Triennial Parsha Reading for - 4/19/2008

Daber el-B'nei Yisrael / Tell the Sons of Israel

Tab Section Verse

1 Torah Exo 13:17-15:21

2 Haftorah Jdg 4:4-5:31

3 Haftorah Jos 24:1-4

4 Brit Joh 16:25

5 Brit Php 4:4-23

Torah - Exo 13:17-15:20 this should start at 17 - 21

And YHVH went before

them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead

them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire,

to give them light; to go by day and night: 22

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by

day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from

before the people. 14-1

And YHVH spake

unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the

children of Israel, that they turn and encamp

before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the

sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall

ye encamp by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say

of the children of Israel, They are entangled

in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he

shall follow after them; and I will be

honored upon Pharaoh, and upon all his

host; that the Egyptians may know that I am

YHVH. And they did so. 5 And it was told

the king of Egypt that the people fled: and

the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was

turned against the people, and they said,

Why have we done this, that we have let

Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made

ready his chariot, and took his people with

him: 7 And he took six hundred chosen

chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and

captains over every one of them. 8 And

YHVH hardened the heart of Pharaoh king

of Egypt, and he pursued after the children

of Israel: and the children of Israel went out

with an high hand. 9 But the Egyptians

pursued after them, all the horses and

chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and

his army, and overtook them encamping by

the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before

Baalzephon. 10

And when Pharaoh drew

nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their

eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched

after them; and they were sore afraid: and

the children of Israel cried out unto YHVH. 11

And they said unto Moses, Because there

were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us

away to die in the wilderness? wherefore

hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth

out of Egypt? 12

Is not this the word that we

did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone,

that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had

been better for us to serve the Egyptians,

than that we should die in the wilderness. 13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye

not, stand still, and see the salvation of

YHVH, which he will show to you to day:

for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day,

ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14

YHVH shall fight for you, and ye shall hold

your peace. 15

And YHVH said unto Moses,

Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto

the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out

thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and

the children of Israel shall go on dry ground

through the midst of the sea. 17

And I,

behold, I will harden the hearts of the

Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I

will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon

all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his

horsemen. 18

And the Egyptians shall know

that I am YHVH, when I have gotten me

honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and

upon his horsemen. 19

And the angel of

Elohim, which went before the camp of

Israel, removed and went behind them; and

the pillar of the cloud went from before their

face, and stood behind them: 20

And it came

between the camp of the Egyptians and the

camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and

darkness to them, but it gave light by night

to these: so that the one came not near the

other all the night. 21

And Moses stretched

out his hand over the sea; and YHVH caused

the sea to go back by a strong east wind all

that night, and made the sea dry land, and

the waters were divided. 22

And the children

of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon

the dry ground: and the waters were a wall

unto them on their right hand, and on their

left. 23

And the Egyptians pursued, and went

in after them to the midst of the sea, even all

Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his

horsemen. 24

And it came to pass, that in the

morning watch YHVH looked unto the host

of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire

and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the

Egyptians, 25

And took off their chariot

wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that

the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face

of Israel; for YHVH fighteth for them

against the Egyptians. 26

And YHVH said

unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the

sea, that the waters may come again upon

the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon

their horsemen. 27

And Moses stretched forth

his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to

his strength when the morning appeared; and

the Egyptians fled against it; and YHVH

overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the

sea. 28

And the waters returned, and covered

the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the

host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after

them; there remained not so much as one of

them. 29

But the children of Israel walked

upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and

the waters were a wall unto them on their

right hand, and on their left. 30

Thus YHVH

saved Israel that day out of the hand of the

Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians

dead upon the sea shore. 31

And Israel saw

that great work which YHVH did upon the

Egyptians: and the people feared YHVH,

and believed YHVH, and his servant Moses. 15-1

Then sang Moses and the children of

Israel this song unto YHVH, and spake,

saying, I will sing unto YHVH, for he hath

triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider

hath he thrown into the sea. 2 YHVH is my

strength and song, and he is become my

salvation: he is my Elohim, and I will

prepare him an habitation; my father's

Elohim, and I will exalt him. 3 YHVH is a

man of war: YHVH is his name. 4 Pharaoh's

chariots and his host hath he cast into the

sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in

the Red sea. 5 The depths have covered

them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 6

Thy right hand, YHVH, is become glorious

in power: thy right hand, YHVH, hath

dashed in pieces the enemy. 7 And in the

greatness of thine excellency thou hast

overthrown them that rose up against thee:

thou sentest forth thy wrath, which

consumed them as stubble. 8 And with the

blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered

together, the floods stood upright as an heap,

and the depths were congealed in the heart

of the sea. 9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I

will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust

shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my

sword, my hand shall destroy them. 10

Thou

didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered

them: they sank as lead in the mighty

waters. 11

Who is like unto thee, YHVH,

among the gods? who is like thee, glorious

in holiness, fearful in praises, doing

wonders? 12

Thou stretchedst out thy right

hand, the earth swallowed them. 13

Thou in

thy mercy hast led forth the people which

thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them

in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. 14

The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow

shall take hold on the inhabitants of

Palestina. 15

Then the dukes of Edom shall

be amazed; the mighty men of Moab,

trembling shall take hold upon them; all the

inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the

greatness of thine arm they shall be as still

as a stone; till thy people pass over, YHVH,

till the people pass over, which thou hast

purchased 2

. 17

Thou shalt bring them in,

and plant them in the mountain of thine

inheritance, in the place, YHVH, which thou

hast made for thee to dwell in, in the

Sanctuary, YHVH, which thy hands have

established. 18

YHVH shall reign for ever

and ever. 19

For the horse of Pharaoh went in

with his chariots and with his horsemen into

the sea, and YHVH brought again the waters

of the sea upon them; but the children of

Israel went on dry land in the midst of the

sea. 20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister

of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all

the women went out after her with timbrels

and with dances. 21

And Miriam answered

them, Sing ye to YHVH, for he hath

triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider

hath he thrown into the sea.

Notes

14-15: Nachshon who is the head of Judah.

Nachshon had wet feet. Uri says this is in

Yasher.

The sages say that after Nachshon heard

this, he ran out to the red sea because he

thought he and the children or Israel

would be walking out on the water, see

Mat_14:29.

http://jergames.blogspot.com/2007/03/pas

sover-story-lord-of-reed-sea.html

Why does YHVH chastise Moshe? It

appears that Moshe is doing the right

thing based on the prior two verses

Exo_14:13-14 and it doesn't appear that

that he cried unto YHVH.

