud during the day and a fire at night. He provided for the Israelites and all those who watched them a clear sign of guidance. They knew they were coming out of slavery. They knew that God was leading them into THEIR land and they would have to take it by force. Yet God was with them. The cloud and the fire were a representation that they were in His hands.
As I recall the tracking of this storm I am challenged in my own life. This up to date instrument that was being used to track the storm every 100 seconds made it easy to know right where the storm was, as opposed to having a five minute delay. That few minutes of difference was the benefit in the saving of lives. But the challenge to me is if I am following God that closely. Is my tracking of God delayed? I want be right there, up close and personal with what God is doing, and not waiting at the bus stop for a bus that has already left. I want to move with Him when He moves, and stop with Him when He stops. I want the cloud and fire to lead me instead of going by the seat of my pants. Yet unless I am following His patterns, I put myself in a place where I will miss the pattern. I do not want that for myself, nor for you. So then, let us glue ourselves to His patterns, moving when He moves and stopping when He stops. Let us follow Him.

Exodus 13:17 - 14:8

A STRONG HAND

“’Moreover, it will serve as a sign on your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, so that Adonai’s Torah may be on your lips; because with a strong hand Adonai brought you out of Egypt.’”
Exodus 13:9

Adonai set for His people a way to remember the actions He had just set for His people’s deliverance. They were to set aside for Him the firstborn of both animals and humans. They were to eat matzah for seven days, leaving behind the use of hametz (leaven) during that time. When their children asked all about these regulations, they were to explain that it was because of what Adonai did when they left Egypt. But the explanation went on still. A reminder was to be on their hands and between their eyes to show the strong hand of Adonai bringing His people out. The regulation was to be observed at its proper time, year after year. All these details were proof and memory of Adonai’s strong hand.

Exodus 13:1-16

THE FINAL PLAGUE

“At midnight Adonai killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.”
Exodus 12:29

The warning had been given to Moshe that at midnight the final plague would roam Egypt, and a great cry never before heard would invade the land. True to His word, Adonai unleashed death to the firstborn at midnight. People and animals alike were found dead. But why? As we have seen already, Adonai had proved Himself greater than the gods of Egypt. Still one god, or image of god, remained. The Pharaoh himself was esteemed in their culture as a god. Killing even the son of Pharaoh, Adonai proved His might and authority over the last of the false gods.
With horrendous wailing in the background, Pharaoh awoke to find his own son had passed. He became irate and summoned for Moshe and Aharon in the night and said to them, “’Up and leave my people, both you and the people of Isra’el; and go, serve Adonai as you said. Take both your flocks and your herds, as you said; and get out of here!’” In fear, the Egyptians as a whole also demanded they leave, for the fear of death was now upon them.
Grabbing their unleavened bread, bowls, and the clothes they were already dressed in as instructed by Adonai, the people of Isra’el went about asking for gold or silver from the Egyptians. This was just as Adonai had said. With the Egyptians so favorably disposed, they gave whatever they had to the Isra’elites. They then moved from Ra’amses to Sukkot, approximately six hundred thousand men alone, along with their families and livestock. The captivity they had known for a grand total of four hundred thirty years was now done. Adonai alone had brought His people out.

Exodus 12:29-51

NIGHT TO BE REMEMBERED

“’When you come to the land which Adonai will give you, as he has promised you are to observe this ceremony.’”
Exodus 12:25
After all the instructions were given, Moshe called for the leaders to select and take lambs for their families. Once the days were done, they were instructed to slaughter to lamb and with hyssop leaves, dip the leaves in the basin of blood and smear it on the door posts. No one was allowed outside after this was completed. Adonai was about to pass over the land.
This night was to be remembered. Out in the desert, when prompted, or when reaching the Promise Land, this night was to be sacred. This night, so much deeper than Easter and bunnies, marked the freedom of a nation. This night was to be remembered, retold, and kept. This night was the first night of their freedom.

Exodus 12:21-28

THE LAMB

“Moshe said, ‘Here is what Adonai says: “About midnight I will go out into Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land f Egypt will dies, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the slave-girl at the handmill, and all the firstborn of the livestock.”’”
Exodus 11:4

The end of the plagues was about to come. Moshe had just been warned of the final plague, the death of all firstborns in Egypt, from Pharaoh himself to the firstborn of the animals. Adonai had already spoken this day would come back in Exodus 4:22 when He said, “’Then you are to tell Pharaoh: “ADONAI says, ‘Isra’el is my firstborn son. I have told you to let my son go in order to worship me, but you have refused to let him go. Well, then, I will kill your firstborn!”’” The deliverance of Adonai’s people was close at hand, but only if they obeyed Adonai’s commands concerning the blood of the lamb.
Adonai knew that this plague would cause great distress, but in it His people would not only be released from slavery, but be pushed out of Egypt. But first, Adonai had instructions for Moshe and Aharon. This would be a red letter, calendar day. In fact, it would be this day when their calendar would ring the day month of the year for them. On this night those who followed after Adonai were to take a lamb without defect for his family, and use it as a sacrifice. Although selected, it was not to be killed for another few days when all the Hebrews would slaughter together. The blood from the lamb then would be smeared on the two sides and a top the door frame. That night the meat was to be roasted in fire and eaten with matzah. Anything left over was to be burned completely.
The people of Isra’el were also instructed on how to eat, with their belt fastened, shoes on, staff in hand, and in haste. They were to be ready because once the death angel passed, judgment would be served and deliverance had. The blood smeared around the door was a sign for the follower of Adonai, and prevented death from coming into the home of that person.
For seven days matzah alone was allowed, ridding the home of any leaven. Anyone eating leaven was to be cut off from Isra’el. Adonai was serious. And it is this same instruction that many Jews follow today during Pesach. The lamb is cooked, the home free of flour or yeast, and the remembrance of Adonai’s deliverance the topic of conversation.

Exodus 11:4 – 12:20

PHARAOH’S FACE

“Pharaoh said to them, ‘Get away from me! And you had better not see my face again, because the day you see my face, you will die!’”
Exodus 10:28

Pharaoh was at it again, trying to make deals with Moshe. Whereas before he agreed to letting only the men go, now he was working to make a deal that the flocks and herds had to be left behind. Moshe combated this idea in saying that the animals needed to go as well since they were unsure what sacrifices would be required by Adonai. To this Pharaoh answered, “Get away from me! And you had better not see my face again, because the day you see my face, you will die!”
Adonai spoke again to Moshe, this time with grave news. A final plague was coming. It would be the final straw, the piece that would ensure the deliverance promised four hundred years ago, but it would come with a price. Moshe did not know exactly what Adonai would send, but he did know that each man and woman was to ask his neighbor for gold and silver jewelry. The Egyptians favorably disposed the Hebrews, Pharaoh’s people revered Moshe, and God was moving. Pharaoh’s face was to not be seen again on account of death, but it would not be on account of Moshe’s death, as we will soon see.

Exodus 10:24 – 11:3

LOCUSTS AND DARKNESS

“Pharaoh hurried to summon Moshe and Aharon and said, ‘I have sinned against Adonai your God and against you.’”
Exodus 10:16

Having kids, or better yet having been a kid, I sometimes find myself asking the old question, ‘When will they learn?” Unfortunately I find myself asking the same thing in reference to Pharaoh. When will he learn? Granted I understand that Adonai continued to harden his heart, I still find myself wondering why he kept making vows and then changing his mind. In Exodus 10:8 Pharaoh gave permission for the people to leave, but then questioned who all would be going. The response was everyone. Pharaoh didn’t like this answer and tried to talk Moshe down to just the men going. But that was not Adonai’s terms. As such he took back his offer and again had a hard heart.
Following the hard heart came the plague of locusts, which had been forewarned by Moshe already. With the locusts eating every plant that the hail had left behind, and so numerous that the ground looked black, Adonai was once again showing His power. The Egyptian god Seth was known as the god of wind and storms. Adonai had caused a wind to blow in over Egypt, and with it brought the massive intrusion of locusts. When Pharaoh surrendered once more, Moshe prayed and a wind again blew the locusts, this time forcing them west.
After this surrender, though, the heart of Pharaoh was hard once more. The cycle continued. But Adonai wasn’t done. Commanding Moshe to reach out his hand again, this time toward the sky, a darkness covered the land of Egypt. The Torah records the darkness was so think I could be felt. This was worse than the eerie feeling one gets when watching Scooby Doo. The people could not see each other and for three days no one left. Yet again, proving not only His power but also His love for His people, the Hebrews in the land of Goshen had light. The Egyptian god Ra, the god of the sun, had now also been defeated, its power void. The strength of Egypt was being defeated and defaced with each plague Adonai was sending. Yet one strength remained to be conquered.

Exodus 10:12-23

HARDENED HEART

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.’”
Exodus 10:1-2

In following along with the Torah portions, or the Parashah, you will find that this week’s reading is titled ‘BO’, which translates to go or come, and is taken from Exodus 10:1 as the first word Adonai spoke to Moshe in this passage. “Go to Pharaoh…” There was a reason for which Adonai was telling Moshe to visit Pharaoh. He had already purposed that Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened for it was in this hardened state that Adonai was about to deal harshly with the Egyptians.
And harshly He did. Already the Egyptians had suffered the plagues of blood instead of water, frogs, gnats, flies, dying livestock, boils, and hail. By the time we catch up with the story in Chapter 10, we find that Adonai is about to unleash three more plagues. The plagues to follow would be locusts, darkness, and the death of all first born sons. Although Adonai had shown His power already, more was still to come. However, with each phase and new plague, Adonai continued to keep Pharaoh’s heart hardened.
I have wondered why before, especially when Adonai desires that we stay pliable for Him to be able to use us. Why would He purposefully make a heart hard? And what does this really even mean? So, beings the way I am, I decided to find out. The word ‘hardened’ is defined as heavy, burdensome, and weighty in the Hebrew. With this understanding then, we see that He made Pharaoh’s heart heavy. If Adonai made Pharaoh’s heart heavy, then I see how this fits in with His main purpose. In a troubled state, Adonai would show His mighty hand through miraculous signs.
I take away two things from this passage. The first, even if mistranslated, is that I want my heart to open to Adonai for His use. I want to stay pliable before Him. But the second is maybe a little more comforting to me than it was to Pharaoh. There are times when I am troubled in my heart. Life doesn’t always seem to go the way I want it to. Yet even here, in this heavy moment, I have an assurance. Adonia will show His mighty hand through miraculous signs. I may not be completely sure of how He will do it, but as He works to take away my troubles and provide for me a peace, I wait on Him.

Exodus 10:1-11

LIVESTOCK AND SORES

“’By now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with such severe plagues that you would have been wiped off the earth. But it is for this very reason that I have kept you alive – to show you my power, and so that my name may resound throughout the whole earth.’”
Exodus 9:15-16

Pharaoh summoned Moshe when the insects got to be too numerous and again he agreed to letting the Hebrews go worship their God. He did this, however, for no other reason than to find relief once more. Once the plague had ceased, Pharaoh’s heart grew hard as it had before. To this action Adonai had another response. To prove His power over the Egyptian god of the livestock, Hathor, whose image is of a female with horns of a steer, Adonai brought a plague of destruction over the horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and flocks where they suffered a devastating illness. While the animals of Goshen suffered not, the animals under Pharaoh’s ruling were soon found dead. Pharaoh investigated this detail and found it true, yet still he did not soften his heart.
Adonai then spoke once more to Moshe and Aharon, saying to take handfuls of ash from a kiln and that Moshe should throw it in the air before Pharaoh. When he did, the ash went through the air and began to produce infected sores on the people of Egypt. At this the magicians couldn’t even stand near Moshe because of the sores that covered them. Defeating the goddess Isis, who was believed to be the goddess of health and medicine for a story of healing she had once done, Adonai again made His power known.
With still no relaxing of Pharaoh’s heart, Moshe delivered a powerful speech to his once brother. Starting off with the phrase “Let my people go…” Moshe ended with Adonai’s words, “By now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with such severe plagues that you would have been wiped off the earth. But it is for this very reason that I have kept you alive – to show you my power, and so that my name may resound throughout the whole earth.” Pharaoh’s hard heart was about to get a wakeup call.

Exodus 8:19 – 9:16

LICE AND INSECTS

“Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharaoh was made hardhearted, so that he didn’t listen to them, just as Adonai had said would happen.”
Exodus 8:15

With the frogs now being removed on the date decided my Pharaoh, Pharaoh changed his mind. He had told Moshe that if the frogs were stopped he would let the Hebrews go worship their God, but in seeing the relief his heart hardened once again. To this, Adonai had another response. To show that He was more powerful than the Egyptian god of the dust, Adonai instructed Moshe to speak to Aharon to reach out his staff and strike the dust. With this command, Aharon did and suddenly there were lice throughout the land of Egypt, from people to animals. The magicians worked to produce the same but could not. Adonai once again showed His power over the god Geb, and even the magicians knew this was the finger of Adonai. Still Pharaoh’s heart stayed hardened.
We aren’t sure if it is the next day or days later, but one day following, early in the morning, Adonai again speak to Moshe and orders him to stand before Pharaoh. Again he is to pronounce that Pharaoh let His people go. The punishment for Pharaoh not obeying this time is the sending of swarms of insects. True to His word, Adonai sent the swarms which invaded the houses and ground. And true to His character, Adonai proves His power over the Egyptian god Khepri, the god of insects with the face of a dung beetle. And still, the hardened heart of Pharaoh is not budged in the slightest.