14-25: In verse Exo_14:25, It says that the Egyptians wanted to leave but in verse Exo_14:28 they are wiped out and killed. Why didn't YHVH have compassion for them? I would argue three things,

The first is that this a transfer of

title from the old 'owners' of Israel

to the new 'owner' YHVH. Israel

becomes war booty for YHVH.

My second argument is based on

saying 'you can take Israel out of

Egypt but you can't take Egypt out

of Israel'. The hearts of Israel can

be found in Exo_14:11-12, so if

YHVH kills the Egyptians then

they no longer can yearn to go back

to Egypt because their (former)

masters are no more.

The third thing is to ponder the true

cost that YHVH pays for Israel

which is the death of the Egyptians

and the act of the shedding of blood

which of course should remind us

of Y'shua.

15-16: In verse Exo_14:25, It says that the

Egyptians wanted to leave but in verse

Exo_14:28 they are wiped

Haftorah - Jdg 4:4-5:31 4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of

Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 5

And she dwelt under the palm tree of

Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in

mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel

came up to her for judgment. 6 And she sent

and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of

Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not

YHVH Elohim of Israel commanded,

saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor,

and take with thee ten thousand men of the

children of Naphtali and of the children of

Zebulun? 7 And I will draw unto thee to the

river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's

army, with his chariots and his multitude;

and I will deliver him into thine hand. 8 And

Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me,

then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with

me, then I will not go. 9 And she said, I will

surely go with thee: notwithstanding the

journey that thou takest shall not be for thine

honor; for YHVH shall sell Sisera into the

hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and

went with Barak to Kedesh. 10

And Barak

called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and

he went up with ten thousand men at his

feet: and Deborah went up with him. 11

Now

Heber the Kenite, which was of the children

of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had

severed himself from the Kenites, and

pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim,

which is by Kedesh. 12

And they showed

Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was

gone up to mount Tabor. 13

And Sisera

gathered together all his chariots, even nine

hundred chariots of iron, and all the people

that were with him, from Harosheth of the

Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. 14

And

Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the

day in which YHVH hath delivered Sisera

into thine hand: is not YHVH gone out

before thee? So Barak went down from

mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after

him. 15

And YHVH discomfited Sisera, and

all his chariots, and all his host, with the

edge of the sword before Barak; so that

Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled

away on his feet. 16

But Barak pursued after

the chariots, and after the host, unto

Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of

Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and

there was not a man left. 17

Howbeit Sisera

fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the

wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was

peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and

the house of Heber the Kenite. 18

And Jael

went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him,

Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not.

And when he had turned in unto her into the

tent, she covered him with a mantle. 19

And

he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a

little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And

she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him

drink, and covered him. 20

Again he said

unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it

shall be, when any man doth come and

inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man

here? that thou shalt say, No. 21

Then Jael

Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took

an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto

him, and smote the nail into his temples, and

fastened it into the ground: for he was fast

asleep and weary. So he died. 22

And,

behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came

out to meet him, and said unto him, Come,

and I will show thee the man whom thou

seekest. And when he came into her tent,

behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in

his temples. 23

So Elohim subdued on that

day Jabin the king of Canaan before the

children of Israel. 24

And the hand of the

children of Israel prospered, and prevailed

against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they

had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan. 1 Then

sang Deborah and Barak the son of

Abinoam on that day, saying, 2 Praise ye

YHVH for the avenging of Israel, when the

people willingly offered themselves. 3 Hear,

O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I,

will sing unto YHVH; I will sing praise to

YHVH Elohim of Israel. 4 YHVH, when

thou wentest out of Seir, when thou

marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth

trembled, and the heavens dropped, the

clouds also dropped water. 5 The mountains

melted from before YHVH, even that Sinai

from before YHVH Elohim of Israel. 6 In

the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the

days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied,

and the travellers walked through byways. 7

The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they

ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose,

that I arose a mother in Israel. 8 They chose

new gods; then was war in the gates: was

there a shield or spear seen among forty

thousand in Israel? 9 My heart is toward the

governors of Israel, that offered themselves

willingly among the people. Bless ye

YHVH. 10

Speak, ye that ride on white

asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by

the way. 11

They that are delivered from the

noise of archers in the places of drawing

water, there shall they rehearse the righteous

acts of YHVH, even the righteous acts

toward the inhabitants of his villages in

Israel: then shall the people of YHVH go

down to the gates. 12

Awake, awake,

Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise,

Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou

son of Abinoam. 13

Then he made him that

remaineth have dominion over the nobles

among the people: YHVH made me have

dominion over the mighty. 14

Out of

Ephraim was there a root of them against

Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy

people; out of Machir came down

governors, and out of Zebulun they that

handle the pen of the writer. 15

And the

princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even

Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot

into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben

there were great thoughts of heart. 16

Why

abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear

the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions

of Reuben there were great searchings of

heart. 17

Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and

why did Dan remain in ships? Asher

continued on the sea shore, and abode in his

breaches. 18

Zebulun and Naphtali were a

people that jeoparded their lives unto the

death in the high places of the field. 19

The

kings came and fought, then fought the

kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of

Megiddo; they took no gain of money. 20

They fought from heaven; the stars in their

courses fought against Sisera. 21

The river of

Kishon swept them away, that ancient river,

the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast

trodden down strength. 22

Then were the

horsehoofs broken by the means of the

pransings, the pransings of their mighty

ones. 23

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of

YHVH, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants

thereof; because they came not to the help of

YHVH, to the help of YHVH against the

mighty. 24

Blessed above women shall Jael

the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed

shall she be above women in the tent. 25

He

asked water, and she gave him milk; she

brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 26

She

put her hand to the nail, and her right hand

to the workmen's hammer; and with the

hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his

head, when she had pierced and stricken

through his temples. 27

At her feet he bowed,

he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he

fell: where he bowed, there he fell down

dead. 28

The mother of Sisera looked out at a

window, and cried through the lattice, Why

is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry

the wheels of his chariots? 29

Her wise ladies

answered her, yea, she returned answer to

herself, 30

Have they not sped? have they not

divided the prey; to every man a damsel or

two; to Sisera a prey of divers colors, a prey

of divers colors of needlework, of divers

colors of needlework on both sides, meet for

the necks of them that take the spoil? 31

So

let all thine enemies perish, YHVH: but let

them that love him be as the sun when he

goeth forth in his might. And the land had

rest forty years.