Exodus 8:7-18

SNAKES, BLOOD, AND FROGS

“Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, ‘When Pharaoh says to you, “Perform a miracle,” tell Aharon to take his staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, so that it can become a snake.’”
Exodus 7:8-9

Adonai spoke to Moshe and Aharon once again, leading Moshe to a place before Pharaoh. Again Moshe and Aharon came on behalf of the Hebrews, wanting their freedom from Pharaoh’s tyrant hand. But as Aharon placed his staff down as ordered by Adonai, the staff became a snake. Pharaoh didn’t seem moved, but rather called his sages, sorcerers and magicians over to him and had them perform the same trick. It seemed to be child’s play. Yet something happened. Aharon’s snake swallowed the snakes of the others before turning back into a staff. This action did not seem to change Pharaoh’s decision to let the people go, and even Adonai knew that Pharaoh was being stubborn.
In the morning Moshe went right back to the palace and demanded that Pharaoh let Adonai’s people go again. Again the stubbornness of Pharaoh was the reply. To this, Moshe heard from Adonai that Aharon was to stretch his staff over the Nile. Once he did this, the river began to turn to blood. And it wasn’t just the river, but every container and ounce of fresh water turned to blood. Fish began to die, stink began to be present, and although Pharaoh’s men were able to replicate the water into blood, they were not able to reverse it. But why was the water attacked? To show Adonai’s power of the god of the Nile, Hapi. The nourishment that this god portrayed in his stomach and breasts, and the growth that he showed displayed in the papyrus stemming behind his head were both effected in the turning of water to blood. In this, Adonai showed He had dominance over Hapi.
Seven days later, Adonai showed His power once again. It was the custom of the Egyptians to serve the goddess Heket. Heket was shown as a female human body, but having the face of a frog. Is it any wonder then that the next plague would show Adonai’s power over her by releasing a hoard of frogs on Egypt? And although, once again, the men of Pharaoh were able to replicate, they were not able to cease the plague. Finally Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aharon to request they have the plague stopped in exchange for letting the people go. Moshe agreed and even gave him the ability to name the date the plague would stop. I have a hard time understanding why he requested the next day as opposed to the current day, but either way Adonai showed His power by ceasing the next day just as requested.
Yet as we will continue to see, Pharaoh was bluffing. Once the plague lifted, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened again.

Exodus 7:8 – 8:6

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

“Moshe was eighty years old and Aharon eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”
Exodus 7:7

It was just two weeks back that I was celebrating my thirty-seventh birthday. While I do not sit here and think, ‘Where has the time gone?,’ I do question, ‘What is next?’ I remember the calling Adonai has given me and await with eager expectation what the next part is. I desire to be launched into full time ministry as He promised, but it has not happened yet. I have prayed about it many times, and it seems as though He has answered me as to the when, but not fully the how. While I know I have time to wait, though, I battle another thought. Many of the people I went to college with came right out of seminary and into the ministry. Why was I unable to? Why must I wait till this golden age before being released, and won’t I be too old when that day finally comes?
For Moshe it seems it was a little different. It is estimated that at age forty he fled from Egypt and took up the art of shepherding. But at the age of eighty, Adonai called him back to Egypt. These days, when a person hits eighty they are normally retired, not getting ready for a second job. Oh, but wait, Adonai’s kingdom is different. It is in His kingdom that age is just a number and not a restriction. So then, if that is the case, then my having to wait a few more years won’t make me old, it will make me ripe and in season. All the while, when Moshe was in the wilderness with his sheep, Adonai was training him. Adonai was getting the Egypt out of Moshe and putting the Hebrew back in him.
Adonai was cleansing Moshe, and He is doing the same with me. These past thirteen and some years since graduating college, and perhaps the few more to come, have been my time in the wilderness. It has been in these years where the world has been being cleansed out of me and the Yeshua placed back in me. It hasn’t been an easy road but it has shaped me, changed me, and made me more hungry for Adonai. The age factor has no bearing at all, for I would rather be fully ready than step out ill prepared and fail. And perhaps you too are in that same wilderness. I used to hate the wilderness, but now I am learning to love it. It is here I am being remade. And it is here He will remake you as well. Let us let Him get the Egypt and world out of us, so that He can replace it with Himself.

Exodus 6:29 – 7:7

BROTHERS

“These are the Aharon and Moshe to whom Adonai said, ‘Bring the people of Isra’el out of the land of Egypt, division by division.’”
Exodus 6:26

As I began to read this portion of the Parashah, I began to grow a little bored. Where was the action? Where was the thundering voice or the flaming vengeance? Where was the war or the conversations that I could see myself in? In reading, it was just a bunch of names about who fathered who. The portion shared the piece about Re’uven’s descendants, and then of Shim’on, and then Levi. But it stopped with Levi. In fact, it seemed to spend more time in Levi’s line. Levi lived to be 137 and his second son was K’hat. K’hat lived to be 133 and his first son was ‘Amram. ‘Amram lived to be 137 and he married Yokheved, together parenting the names we have come to know, Aharon and Moshe. And it was these two sons, these brothers, who Adonai spoke with to bring His people home.

Exodus 6:14-28

I HAVE REMEMBERED MY COVENANT

“’Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Isra’el, whom the Egyptians are keeping in slavery; and I have remembered my covenant.”
Exodus 6:5

Have you ever considered that when it comes to negativity we remember well, but when it comes to blessing we forget? Let me give you an example. I can remember each of my major flaws. I can remember the first time I looked at pornography, the first time I said a cuss word, the first time I yelled at my son, the first time I got an ‘F’, the first time I got my name the board, and the first time I got pulled over. I would like to say they all happened yesterday, but I would be telling a lie. The truth is they all have happened over the course of thirty-seven years now. That means that I have had years to replay in my mind all the negative things I have done, and I didn’t give you a complete list. But if I had to make a comparison of all the promises in Adonai’s word against the negatives I can easily remember, the negative would surpass the blessing. Why?
Why is it that many times I only remember His promises when someone reminds me? The minister speaks something and my memory is triggered. I hear a song on the radio and a verse I can stand on comes to mind. I see a sunset and remember an aspect of Adonai. All these things are triggered but never remembered. I guess I am not in such bad company for Adonai had to do this with Moshe as well. After hearing the negative from the Hebrews for being called lazy by Pharaoh, Moshe went and spoke with Adonai. I wonder if the speaking was more of a pouting. But nonetheless, Adonai answered, “Now you will see what I am going to do to Pharaoh.” He went on, though, to inform Moshe that He did remember that He had established a covenant with Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya’akov. He did hear the crying of His people. And He had every intention of making good on His covenant. In a way, Adonai was just getting warmed up.
Lately I have been doing a great deal of personal prayer and study in the Word, looking to see where I am being led next. As I have shared, I know the calling Adonai has spoken over me, but I do not know the timing. It is in this year of 2012, though, that I feel He is beginning to move me into a new place. I feel it is safe to say that He is remembering His covenant, and is just getting warmed up. Although my mind continues to lead me to the thoughts of negativity, He reminds me of what He has said. And this may be exactly where you find yourself. You too may be dwelling on the past, but Adonai is saying that He is ready to move you forward. He has not, nor will He ever, forgotten His covenant concerning you. He is just warming up.

Exodus 6:2-13

GATHERING STRAW

“’You are no longer to provide straw for the bricks the people are making, as you did before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. But you will require them to produce the same quality of bricks as before, don’t reduce it, because they’re lazing around. This is why they’re crying, “Let us go and sacrifice to our God.”’”
Exodus 5:7-8

When Moshe and Aharon went before Pharaoh, they spoke the words told to them by Adonai. “Adonai says, ‘Let my people go.’” Pharaoh, however, was not so quick to obey. In fact, not knowing who Adonai was he questioned why he should even listen to Him. Then, when asked by Moshe and Aharon to let the people go, he responded with additional labor. When once straw was being given to the people, now the Hebrews were being told to gather their own straw. The other piece to all this additional labor was that the amount of bricks was not to cease. The quota still had to be met. As the people returned home a few days later, after being told they were lazy by the Pharaoh, they saw Moshe and Aharon and spoke harshly to them, almost cursing them by saying, “May Adonai look at you and judge accordingly.” With this, Moshe went back to Adonai and questioned Him.
I have heard in the past that when we question Adonai, we should always question inquisitively as opposed to in anger. It is easy for our emotions to creep in and begin to judge the one we are questioning. But in the few times I have done that, Adonai has always seemed to answer me the same way He did Job. In reading Moshe’s conversation with Adonai, though, I see a little bit of me now. There are times when He tells me to do something, and in my obedience to Him I find pain. It is normally in those times that I wonder if I heard right, or performed right, or if I was just meant to be target for someone else. I have worked to do better at believing that when I step out as Moshe did, it isn’t for any reason than for my faith to grow. Moshe may not have been the most loved at that moment, but Moshe’s faith was about to grow. After all the questions, and all the waving of his arms in frustration, Moshe heard these words. “Now you will see what I am going to do to Pharaoh.”

Exodus 5:1 – 6:1

FIRSTBORNS

“’Then you are to tell Pharaoh: “ADONAI says, ‘Isra’el is my firstborn son. I have told you to let my son go in order to worship me, but you have refused to let him go. Well, then, I will kill your firstborn!’”’”
Exodus 4:22

I was listening to a minister’s CDs recently where this verse was read. I had read it before but I guess I had read it so quick that it didn’t stick in my head. So when I heard it again, I knew I had to go back and read it. In a way, I was surprised something so blunt could be missed by me. But then again, even the simple truths seem to get hidden every now and then. They normally have to do with the lessons I either fail to learn, or the issues Adonai has been sharing with me recently concerning the Torah. Despite all that, this verse stuck out this time around.
In reading this verse in context, we find Moshe has returned from the burning bush in the desert and has shared this new mission with his father-in-law, Yitro. Moshe has asked his father-in-law if he can have permission to return to Egypt. He uses the phrase, “return to my kinsman in Egypt, to see if they are still alive.” I question if that is a piece that we miss from the burning bush, or was Moshe not fully telling Yitro the truth and reason of his trip to Egypt. Nevertheless, Moshe obtains the permission desired and takes his wife and sons with him.
After the granted permission and the departure, however, is Exodus 4:22. It is here that Adonai speaks to Moshe to do before Pharaoh all the wonders he has been and will be enabled to do. Knowing though that Pharaoh will resist, Adonai tells Moshe that he is supposed to tell Pharaoh what will happen if resisted. As Isra’el is Adonai’s firstborn, failure to allow the firstborn to go will result in Pharaoh himself losing his firstborn. We see this played out later in Exodus 11 where the warning of this death coming is spoken of again. We also see the death angel resting over Egypt in Exodus 13:15. In all we see that Adonai is a God of His Word.
But the part that chokes me up in reading this is that we are considered Adonai’s firstborn. For years growing up I was raised Christian, mainly of the Charismatic denomination. Only less than ten years ago was it explained to me that I was Jewish. As such, I grew up with the mentality that I was a part of Adonai’s family, but never that I was within the firstborn. To see these words now as a Jewish person, I find myself gleeful. While it is true I have been grafted and adopted in from my Gentile ways, I now find myself having a different outlook. Adonai calls us His bride, His beloved, and His chosen one. But here we see that the nation of Isra’el is also His firstborn. Being a father of two, I know that pride that still swells in me concerning my firstborn son. I picture Adonai the same way. There is nothing He will not do for us, but there is also a line concerning us that He draws. It is that line that Adonai was telling Moshe about. The people would go away from Egypt one way or another, but the way was already know to Adonai. It would come down to a drawl, but Adonai would win.

Exodus 4:18-31
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SIGNS AND HURDLES

“I know that the king of Egypt will not let you leave unless he is forced to do so. But I will reach out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will do there. After that, he will let you go.”
Exodus 3: 19-20

I left off last stating that the powers of hell cannot stand up against the powerful name of our God alone. And not only is His name powerful, but also the works of His hand. Knowing that Pharaoh would not let the Hebrews go, Adonai displayed to Moshe His power.
First Moshe put his staff down and watched as Adonai turned the staff into a snake, causing Moshe to recoil. When Moshe grab for its tail as instructed, it turned back into a staff. As a second sign, Adonai told Moshe to place his hand in his coat. When he did so, and removed it, he found his hand as white as snow with leprosy. When he placed his hand back in his coat and pulled it out again, his hand was restored to health. And then Adonai stated, “If they won’t believe you or heed the evidence of the first sign, they will be convinced by the second. But if they aren’t persuaded even by both these signs and still won’t listen to what you say, then take some water from the river, and pour it on the ground. The water you take from the river will turn into blood on the dry land” (Ex 4:8-9).
There was one more hurdle that Moshe had to overcome, though. Moshe found his self poor in speech, claiming his words and tongue slow. Adonai had a response for this too. Adonai spoke that He would be Moshe’s mouth and would teach him what to say. Moshe persisted, however, and the anger of Adonai blazed against Moshe. Finally Adonai stated that Aharon the Levi, Moshe’s brother, would be the spokesman. With that, Moshe was commanded to take his staff, as through his staff miracles would happen.
In contemplating the signs that Moshe received, in addition to other truth that Adonai has been showing me recently concerning moving out on His word, I see a challenge given to all of us that continues to be at the forefront of my mind lately. In this new year, we need to put the limitations that we hold ourselves aside, and move out in Adonai’s truth of us. We have been called. We have been destined. Let us stop listening to the enemy’s words about how we are no good, whether poor in speech, the wrong color, the wrong style, the wrong education. When Adonai calls us He equips us. So do not let go of His calling on you.

Exodus 3:16 – 4:17

WHO AM I TO GO?

“Moshe said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the people of Isra’el out of Egypt?’”
Exodus 3:11