Haftorah - Jos 24:1-4 1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel

to Shechem, and called for the elders of

Israel, and for their heads, and for their

judges, and for their officers; and they

presented themselves before Elohim. 2 And

Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith

YHVH Elohim of Israel, Your fathers dwelt

on the other side of the flood in old time,

even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the

father of Nachor: and they served other

gods. 3 And I took your father Abraham

from the other side of the flood, and led him

throughout all the land of Canaan, and

multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. 4

And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I

gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but

Jacob and his children went down into

Egypt.

Brit - Joh 16:25-25 25

These things have I spoken unto you in

proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall

no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I

shall shew you plainly of the Father.

Brit - Php 4:4-23 4 Rejoice in the YHVH alway: and again I

say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be

known unto all men. YHVH is at hand. 6 Be

careful for nothing; but in every thing by

prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto

Elohim. 7 And the peace of Elohim, which

passeth all understanding, shall keep your

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever

things are just, whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever

things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on

these things. 9 Those things, which ye have

both learned, and received, and heard, and

seen in me, do: and the Elohim of peace

shall be with you. 10

But I rejoiced in the

YHVH greatly, that now at the last your care

of me hath flourished again; wherein ye

were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I

have learned, in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content. 12

I know both how

to be abased, and I know how to abound:

every where and in all things I am instructed

both to be full and to be hungry, both to

abound and to suffer need. 13

I can do all

things through Christ which strengtheneth

me. 14

Notwithstanding ye have well done,

that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the

beginning of the gospel, when I departed

from Macedonia, no church communicated

with me as concerning giving and receiving,

but ye only. 16

For even in Thessalonica ye

sent once and again unto my necessity. 17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit

that may abound to your account. 18

But I

have all, and abound: I am full, having

received of Epaphroditus the things which

were sent from you, an odour of a sweet

smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to

Elohim. 19

But my Elohim shall supply all

your need according to his riches in glory by

Christ Jesus. 20

Now unto Elohim and our

Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The

brethren which are with me greet you. 22

All

the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of

Caesar's household. 23

The grace of our

Master Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

http://www.messianicisrael.com/sheepfold-gleanings/2007-2008/beshalach.html

Beshalach

Written by Carl & Julie Parker

Thursday, 17 January 2008

Exodus 13:17 to 17:16 Judges 5:1-31 John 6:25-35 Revelation 15:1-4

Continuing from last week’s lesson, the Israelites have come through the Passover and started to walk out into the desert. YHVH said that they were to ―hold a feast to Me in the wilderness'" (Exodus 5:1).

The seven days after the Passover are called the feast of Unleavened Bread, where the Children of Israel are commanded to eat only unleavened flat bread. The seven days are likened to a personal consecration time for those who are called by YHVH.

YHVH’s people were to come through the Passover and start walking out into the desert to worship Him. The feast they were coming to in the wilderness was called the Feast of Shavuot, a high holy Sabbath day commemorated every year fifty days after the Passover. Shavuot is when YHVH betrothed Israel to Himself and gave His Bride her Ketubah, the instructions to their wedding covenant called the Torah.

In this, YHVH was also giving prophetic revelation using the Israelites as a living parable for our time. Today, we are coming into the Passover season, a time when YHVH offers us an opportunity to leave our sinful natures behind, remove all wants, needs and desires that contaminate our soul, to come near Him in Betrothal preparation, to be sanctified, cleansed and redeemed.

Yeshua’s blood cleanses us from sin–the sin of breaking our marriage covenant with Him. Now the walk of redemption is before each of us. Every one of us is given a choice, the same choice the Israelites were given in the living parable of the exodus. The choice is whether we want to leave Egypt, a representation of the world and our earthly natures? Since we came to believe and put our trust in Yeshua, many of us may still have been acting and behaving as if we had not left Egypt and that Yeshua’s blood had not cleansed us. Many times the ways of the world still rule and reign in our lives instead of Yeshua’sways. We may still have characteristics and attitudes operating in our hearts that reflect unredeemed lifestyles and cause our behavior to be opposite that of Yeshua’s. Many of us still need our hearts cleansed and our minds purified and conformed to reflect Yeshua and the redemption He offers us.

The Passover season offers us a chance to deal with all of the areas of our souls that hold us back, so that we can come to Shavuot and worship Him in the wilderness. Following YHVH into the Passover and obeying His Word by eating unleavened bread for the seven days consecrates those who choose to cross over from death to life during this season. Those who choose life have, in the same way, chosen to separate from their past and all that separates them from YHVH, so that they can press in to serve and worship Him alone.

Yeshua made the way for us. He alone gave us the deed to holiness. And in His sacrifice for usHe also cancelled the certificate of divorce that had resulted from our being a wayward Bride. His death as the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of YHVH, opened for us the way of Holiness. No other blood sacrifice could do that for us. Only Yeshua’s blood brought cleansing, redemption and sanctification. Before, it was just one man who could walk into a place of complete Holiness once a year. Now we who are under the covering of Yeshua’s blood are all given the opportunity to enter into that Most Holy Place and have intimacy with our beloved Messiah. It is a gift but it is also a choice to walk in holiness as only a holy Bride enters into the Bridal Chamber.

Exodus 13:17-22 Passing Through the Sea

When Pharaoh let the people go the Israelites left Egypt in their full divisions, all twelve tribes, as a mighty army. Witnessing the faithfulness of YHVH, the people were transformed from slavery to victory overnight. This is a prophetic picture of the book of Revelation [of Yeshua], which speaks of the twelve gates into the New Jerusalem. This reveals that all twelve tribes will come out in their full divisions once again, transformed to rule and reign with Him!