Have you ever noticed that many of the men Hashem called were shepherds? Think about this with me. Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya’akov were all shepherds. Before David became king he too was a shepherd. And in reading Exodus 3:1 we see that Moshe was tending the sheep of his father-in-law Yitro. It was during one of these times that Moshe was leading the flock to the far side of the desert that he came to the mountain of God, Horev. He saw there a bush that was on fire but not consumed. With curiosity he approached this strange sight.
From out of this fiery bush a voice called, “Moshe, Moshe.” Moshe responded, perhaps with fear or timidity, “Here I am.” And then the voice continued, “Do not come any closer, but take off you sandals for you are standing on holy ground.” I can almost picture Moshe recklessly and speedily working to get his sandals off. Continuing on, the voice spoke. ”I am the God of your father, of Avraham, Yitz’chak, and of Ya’akov.” Moshe now covered his eyes as best he could, for he was standing in the presence of God, and reverence for Him overtook him. Hashem spoke, “I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, I have heard their cries, and I know their pain. I have a better place for them, a place promised to them in the land of the Kena’ani. Therefore, Moshe, I am sending you to Pharaoh to lead my people out of Egypt.”
I know for myself, if I was to hear these words, I would have a few questions. The first would be are you sure, and the second would be are you sure. Maybe Moshe handled it a little better than I would have in asking, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the people of Isra’el out of Egypt?” To this, Hashem announced that He would be with Moshe on this mission. But although that was welcomed, it didn’t answer all the questions. The Egyptians had many gods, all with their own supposed strengths. If Moshe walked into this battlefield of redeeming Hashem’s people, he needed to know more about Hashem. To this Moshe questioned, “Who should I tell them has sent me?” The answer was clear, “Say this to the people of Isra’el: Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [Adonai].” Moshe may have been just a shepherd, but the One calling Him was Adonai.
This name is so holy that it is not spoken as a name, but rather as letters in the Hebrew Bible. It is this name that we are commanded not to take in vain. This name alone holds the power of God Himself. And this name, written as יהוֹה carries an unknown power that makes the devil wince and demons shrink back. As we look a little deeper at the, we can find that this name is known as the Tetragrammaton. In English, this name is written as YHWH, and is derived from the Hebrew triconsonantal root. It is mainly translated from the Hebrew in English texts as “I am what I am” or “I will be that which I am now”.
The point in all this etymology is not to bore you, but rather to help in the understanding of our text. In John 18, as Yeshua was finishing His prayer in the garden, the Roman soldiers were on the move. Their mission was to find the Christ and arrest him. It is hard to say if they were unsure of what Yeshua looked like, or if it was too dark and they couldn’t make his face out in the light of the torches, but either way they were asked by Yeshua who they were looking for. The small army replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.” As Yeshua replied, “I am he,” the soldiers fell down.
I had never caught that before now, but there is such power in this name. So what are you battling today? What calling or mission is He speaking to you? Or maybe the question is whose power are you relying on? The powers of hell cannot stand up against the powerful name of our God alone.

Exodus 3:1-15

YEARS LATER

“One day, when Moshe was a grown man, he went out to visit his kinsmen, and he watched them struggling at forced labor…”
Exodus 2:11a

Between Exodus 2:10 and 2:11, it is estimated that forty years passed. We last see Moshe as a baby being drawn from the water and his birth mother retrieved to nurse him in 2:10, to now being a grown man in 2:11. I don’t know about you, but I often wonder what all happened in that time. But I also question at what point and how did Moshe learn his true background, as the verse reads he went out to visit his kinsmen. Was the truth always hidden from him? Was there a special bond still between his birth mother and he that kept him coming back to hear the stories? In movies we see that he was shown a Hebrew printed blanket, or that he bumped into his brother and sister who told him. Those could have been the truth, but the fact is we do not know.
Another mystery to me is found in Exodus 2:15. Please forgive me as it has been a while since I have seen The Ten Commandments, but in at least thinking upon The Prince of Egypt, I do not recall the movie showing that Pharaoh wanted to kill Moshe after learning that Moshe was guilty of killing a Hebrew. Come to think of it, I am surprised Pharaoh would be upset as he himself was working to kill the Hebrews by killing the babies. Had he killed too many already and now his labor force was low? Had Pharaoh come to a point of regret for his actions and did not want to see any more die unjustly? Or had Pharaoh learned that when speaking or acting ill against Adonai’s chosen people, Adonai retaliates?
However Moshe learned of his roots, and however Pharaoh moved into a position of wanting to kill Moshe, the next step for Moshe was to leave Egypt. Coming upon the seven daughters of the priest of Midyan, he assisted them in fighting off other shepherds that worked to drive them away. This act of kindness earned him a seat at the table of the priest, Yitro (Jethro), and eventually he was given Tzipporah as his wife. The two had their own son, Gershom, and they lived in the land for what is assumed forty years. In that time the Pharaoh who had wanted to kill Moshe had passed, but under the new Pharaoh the people of Isra’el still groaned under the weight of slavery. God heard their cry and acknowledged them. Help was on the way.

Exodus 2:11-25

PULLED OUT

“Then, when the child had grown some, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter; and she began to raise him as her son. She called him Moshe [pull out], explaining, ‘Because I pulled him out of the water.’”
Exodus 2:10

Of all the stories people know from the Torah, the story of Moshe as a baby is probably the most known. It is here that we read of his mother, Yokheved, placing her son in a basket sealed with clay and tar and setting it among the bulrushes. The flow of the river swept the basket over to the banks of where Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing. But here is something interesting concerning the basket. The Hebrew word for basket is the word TEBAH. Tebah is also translated as ark. Thinking back to Noah and the flood, Adonai protected Noah, his family, and the animals in a huge basket. In both instances, deliverance of a nation was found within the basket. In both these instances, the one who would be used by Adonai to save the nation was kept safe within. Still, the account of Moshe even more so amazes me.
Watching and trailing the basket holding Moshe was his sister, Miryam. When the basket was picked up from the water as ordered by Pharaoh’s daughter to her maid in attendance, the sister asked promptly if she should fetch a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. The response was yes, and Miryam went off to retrieve her mother, Yokheved, the birth mother also of Moshe. Isn’t it awesome how once again we see Adonai put all the pieces in order? And I can almost see it now, Yokheved rocking her son in her arms, reciting to him the stories of Avraham, Yitz’chak, Ya’akov, and Yosef. I can imagine her calling out her son’s destiny and praying over him as she nursed him. There was a reason that she had worked so hard to save his life, but it went far beyond not wanting to see her son perish. Time would reveal soon enough the purposes of Adonai, but for now she rejoiced in her son being pulled out of the river, safe in her arms once again, and under the protection of Pharaoh’s daughter.

Exodus 1:18 – 2:10

IT’S A BOY!

“Moreover, the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was called Shifrah and the other Pu’ah. ‘When you attend the Hebrew women and see them giving birth,’ he said, ‘if it’s a boy, kill him; but if it’s a girl, let her live.’”
Exodus 1:15-16

I remember clearly, almost ten years ago now, when my son was born. I was a happy new dad. Him being my first child I had no real idea of what was in store other than the knowledge that I would be changing many diapers. But the excitement of having a son was so strong. I proudly showed him off to everyone, carrying a picture of him when I couldn’t physically carry him.
My story, though, is quite different than that of the Hebrews after the time of Yosef. The Hebrews continued to increase in number and the Pharaoh, a new Pharaoh than from the time of Yosef, had come into power. In an attempt to deal wisely with them, the Pharaoh put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor. In Pitom and Ra’amses they built storage cities, yet the people of Isra’el continued to flourish. Finally the Egyptians moved from being annoyed with the Hebrews to fearing the Hebrews.
It was at this point that the Pharaoh made the decree to all midwives that if a Hebrew woman gave birth to a girl, she was allowed to live. But, if the child born was a boy, he was to be killed. This method would prevent the population of Isra’el from growing any more…if. If not for the midwives being God-fearing women our story may be different. If not for the midwives being God-fearing women, the deliverer may not have been Moshe. And if not for the midwives being God-fearing women, they may have done what the Pharaoh demanded. The joyful delight that should have come with the birth of a son was found because of these women, because of their fear, and because they obeyed God over man.