When the Israelites left Egypt, Moses took Joseph’s bones with him. Joseph had made his brothers swear before he died that they would take his bones home with them when YHVH delivered Israel from Egypt. How important were a bag of bones? A person’s DNA represents their IDENTITY! Joseph’s bones are a picture of the House of Israel, the ―lost‖ ten tribes, and are therefore prophetic of the return of not just Judah and Benjamin, the two tribes currently living in the land, but of all twelve tribes returned and living in

the land. His bones represent a continuous heritage promised to Abraham’s descendants generations ago. Another reason the bones had to be brought back was because Joseph’s brothers had tried to kill him. Without his DNA, or identity, it could be alleged that Joseph was not ―alive‖ and that his ancestors no longer existed. Today, not many of Joseph’s brothers believe Joseph is still alive. The oath Joseph made his brothers swear, however, is still valid today (Genesis 50: 24-25). Joseph is alive, and his descendants today are ready to return home. According to Scripture the West Bank in Israel is Joseph’s land that is just waiting for Joseph to return and redeem it for YHVH and for His people. Not one tribe will be left behind or left out. All twelve tribes will return and live in their YHVH-appointed lands. (Ezekiel 47:13-48:35)

The Israelites left Succoth and on the second day of their journey camped at Etham. Archaeologists feel Etham was a region around the top of the right fork of the Red Sea at the edge of the desert.

By day YHVH 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 13:21-22).

When we feel alone or lonely as in a wilderness experience, or feel we just have no direction in our lives, we need to remember the Exodus. There was a pillar of cloud to guide the Children of Israel by day, and a pillar of fire to give them light by night. We are never alone or without direction when Yeshua, the Light of the world, is in our hearts.

When Yeshua spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Exodus 14:2 Turn Back?

Fleeing Pharaoh’s mighty army and carrying off the plunder of Egypt was hard enough, but for YHVH to ask the Israelites to turn back and encamp by the sea must have seemed like the most perilous thing to do during this critical time of leaving. Yet that is just what YHVH had the Israelites do. The command was to turn back. Though the Israelites did not know that YHVH was setting an ambush for Pharaoh’s army, they obeyed His directive. But when the Israelites saw the Egyptians approach in full armored regalia, sheer terror overcame them. Instead of looking to YHVH for help, they brought judgment upon Moses. They judged Moses for what they saw. In a sense, their imaginations already had them ―slain‖ by the Egyptian guard. In spite of the ever-present cloud and fire cover of YHVH, they still did not acknowledge His covering over them because fear had entered their hearts. Therefore they were unable to understand the value and significance of YHVH’s plan at this time (Isaiah 35).

How many of us have left YHVH when the pressure has mounted, and made decisions for our lives without the thought that maybe the challenge we face has appeared in our lives in order to bring about our deliverance? How many of us stand firm in extreme situations, and wait upon the faithfulness of YHVH? In the face of the Israelites’ grumbling, Moses encouraged the people, "Do not be afraid. Standstill, and see the salvation of YHVH, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever‖ (Exodus 14:13. Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 118:14).

The word for salvation in Hebrew is Yeshua (Strong’s #H03444). Yeshua is the Deliverer, the Deliverance and the Power of YHVH. What Moses was saying to the people was, ―Stand still and see Yeshua deliver His people... today!‖

The key was to keep moving ―forward.‖ With no ability to save themselves against Pharaoh’s army, and confronted with the Red Sea and a watery grave, YHVH told the Israelites to move forward into the sea. Moses raised his staff and the sea separated and mounted up into a wall of water on either side, revealing the way YHVH had prepared for them to walk …on dry ground! The Israelites had little or no faith in themselves, but now before them was YHVH’s Faithfulness being revealed for all to see and understand His Glory.

Then the angel of YHVH, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long (Exodus 14:19-20).

An east wind blew through the night, drying the land before them. The path was made ready and the Israelites crossed over in safety. By faith in YHVH’s love and care for them, they walked between the two powerful walls of water.

This is what YHVH says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am YHVH your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go" (Isaiah 48:17).

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble; for I am a Father to Israel... (Jeremiah 31:9).

Yeshua answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

As mentioned earlier, the day after Passover was the start of the seven-day feast of Unleavened Bread. The first and last days of this feast are to be holy days set-apart as Sabbaths (no-work days). It was on this seventh or last day of the feast of Unleavened Bread that the waters parted for the Israelites. This seven-day consecration time concluded in what can be seen as a giant mikvah for the Children of Israel. Passing through the waters of cleansing effectively brought a dying people the opportunity for a change of status, essentially washing away the uncleanness of Egypt (the world). They were set-apart with YHVH, no longer pursued or tortured by the presence of the enemy. They now walked with the Holy One of Israel who was faithful and true. (Leviticus 23)

This is where our walk begins. It is the same process for us today. What the Israelites experienced can be likened to what we experience when we respond to YHVH’s calling. John’s baptism was for the repentance of sins, which led to redemption. The people who had fallen away from YHVH’s ways met him in the wilderness. We too come to meet our Bridegroom in the wilderness to deal with the sinful nature of our souls. Yeshua is purifying His bride. As we come to Yeshua we do not approach in our uncleanness. The Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread is for the Bride’s consecration (walk out) and status change (mikvah) to enter into a faithful covenant relationship with the One who reached out to save her.

Keeping the Feasts of YHVH will bring deliverance in our lives. May we be a people who understand the importance of YHVH’s season of Passover. The rehearsals are just as important as the real thing, as we do not know the day or hour of His return. The Bride is to make herself ready.

Only when the Israelites had passed through the waters and were safely on the other side did YHVH lift the cloud of protection. Even though the Egyptians pursued the Israelites through the night they could not see past the cloud and where overwhelmed with mechanical difficulties. By morning when all the Israelites were safely on the other side the parted Red Sea return to its normal state entombing the Egyptians into their watery graves. When the Israelites saw the great power YHVH displayed in destroying this mighty Egyptian army, they feared YHVH and put their trust in Him. Then Moses and the Israelites sang a song called the Song of Moses.

YHVH also gave instructions for the Song of Moses to be sung in Deuteronomy 31:19-22:

"Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel... Then it shall be, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify against them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants, for I know the inclination of their behavior today, even before I have brought them to the land of which I swore to give them." Therefore Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel."

This song of Moses is prophetic and represents the people of the end times singing again the ―Song of Moses."

Those who keep YHVH’s commandments and walk in YHVH’s ways sing the Song of Moses. According to Scripture, there is a time that God’s people will have forgotten the words of Moses and to keep God’s commandments, His feasts days, His Sabbath and New Moon festival. When those who have forgotten to keep the words go to sing the song of Moses, the song will be a witness against them that they have not kept YHVH’s ways. Those are the ones who fear the end times. This is why the Ruach HaKodesh/God’s Spirit is breathing life into the dry bones and restoring Moses to the hearts of His people among the Synagogues, Churches and Fellowships today.

YHVH in His mercy showed us the end before it happened. In the book of Revelation of Yeshua, we see a description of YHVH’s people being restored to His ways, and they are singing the Song of Moses.

And they sang the Song of Moses the bond-servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations" (Revelation 15:1-4).

According to the book of Revelation those who are victorious over the beast will sing the Song of Moses after the last plague. They will be a people who have returned and kept the words given Moses at Mount Sinai. Together they will sing the song as a thanksgiving offering to Yeshua (their Savior and Redeemer) (John 5:46-47). Why? Because the song speaks of the saving power of YHVH, and because keeping His Word brings victory in our lives.

Moses’ song is a prophetic message and song for us today. When we return to Yeshua’s ways and keep his moedim/feast days, we too are the victorious. We are not to fear the destruction around us. Judgment such as demonstrated against the Egyptians meant deliverance to YHVH’s people. The same is true in the book of Revelation. That is why, when we walk in YHVH’s ways, we are not to entertain any spirits of fear. As in the days of Moses, we are told to stand firm. Those who stand firm will see the salvation of Yeshua (Revelation 15:3-4).

Exodus 15:22 The Waters of Marah and Elim

The Israelites were now directed to journey into the wilderness. By the third day the Israelites came to Marah. No water could be found there, and so the people began to grumble against Moses yet again.

Three days without water is synonymous with being without the Living Torah, the Living Word, or the Living Water that brings Life. Water represents the Spirit Life of Torah, Yeshua. Yeshua is the Living Word. He is the author of the Word (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1, 14). The Torah on its own cannot save or give life. Rather, our souls would become dry and parched without His Life giving Spirit. If we look deeply into the Word of YHVH for the Living Water we will find abundant life. But when the soul goes without water, it is that much easier to be influenced by a spirit of grumbling. This is exactly what we see in the case of the Israelites and Moses at Marah.

YHVH showed Moses a piece of wood that he was commanded to throw it into the water. This caused the water to become sweet, making it palatable for all the people to drink. Wood signifies the Tree of Life, the Torah. When YHVH’s Spirit (represented by the water) and Torah come together, there is a wellspring of life… and Torah is made palatable for YHVH’s people.

YHVH then reminded the Israelites of their identity as Children of the Covenant and warned them against grumbling, saying:

If you listen carefully to the voice of YHVH your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am YHVH, who heals you (Exodus 15:26).

This still holds true today. Selah.

YHVH spoke this before they arrived at Mount Sinai, before the laws and decrees were spoken. This meant that the principles that govern the earth–called Torah–had been with them in Egypt and had been with their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as with Noah and with Adam. Torah is eternal and is not synonymous with the law given at Mount Sinai. Torah is timeless and everlasting because the Torah became life and dwelt among us–in the person, Yeshua! (John 1:1,14).

Then YHVH brought the Children of Israel to Elim, a beautiful oasis where they camped beside twelve springs and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). YHVH taught them at Marah, then showed them this teaching in ―picture‖ form at Elim. The twelve springs of water represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the royal priesthood of Yeshua to the Nations (Exodus 19:5-6). The seventy palm trees represent the seventy nations. The twelve tribes are to present the Living Word, the Torah, in spirit and truth to the nations through the Messiah, the Living Torah. The twelve tribes are to supply living water (Yeshua) to the nations. Living water streams from the well in the Garden of Eden that still flows out to us today. This living water from the Torah is for the healing of the nations.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree [of life/Torah] are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2).

This is a picture of us, when we return to YHVH’s Torah and walk in His ways. There will be streams of living water flowing out of us (all twelve tribes) to share with and nourish others. We are returning to the Garden.

Yeshua said to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well,

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?‖ (John 4:10-11).

Later, at the Feast of Tabernacles, Yeshua declared in a loud voice,

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him (John 7:38).

Exodus 16 Manna and Quail

As the whole Israelite community set out from Elim they came to the Desert of Sin, between Elim and Sinai. On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt they again grumbled to Moses.

The supplies they brought with them from Egypt had quickly dried up. They could no longer rely on themselves for their basic needs. Water and food were the two biggest needs, especially in a desert situation with over a million people. There was nothing in the wilderness to sustain life... or so they thought. Moses was an instrument of YHVH who had been used by Him time and again to reveal YHVH’s deliverance. So why did they continue to grumble and blame him for their situation? YHVH was teaching and testing them

during this walk into the desert as they were coming to worship Him. Would they put their trust in YHVH? Or, ultimately, was their faith in themselves? YHVH had shown them that faith in themselves was insecure. They needed to put their faith in the One who was and is and will forever be Faithful and offer security, YHVH. No one could ever have enough faith, as if we have to manufacture it every day. This is the reason we put our faith in the Faithfulness of YHVH.

How could the Children of Israel worship YHVH when they were yet grumbling at Him? He was teaching them that everything came from Him and that He had never left them. The cloud and the fire were still overhead. The signs and wonders were signposts of His love for them. But they were quick to forget their Elohim as they reminisced of how ―abundant‖ food was for them in Egypt. In only four short weeks they had forgotten the Egyptian abuse and had begun to convince themselves it would have been better had they remained in Egypt.

Pray that we do not easily forget our Redeemer when we are faced with trials and tribulations; they may be placed there to test us and reveal His Faithfulness to us.

Then YHVH said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days" (Exodus 16:4-5).

Keeping the Sabbath is a test of our faithfulness to YHVH.

If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of YHVH honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in YHVH; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father (Isaiah 58:13-14).

While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of YHVH appearing IN the cloud (Exodus 16:10).

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread YHVH has given you to eat" (Exodus 16:13-15).

In the book of John, the people ask Yeshua,

"What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’" Yeshua said to them, ―I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." Then Yeshua declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty‖ (John 6:31-35 ref. Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24, 25).

This manna appeared on the fourth week out of Egypt. Four can, in Hebrew understanding, symbolize the four thousandth year from Creation. They were aware that the Messiah would be coming in that four thousandth year period of time. The ―manna‖ from heaven appeared in the fourth week and was prophetic of the time when the Messiah came to appear in bodily form to the Israelites in the four thousandth year.