Exodus 1:1-17

GOD WILL REMEMBER

“’…But God will surely remember you and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya’akov.’”
Genesis 50:25

Yosef lived to be 110 years old before passing away, and his final desire was the same as his father’s. Yosef called to his brothers to give them a final word of encouragement. It was at this time he reminded them of the promise given to their great grandfather that they would return to their homeland. “God will surely remember you and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya’akov.” It would be many more years before this promise would become reality, but sometimes that is just the way Adonai works.
As I have taken these last few months now to study line by line, verse by verse the book of Genesis, I have found a repeated theme. Every promise Adonai made, He also made come true. The promise for Avraham to have a son in his old age came true. The promise of a nation came true. The promise of going to a foreign land came true. And knowing what lies ahead in the book of Exodus concerning the freedom of the Hebrews and the returning to the Promise Land is about to come true. I read these promises and think to myself, ‘how is it that I still find a way to doubt what Adonai has told me?’ I am embarrassed that I carry doubt concerning what He has spoken. Maybe this challenge from Adonai in me reading the Torah in such depth is deeper than I first thought. Perhaps this is His way of bringing me closer to Him, dealing with my doubt, strengthening my faith, and understanding his love. God remembers me and continues to draw me closer to Him. I am honored to be His.

Genesis 50:21-26

AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD?

“But Yosef said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! Am I in the place of God?’”
Genesis 50:19

The Torah records that after Ya’akov gave his final words to his sons, he charged them with taking his body to the cave purchased from the sons of Het. It was here that Avraham, Sarah, Yitz’chak, Rivkah, and Le’ah had been buried. Following this, Ya’akov pulled his legs up into the bed and breathed his last breath. For forty days following Ya’akov was embalmed as requested by Yosef and in accordance to Egyptian culture. The Egyptians then mourned his passed for seventy days. But as promised by the sons, the caravan brought Ya’akov’s body back to the promised land.
With Ya’akov now unable to bring any protection to the brothers, fear again began to arise. An agreement was made by the eleven to plead with Yosef for their lives, stating that their father wanted Yosef to forgive them as his final wish. To this request Yosef questioned the brothers, “Am I in the place of God?” Yosef had known and said already that what they had meant for harm had been turned around for good. So then with this fact reiterated, Yosef assured his brothers that he was not going to harm them.
As I read these words I am challenged to consider how I behave in my moments of injustice. Do I find myself seeking revenge, or do I find myself giving grace and mercy to my offenders? When ill is done to me how do I react? I know how I should react, but it can be so hard to do what I know I should. These words of Joseph, then, speak to me. Am I in the place of God?

Genesis 49:27 – 50:20

FINAL WORDS part 2

“Then Ya’akov called for his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the acharit-hayamim.’”
Genesis 49:1

We continue today from where we left off, with Ya’akov speaking his final words of blessing and rebuke over his children. Genesis 49:19 is concerning Gad, and Ya’akov jumps right to the point with one sentence. “Gad – a troop will troop on him, but he will troop on their heel.” This verse doesn’t seem to make sense. A troop will troop? Although written with the same words in English, in Hebrew it reads that a GADUWD (army) will GUWD (invade) him. In the end, however, Gad would GUWD them back. In this we piece together that Gad would be attacked but in the end would find victory. In Judges 10 we see this truth as for eighteen years the Philistines vexed the children of Isra’el before finally having their justice served. It is this constant state and declaration of war, however, that kept the men of Adonai ready with the faces of lions. Even Moshe blessed the tribe of Gad, stating that they dwelled like a lion and tore the arm with the crown of the head (Dt 33:20). Although no one famous person in the Bible is shown to derive from the tribe of Gad, one main theme is. As stated in I Peter 5:8, we are to be ready at any moment for the enemy to attack us. He may indeed guwd us, but in the end we will be victorious and guwd his heel.
To Asher also Ya’akov is quick and to the point, stating that Asher’s food is rich, fit for a king. In saying little Ya’akov was stating that Asher would enjoy the rich products of the fertile land, teeming with items to sustain life, and find himself serving his food before royalty. The tribe of Asher failed to remove the Canaanite/Phoenican inhabitants once in their Promised section, and perhaps forewent their military capability. There is thought that based on the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24, oil was present with the land of Asher, be this an idea of an oil such as olive oil or in the manner of Texas tea. In the end, though, we read that Asher will be blessed, despite the oil’s form.
To finish Ya’akov’s list of one-liners we find Naftali. The words from his father again are to the point, declaring Naftali as a doe set free, bearing beautiful fawns. The term ‘doe set free’ is also translated as hind. In Psalm 18:33, David speaks of having hind’s feet when escaping his enemy. As David ran from his pursuers, so Naftali would run from his hunters but run also with the word of Adonai. Beautiful fawns seem to be symbolism for beautiful words. And consider this. The region of Naftali’s inheritance included Galilee, where in Matthew 4:13-15 Yeshua picks out a few of his disciples. Could it be that these men sharing the good news were in some way related to Naftali’s tribe? These feet, or hind, are beautiful according to Romans 10:15, for with them comes the Good News.
The final two sons to be blessed are the sons of Rachel, with Yosef receiving the lengthier of the two. Yosef is a fruitful plant by a spring with growth climbing over the wall. What is being said here is that Yosef is fruitful, and living with excess in all he does. When evil comes it is no concern to Yosef as he has already learned to follow Adonai. Writers have found that some words spoken over Yosef are parallel with those spoken concerning the Messiah. The first parallel is in Yosef being his father’s favorite. Other parallels consist of being sold for money, withstanding temptation, and rebirthing as Yosef was raised to life after prison while Yeshua was brought to life after the grave. Still, Ya’akov goes on to say that although Yosef was attacked, his bow is taut and arms are nimble because of Adonai’s hand. In other words, the harm his brothers and Potifar’s wife meant were for Adonai’s glory. In verses 25-26 the word bless/blessing is found six times, showing us that Adonai did have more in store for Yosef. And as we have already reviewed yesterday, the double portion reserved for the firstborn was split up between Y’hudah and Yosef, giving Y’hudah the leadership and Yosef the two spots of land for Efrayim and M’nasheh. If nothing else can be learned from Yosef, let us leave with the truth that with a life of humility Adonai is able to promote us.
Lastly, although not technically within today’s Parashah portion, let us look at the son named Binyamin. Of this son Ya’akov stated he was a ravenous wolf, devouring his prey in the morning and dividing the spoil in the evening. Binyamin would go forward with the characteristic of a vicious warrior. One instance of this warrior wolf-like character is found in Judges 3. Ehud, a Binyamite, was a fearless warrior who alone assassinated Eglon the Moabite king for oppressing Isra’el. Other warriors would rise and carry on in the declaration made by Ya’akov.
So now, after looking at all the sons of Ya’akov, you may wonder why it is so important and why I chose to look at each one. Well outside of studying the Torah, I want us to see one important key. The word of Adonai always comes to pass. These blessings and rebukes were passed from Adonai to Ya’akov, then spoken over the sons. These words held within them life or death. And each one of these words came to pass. So then, the question comes to mind once more. What has been spoken by Adonai over you? His word for you will come about, and His blessing or rebuke will follow you and your line. Let it be true of us that we found favor in His eyes and as such, received His blessing.

FINAL WORDS part 1

“Then Ya’akov called for his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the acharit-hayamim.’”
Genesis 49:1

In Genesis 48 we read the account of Ya’akov calling for Yosef and his sons, blessing Efrayim and M’nasheh. It is here in chapter 49, though, that Ya’akov calls for all his sons, and adopted sons, so that he may give his final blessings before passing away. This was a special time. This was the time when the father would give the double blessing out to the men in his clan, when he would pass the baton, and when the next generation would rise up. So with expectancy, Ya’akov’s sons came to his side to hear his final will and learn what would happen to them concerning the acharit-hayamim, the end of days.
Today’s portion of the Torah reading allows us an inside look at the words spoken to the first seven sons of Ya’akov. While with each son a depth of their lineage can be traced and proved, I will only hit on key aspects. And so we begin with Re’uven. Re’uven was the firstborn son, and it was expected that he would receive the double portion. As Ya’akov had twelve sons, the tradition would be to split all the father’s possessions into thirteen segments in this case, and give Re’uven two segments. Yet Re’uven’s actions caused him to miss out on this blessing. Instead, Ya’akov addressed the fact of what he had done with Bilhah, Ya’akov’s concubine and mother of Dan and Naftali. This defilement so angered Ya’akov that he spoke of him being as unstable as water. How did these words come to pass? In Numbers 16 it was Re’uven’s tribe that joined in the rebellion of Korah the Levite, questioning the leadership of Moshe and being swallowed by the earth. It was this same tribe that chose to not move forward but take land on the east side of the Jordan in Numbers 32. And it was this tribe who was sung about in Judges 5 as searching their hearts instead of engaging in the battle against Sisera. This single act of sleeping with his father’s concubine led the line of Re’uven to not only miss the double portion, but live in instability.
Next Ya’akov addressed Shim’on and Levi, stating they were brothers. This is true, as they were both also born of Le’ah. But in this context what is meant is that they were two peas in a pod. They were always getting in trouble together, always seen together, and always hanging around each other. They thought like brothers. It was this mutual thinking that they would not be commended for as Ya’akov recalled the sin of murder they performed against the men of Shechem. These partners in crime received the word of being divided in Ya’akov and scattered in Isra’el. When later they received their inheritance in the Promise Land, Shim’on received pockets of arid and barren land within Y’hudah’s piece. Additionally, the numbers of this tribe decreased in each censes from 59,300 in Numbers 1, to 22,200 in Numbers 26. The leading cause is thought to be idolatry and plague as recorded in Numbers 25. Of Levi we also read of scattering as it was the Levities who would not be given specific land, but would rather have a portion of each to live off of as instructed by Adonai. While having certain allotments and benefits may be a plus for the Levities, the tribe of Levi never had a place all their own, nor does even still today.
To Y’hudah the double portion is given. As was custom, along with the additional blessing came the respect of all the brothers as leader. Since this was taken from the first three brothers based on their actions, the title of leader rested on Y’hudah and was spoken of in stating, “Your brothers will acknowledge you” (Gen 49:8). Contrasting to the words of doom spoken to the first three brothers, the words to Y’hudah are of blessing. Y’hudah means praise, and here he was in essence being praised. It is also where we see the shortened version Jew, also giving way to leadership as the entire race was named after him. The greatest claim to fame for Y’hudah, however, is seen in the words of the scepter not passing from him, for it is from this line that first King David rose and later our savior, Yeshua himself. It was in Y’hudah that people would obey, but this fact would be seen in all his descendants for it would be a kingly line. Yet let us not overlook the final words in this blessing over Y’hudah that speak of his robes, his eyes, and his teeth, for they too depict for us an illustration of our savior.
Z’vulun would live at the seashore. Four hundred plus years later this prophecy would be seen truthful as Y’hoshua would allot to this tribe the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. This allowed for trading routes, in which Z’vulun was heavily involved, and as was also declared on them by Moshe in Deuteronomy 33:19, stating they shall take the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand. It is awesome to see, though, all the pieces come together. Ya’akov spoke also that the border of Z’vulun’s territory would be at Tzidon. When Y’hoshua divided the land, Tzidon was not included in the piece given to Z’vulun. In fact, it was not theirs until the tribe of Asher was unable to defeat remaining Canaanities and the tribe of Z’vulun began attacking and defeating the Canaanities. This victory allowed them the land.
Of Yissakhar it is said he was a strong donkey. Not sure we would read that as a complement these days. But the truth in these words in that Yissakhar was valuable, as were donkeys at this time. It was the donkey that carried the burden, and it was the donkey that would later carry the Messiah. But it was said that this donkey would bend his back to the burden and submit to forced labor (Gen 49:15). The idea here is that the tribe would be one to fight for what it had, preventing evil from coming in and stealing from it. This is seen in the account of the judge Tola in Judges 10 who led for twenty-three years as a brave leader. We see this idea again in I Chronicles 7 where the tribe was said to be valiant men of might in their families and generations. They were laborious, but also invincible in war burden bearing, and valiant. Perhaps the best compliment for this tribe comes in I Chronicles 12:32 where they were spoken of as men understanding the times, knowing what Isra’el must do.
Lastly for today, we look at Dan. The name Daniel means God is my judge. The name Dan, however, means judgment. Who was the most famous descendant of this line? None other than the judge named Samson. It was through the Danites that the Philistines would find judgment. However, the tribe of Dan also shows a heavy reverting to idolatry, thus the spoken reference to the snake in Genesis 49:17. History shows in Judges 18 that the tribe of Dan grew tired of its allotted land and went looking for some place new. Scouts found the town of Laish and decided to conquer it. Six hundred men and one Levite from Ephraim, who brought with him a graven image, marched to Laish and defeated the town with ease. They named the town Dan and set up an image for themselves. In time, Dan became the cult center for idol worship. The final words over Dan by Ya’akov, however, are a prayer. “I wait for your deliverance, Adonai.” The idol worship of Dan would continue until its capture and only then, when the people were humbled, would things change. In time, true salvation would be found in the Messiah, but until then Ya’akov would wait in prayer for his son to see the way and stand as a strong pillar.