Each person was to gather an omer of manna every day. It was not to be saved into the next day. They were only to gather enough for that one day. The one who gathered much and the one who gathered little, they all had the amount that each person needed.

Scripture records what happened when they disobeyed YHVH and saved manna into the next day.

However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell (Exodus 16:20).

We have all left pieces of bread out overnight or even for many days and not experienced or even worried about having maggots form in the bread. Maggots form in dead, decomposing FLESH. This manna that fell in the desert, that sustained the Israelites for forty years, was ―flesh‖–the body of Yeshua’s, sacrificed for us.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world (John 6:51).

YHVH is teaching us that we need to come out to Him and eat His Word daily so that it is fresh everyday in us. When we do this we are eating His very life and filling our life with his life. His life is life sustaining.

On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him (John 14:20-21).

Only on the sixth day were they allowed to gather up twice the amount and keep it over for the seventh day/Sabbath. On this seventh day the ―manna‖ would not rot or disintegrate but be fresh for them.

"This is what YHVH commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to YHVH. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to YHVH. You will not find any of it on the ground today" (Exodus 16:23-28).

―You will not find any of it on the ground today‖ is a reference to the Messiah Yeshua–that He would not be found in the ground (grave) on the Sabbath. This passage is prophetic of Yeshua’s death and resurrection. His flesh did not see decay, as He did not die–He is alive! Yeshua is the ―living‖ word (John 1:1;14).

After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).

He is alive...

Exodus 16:15 ―What Is It?‖

Manna is Hebrew for What is it? After feeding the four thousand,

Yeshua and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" [Likened to the question ―What is it?‖] They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah [the Living Manna]" (Mark 8:27-30).

The Israelites ate manna for forty years. After his death and resurrection, Yeshua showed himself for ―forty days‖ upon the earth, another sign that he was the living manna that was with the Israelites in the Desert (Exodus 16:35).

The Sabbath is an eternal prophetic commandment. It prophetically reveals Yeshua. The key to the Millennial Kingdom is to enter and keep the Sabbath. It is called the ―wedding ring‖ of the bride of the Messiah, the ―sign‖ of the bride. The bride of Yeshua is the one who is faithful to obey His words and keep her wedding ring on.

The Hebrew word for rest is sabbath (Strong’s #6942), its meaning: to sanctify; set apart as in prophetic, holy, betrothal; dwell in His people; and the Day of the Lord (Hebrew understanding).

YHVH will sanctify His people. He will set them apart, taking them out from among the Nations by their obedience to His Word, which keeps them holy unto Him. He will betroth her by the sign of His Sabbath, His ―wedding ring‖. His intention is to dwell eternally with His people, those who find rest in Him and His Sabbath. This is the Day of the Lord (Hebrews 4:1-13).

YHVH commanded Aaron to put an omer of manna in a jar and place it before YHVH to be kept for the generations to come. Aaron placed the jar in front of the Testimony (Exodus 16:33-34).

Exodus 17 Water From the Rock

With the journey continuing, the whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, to a place called Rephidim. There, again, was no water. This brought quarreling from the people, who threatened Moses to the point of stoning. YHVH asked Moses to walk ahead of the people. He was to take some of the elders with him and the staff in his hand used to perform the signs before Pharaoh in Egypt. YHVH stood before him at Horeb (Mount Sinai). As Moses struck the rock, water gushed out.

On the heels of this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites. Joshua was sent with chosen men to fight them while Moses, Aaron and Hur went up the hill. Joshua was winning against the enemy while the hands of Moses were raised, but when Moses dropped his hands the Israelites would lose. Moses finally sat on the rock with his hands supported and held up by those with him and

the victory was won. (Note: Raised hands can also be a Hebrew idiom for holding up a Torah scroll).

YHVH let everyone know that if they grumbled, complained and quarreled, the nations around them would attack. If they rested in YHVH and in His Faithfulness to them they would have His protection, peace, covering and guidance. This is true for us today. The story of Moses and the people quarrelling in the wilderness is a prophetic lesson for us. The enemies of Israel are on the doorstep and in the land today. May we learn from Moses and apply these teachings in our lives to help deliver Israel for her enemies. Selah.

The Judge of Israel: Deborah

In the Haftarah section, the Israelites had just come through the ruling of Judge Ehud and were once again doing evil in the eyes of YHVH. This brought the enemies of Israel upon the land, causing the people to cry out to YHVH for help. YHVH did bring help, a new judge for the people this time in the form of a woman. In the story of Deborah, an Ephraimite woman, we learn that the men were weak in her day. YHVH told her to command Barak to go with ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor to fight against the enemy. Barak told her he would not go unless she came. Deborah said if she went, the victory would be at the hands of a woman and not a man, and this is just what happened. YHVH chose the best person for the job, a woman who rose and stood in the gap (Judges 4:6-9).

Where are the men and women who will stand up for YHVH? What will cause men to rise up and step into the leadership role appointed for them? Today, as Israel is coming out of Egypt (the world system), YHVH continues to consider men and women as equal, both with designated roles, giftings and abilities. If they are not in their positions, then one has to carry a double load and life becomes out of order.

The challenge for men and women today is to serve YHVH in His priesthood. Barak refused to obey YHVH’s commandment to lead the army. Many men today refuse to lead even though they have been anointed to do so. Praise YHVH for the Deborah’s in our history! Even still, this is not YHVH’s best, nor is it His intention for His people. Women are to be covered by the men. YHVH honors those who honor Him. We pray that men and women will together rise and carry the Banner of YHVH. The challenge in these scriptures is for men to respond to the call of leadership and respond to the call of the priesthood as Moses and Aaron did, and to trust and obey Yeshua when He calls. He wouldn’t ask us if we couldn’t do it. So may we trust YHVH to bring His deliverance and peace to Israel and to all who worship Him in Spirit and Truth. Amen!

Shabbat Shalom Carl and Julie Parker

References:

Omer measurement is approximately two quarts.