Genesis 49:1-18

INTENTIONALLY CROSSED

“Then he added this blessing on them that day: ‘Isra’el will speak of you in their own blessings by saying, “May God make you like Efrayim and M’nasheh.”’ Thus he put Efrayim ahead of M’nasheh.”
Genesis 48:20

When Yosef had brought his two sons with him to see his father before his passing, Yosef had placed his sons in front of his half blind father with Efrayim reachable to Ya’akov’s left and M’nasheh to Ya’akov’s right. They stood in the order of their birthright. However, as Ya’akov extended his hands toward the sons he intentionally crossed his hands, placing his left on M’nasheh and right on Efrayim. Yosef saw this and attempted to correct his father, but to no avail. It is then that Ya’akov announced the blessing and said that the younger would serve the older. To this he announced that Isra’el would announce, “May God make you like Efrayim and M’nasheh,” calling the youngest son’s name first.
As part of the Shabbat blessings spoken each Friday night, there is a time when the fathers announce a special blessing over the children. To the son, the father prays, “May God make you like Efrayim and M’nasheh,” while to the daughter we pray, “May God make you like Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Le’ah.” Following this the father then prays over the children his own words. But why name these two sons? I have heard it said that these sons are not only mentioned based on these final words of Ya’akov, but also because these were the first sons that show no record of quarrelling. Perhaps it is true. Cain and Able fought. Noah’s sons had some issues. Ish’mael and Yitz’chak had a few not so happy times. Ya’akov and Esav quarreled. And we know of many fights that Ya’akov’s sons had.
But in closing I want to point out a few factors that point to this blessing of the younger serving the weaker coming to pass. Y’hoshua (Joshua) was an Efrayimite, and led the nation of Isra’el. In Numbers 21 it is recorded that the tribe of M’nasheh camped under the standard of Efrayim. And in reading the number from the census taken both times by Moshe, Efrayim’s numbers are greater than M’nasheh’s both times. The effects of Ya’akov’s intentionally crossed hands on Yosef’s sons can be seen. This proves once again that our Father not only knows what He is doing, but more importantly His words come to pass. What has He spoken over you?

Genesis 48:17-22

BLESSING THE BOYS

Then he blessed Yosef: ‘The God in whose presence my fathers Avraham and Yitz’chak lived, the God who has been my own shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has rescued me from all harm, bless these boys.’”
Genesis 48:15

With failing eyesight, much like his father Yitz’chak, Ya’akov had called for Yosef to come to him. He had never expected to see his son again, especially after his other sons had announced his death and produced a blood stained and torn coat. But here was Yosef, standing before him, and with his sons. Having adopted them as his own sons (Gen 48:5), Ya’akov had every intention of blessing them. So then, Yosef placed his sons in front of his half blind father, with Efrayim reachable to Ya’akov’s left and M’nasheh to Ya’akov’s right.
As Ya’akov extended his hands toward the sons, however, he intentionally crossed his hands, placing his left on M’nasheh and right on Efrayim. Yet before blessing the boys, he first spoke another blessing. Ya’akov declared, “The God in whose presence my fathers Avraham and Yitz’chak lived, the God who has been my own shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has rescued me from all harm, bless these boys. May they remember who I am and what I stand for, and likewise my fathers Avraham and Yitz’chak, who they were and what they stood for. And may they grow into teeming multitudes on the earth.”
It was at this time last year that I found myself having to deal with the death of my own father. I wasn’t able to be there when he passed, and therefore wasn’t able to receive a final blessing from him. But if I would have been there and heard his final words to me, it probably would have sounded much like what Ya’akov delivered. When I think on the lessons that my dad left for us children, they all revolved around God. Dad wanted us to walk in His ways, speak His words, and grow closer to Him than anyone else. I would like to think that I have done this, but I would also like to extend this challenge to my own children. I want them to grow in a relationship with God that far surpasses mine. I want them to know Him not as the ‘guy up stairs’ but as the God of my father, of me, and of themselves. It is a challenge we can all work on, and should work on. The question is will we?

Genesis 48:10-16

YOSEF’S SONS

“’Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Efrayim and M’nasheh will be as much mine as Re’uven and Shim’on are.’”
Genesis 48:5

When Ya’akov was 147 years old, his health began to fail him. It was in his final days that he called for Yosef to come to him. A promise was desired concerning his final wishes. He asked Yosef to place his hand under his thigh as a seal or promise that when he passed his body would be returned to the homeland. By placing his hand under the thigh, agreement was found.
But then, awhile later, Yosef was summoned again. This time he brought his sons with him. As Ya’akov again spoke about the promise first given by Adonai concerning him being fruitful and numerous, he looked out over Efrayim and M’nasheh. To Yosef he then said, “Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Efrayim and M’nasheh will be as much mine as Re’uven and Shim’on are.” As we will see later, these sons filled in the gaps that Yosef and Levi would leave in the creation of the twelve tribes.
The Parashah for today ends before we know what will transpire, but as is becoming evident as we go on, Adonai has a reason and is in control at every moment. We’ll just have to wait and see then what He does next.

FROM FREE TO SLAVES

“As for the people, [Yosef] reduced them to serfdom city by city, from one end of Egypt’s territory to the other.”
Genesis 47:21

As the people of Egypt began to run out of money, they had to find a new currency to use in order to purchase the grain needed to survive. The currency following money became their livestock. But within a year their livestock had also diminished. Following this the currency soon became the offering of their land, and finally of themselves. All of this, however, was because of the effects of the famine.
Yosef said to the people who continued to approach him that as he continued to acquire the people and their land, he would give them seed. With this seed they were to do three things. First, they were expected to give twenty percent to Pharaoh. The remaining eighty percent was to be split up by the people for their personal re-seeding and their consumption. It is here that I find an example that may be wise for us as well. As a parent I find myself trying to teach my children ways to be responsible. When it comes to money, there is no exception. This idea of giving a portion to Adonai (tithe), giving a portion for saving (re-seeding), and giving a portion for consumption (spending) is a plan that we also use.
But it is in the end result of where the famine left the people that we find the greatest change. The people went from a free state to being owned. They went from having money, livestock, and land to a position of broke in every area. The effects of the famine took their toll, yet still Adonai was in control.

Genesis 47:11-27

JUST SHEPHERDS

“Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ They answered Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, both we and our ancestors.’”
Genesis 47:3

Ya’akov and his sons, and their families, had made it to Egypt. From Yosef’s instruction, they had made their way to the land of Goshen. It was here in Goshen that Yosef insisted that they live, for the land produced the best fields and crops for their animals, but also because being a shepherd was an occupation frowned upon by the Egyptians. But even this idea took planning. Knowing how Pharaoh would react, as well as other Egyptians, Yosef spoke with his brothers ahead of time. It was in this time of chat Yosef had advised his brothers to admit to their occupation of shepherding. And it was because of these skills that Pharaoh also asked the men to care for his animals as well. While the brothers were honest in sharing that they were ‘just shepherds’, Adonai was working behind the scenes to protect and work with His people.
Sometimes I find it hard to admit. The questions arise as to if I am divorced, who has custody of the kids, how much do I pay in support, who filed against who and why, and do I ever plan to get married again. While I have answers to all these questions, as well as the others I am constantly still asked, I always find myself leaving the conversation with the idea of ‘failure’ in mind. It is as if I am standing before Pharaoh and being asked, “What is your marital status?” With timidity I find myself responding, “I am divorced.” How great of an answer is that? If I am embarrassed to share it at times, how can any good come from it? It is in those moments I have to open my eyes and see my Goshen.
Goshen wasn’t the land that Adonai had promised, but it was the land in which Adonai preserved His people. And although it would be four hundred years before they returned to their homeland, it was four hundred years of His people thriving off the best that Egypt had to offer. I have learned to see it the same way. Divorce was never the route I expected, but it has been the route that has brought me the closest to Adonai. And although it may be a few more years before the right woman comes around, I know that Adonai will preserve me and allow me to thrive in His blessings as a single man until He sees fit to change it. They may have been ‘just shepherds’, and I may be ‘divorced’, but Adonai has everything in His hand and will work it all out for His glory.

Genesis 46:28 – 47:10