Map of the Exodus: http://www.genesisfiles.com/Exodus.htm

Redeemed Israel – Reunited and Restored by Batya Wootten

The 7000 year Redemptive Plan of God by R. Ralph Messer

Written by Natan Lawrence; Thursday, 17 January 20

Scriptures: http://www.messianicisrael.com/waters-in-the-wilderness/2007-2008/beshalach.html

Exodus 13:17-17:16

Haftorah Reading:</STRONG Judges 4:4–5:31

B‘rit Chadashah: On the mercy of Elohim: Romans 9:15–23 On Elohim‘s mighty acts: Acts 7:36 On Israel‘s faith: Hebrews 11:29 On Elohim‘s judgment of spiritual Egypt: Revelation 15:1–4 On the spiritual manna: John 6:25–58; Revelation 2:17

On Yeshua leading ancient Israel: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

Etz Chayeem Hoo (He Is a Tree of Life)

Yeshua is a tree of life to those who take hold of Him, and those who support Him are praiseworthy. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all of His paths are shalom. Bring us back YHVH to You, and we shall come, renew our days as of old.

As we begin to study the Torah let us never forget that YESHUA THE MESSIAH is the Living Torah, the Torah-Word of Elohim made flesh. He is the way, the truth and the life — the Living Manna sent from heaven. Without Him living in our lives through the indwelling Presence of his Set-Apart/Kadosh Spirit (Who leads us into all truth and revelation) the Written Torah can become the dead letter of the law!

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion):

13:17 The Route to the Promised Land

14:1 Pharaoh Hardens His Heart One Last Time

14:9 Israel Panics in the Face of the Egyptian Army

14:13 YHVH Reassures His People

14:21 The Parting of the Red Sea

14:23 The Water Crashes Down Upon the Egyptian Army

14:30 The Salvation of Israel From Their Enemies

15:1 A Song of Praise

15:20 Miriam and the Women Sing

15:23 Israel Tests YHVH at the Waters of Marah

16:4 The Miracle of the Manna

16:22 The Sixth Day: Preparation for the Sabbath

17:2 Israel Complains Again: Water From the Rock

17:8 The First Battle in the Wilderness Against Amalek

Study Questions For This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion):

1. 13:17–18 Why did YHVH instruct the Israelites to take the indirect route to the Promised Land through the wilderness instead of the straight line, direct route through northern Sinai to the Land of Israel—only a few days‘ journey? What does this tell us about the believer‘s spiritual walk? Wouldn‘t it be easier once one is saved out of the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light to be instantly transplanted into the spiritual New Jerusalem? So why do we have to go through the wilderness experience? (Read Luke 21:19.) What does it mean to be an overcomer? Overcome what? We are called to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. (Read Rev 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12.) How are gold and silver refined? (Read 1 Cor 3:11–15.) Second Timothy 3:12 says, ―Yea, and all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution.‖ Why? Our Father in heaven wants to conform us to the image of Yeshua (Rom 8:28–29). There is no gain where there is no pain! The day you were delivered from your spiritual Egypt were you ready to be a pillar in the Elohim‘s spiritual temple (Rev

3:12)? It is doubtful. Galatians 6:9 says, ―And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.‖

2. 14:19Who is this ―Angel‖ of Elohim (or in other places he is referred to as ―the ‗Angel‘ of YHVH‖)? The word angel is a very poor translation from the Hebrew, which is the word malak (mem-lamed-aleph-chaf sofit) and simply means ―a heavenly or human messenger.‖Prophetically this word can refer to human messengers such as the one coming in the spirit of Elijah prior to Messiah‘s coming, as well as to the Messiah himself (e.g. the Messenger or Malak of the covenant in Mal 3:1). In Genesis 32:22–30, Jacob wrestled with a man Scripture identifies as the Malak of YHVH (Hos 12:3–5) and whom Jacob called Elohim (verse 30). This same figure redeemed Jacob (Gen 48:16) and is identified with the ―Malak of Elohim … the Elohim of Bethel‖(31:11 and 13), and he appeared to Moses at the burning bush (Exod 3:2). Now he is leading Israel in the wilderness. Again who is he? Read Acts 7:37–38 and compare this with 1 Corinthians 10:1–4.

3. 13:21–22; 14:20 What is the spiritual significance of the fiery cloud (glorious Presence of YHVH) leading the Children of Israel through the wilderness, and what is this symbolic of in the redeemed believer‘s life? On the day of Pentecost (Shavuot), the same fiery-like substance came down on each of Yeshua‘s disciples (Acts 2:1–4). If the Malak of YHVH dwelt in the cloud that led Israel for 40 years, and if Moses received instructions from the Malak of YHVH from within the cloud when it would descend upon the Tabernacle (Num 12:5ff; Deut 31:15ff), then who is leading the believer now in his journey through his spiritual wilderness? Are you hearing the voice of YHVH from the ―fire‖ of the Spirit of Elohim that dwells in your spirit? (Read Prov 20:27; 1 Cor 2:10–14; Eph 3:16; 1 John 2:27.)

4. 14:1–2 YHVH ―engineered‖ the children of Israel‘s journey so that they would be wedged between the devil and the deep blue sea, so to speak. Why would he do that? What was he trying to teach them? Have you found yourself in a similar situation in your spiritual journey? What did you do about it and what lessons did you learn? Did your spiritual walk improve as your faith was tried and tested?

5. Chapter 14 What is the Red Sea symbolic of in the believer‘s life? Think of the color red, the idea of salt, and the concept of water. (Read 1 Cor 10:2 and Eph 5:26.) What is the spiritual symbolism or relationship between the Passover (Pesach) event, the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot) and the crossing of the Red Sea as they relate to the redeemed believer‘s salvation walk? Egypt represents leaving spiritual enslavement to the world, flesh and the devil; Passover pictures the work of Yeshua at the cross, the Red Sea pictures immersion for the remission of sins, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures putting sin out of the spiritual houses of our lives. What a beautiful picture! (Read 1 Cor 10:11.) All that the Israelites did and went through were types and shadows for us ―upon whom the ends of the world are come.‖ Thank you Israel (!) for teaching us so much about ourselves and our own spiritual walk. Father in heaven, help us to learn from their mistakes and to not repeat them!

6. 15:1–21 compare 22–25 How is it that Israel could transition so quickly from the Red Sea miracle followed by outburst of joyful praise on the one hand to complaining and murmuring on the other? Have you ever experienced YHVH‘s deliverance and blessing in your life, only to fall victim to doubt and unbelief shortly afterwards? Repent! Look at the carnal ―wilderness man‖ Paul describes in Romans chapter seven versus the Spirit-led, more-than-a-conqueror man of Romans chapter eight. Are you still bemoaning the past, walking in fear about the future and fretting and worrying about the present, or do you rejoice and give thanks to YHVH in all things? (Read Phil 4:4; Rom 12:12; and 1 Thess 5:18.)

7. 15:23They came to Marah. When the Israelites murmured at Marah, it was because they had taken their eyes off of YHVH. What was the solution to the problem? What caused the waters to turn from bitter to sweet? What is the tree a prophetic shadow-picture of? (Read 1 Pet 2:24; Acts 5:30; 13:29; John 15:5; Rev 2:7; 22:14.) How does this speak to us when life situations go sour and bitter for us? What should we do about it? Who turns the bitter waters sweet again so that we can drink and be refreshed? Do you love Yeshua for it? (Read Heb 12, the entire chapter; focus on verse two.)

8. 16:5, 14–36, What is the spiritual relationship between manna and the Sabbath? Why is the Sabbath one of the first commands given to Israel in the wilderness? What is the significance of the sixth day as a day of preparation for Shabbat (16:23)? Do you follow YHVH‘s loving instructions and prepare on the sixth day for your needs on the seventh day so that you can fully rest and be refreshed body, soul and spirit on the Sabbath? If not, why not? The instructions in YHVH‘s Word are clear on this subject. They are for our own physical and spiritual well-being, growth and development—that our spiritual relationship with him may be deepened.

9. 17:1–7 Psalms 81:7 says that YHVH proved the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah. This was one of the many tests they had to pass in their wilderness journey. What was YHVH trying to accomplish in the lives of these people. In James 1:2–4 we read,

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations trials knowing that the trying of your faith

works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfectly mature and complete,

lacking nothing.

Who is the Rock from which living waters flow? (Again reference 1 Cor 10:4 and John 7:37.)

Hold on to Torah:

It Will Guide and Protect You Through the Wilderness of Life

Steps In a Believer’s Walk

In this study, we will examine the spiritual stages of growth and development that a believer goes through while crossing the wilderness of life en route to our spiritual promised land—the kingdom of Elohim. We will see how Torah (YHVH‘s instructions in righteousness) plays a pivotal role that keeps us on the straight and narrow path that will eventually bring us safely to our spiritual destination. In view will be the oft-quoted verse from Proverbs 29:18 which says, ―Where there is no vision [literally, prophetic revelation], the people perish [or cast off restraint, become lawless, unloosened, and unbridled], but he that keeps [hedge about, guards, protects] the Torah, happy is he.‖ Many are familiar with the first part of this verse, but not the second part, where we see that Torah plays a vital role in guiding us to our spiritual or prophetic and eternal destiny.

Not only do we see Elohim directing his people into the path of Torah righteousness, but he is continually exposing them to the greater message of the everlasting gospel message (Rev 14:6), which involves salvation through faith in the shed blood of Yeshua, the Lamb of Elohim at the cross. What‘s more, Yeshua, the Word of YHVH incarnate (in flesh form, John 1:1–4, 14), the Living Torah, was the one who, as the arm of YHVH (Isa 53:1), delivered Israel from Egypt, and who, as the Angel (Messenger) of YHVH, led them in the pillar of fire, who spoke to them from Mount Sinai and gave them the Torah, who was the Rock that gave them water, and who was the bread of life to them. Yeshua himself and the apostolic writers make these connections between Yeshua and the deity-figure who was with the Israelites

throughout their tenure in the wilderness (John 8:58 cp Exod 3:14; John 6:32–58; Acts 7:35–39; 1 Cor 10:4, 9).

As you read this study, note how little-by-little, like a parent training his child, Elohim is training his people to walk in his Torah commandments, all the while revealing to them the truth of the redemptive work of Yeshua. Please note that obedience to the Torah and belief in Yeshua go hand-in-hand. The two are indivisible. One cannot believe in, love, and even know Yeshua without obeying his commands (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3–6). Belief in Yeshua and walking in the ways of Yeshua are two sides of the same coin.

Interestingly, this message of the gospel (walking in Torah, the Written Word of Elohim, and having faith in Yeshua, the Living Torah/Word of Elohim) has never changed, for the last book of the Bible still identifies the end-time saints of Elohim as keeping the commandments of Elohim and having the testimony or faith of Yeshua (Rev 12:17; 14:12).

Article continued at http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/hold_torah.pdf

Haftorah Reading—Judges 4:4-5:31

Deborah–A Fiery Woman of YHVH

The Torah and Haftorah portions for this week bear many similarities. In both pericopes, Israel was languishing under oppressive foreign powers, and in both YHVH sent them a savior to deliver them and through miracles and against overwhelming odds, Israel defeated its oppressors and the nation was brought to a new spiritual level. Prophets were instrumental in both cases, and women were used of YHVH in the deliverance of his people. And finally, both scenarios climax in the production of a psalm of praise to YHVH for his mighty hand in setting his people free.

1. The story of Deborah often brings up the question concerning the role of women among YHVH‘s people. Proponents of women in leadership roles point to Deborah as a champion to their cause. Those who decry any sort of women leadership blush when the example of Deborah is brought up and are often quick to add that she was a one-time exception to this rule. What is the truth as presented by Scripture? Please note the role of women in Scripture by reviewing the following examples as Batya Wootten points out in her book, Mama‘s Torah—the Role of Women: o Miriam was a prophetess and coworker with her brothers Moses and Aaron in leading Israel (Mic 6:4). o YHVH used the daughters of Zelophehad to help instruct Moses, and on the basis of their wisdom, the

Torah was amended (Num 27:1–11). o Huldah was a prophetess and an advisor to King Josiah (2  Kgs 22:11–20). o Queen Esther helped to write law (Est 9:29). o Phoebe was a deacon/minister within the spiritual body of early Messianic believers (Rom 16:1–2). o Junia along with Andronicus, her husband, are listed as apostles (Rom 16:7). o Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife ministry team and pastored a congregation that met in

their home. There are times when the Scripture even records Priscilla‘s name first. She was evidently a dynamic leader, along with her husband (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19).

o The women in Corinth prayed and prophesied publicly (1 Cor 11:5–6).

o Philip had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9). o A nucleus of women developed a congregation at Phillipi (Acts 16:12–15, 40).

Wootten then deduces from the biblical record that ―believing communities should be aligned with Biblical patterns of the Scripture. And while it clearly depicts a pattern of male leadership, is also clearly shows female participation‖ (p. 37).

In light of the example of Deborah we must ask the question: will YHVH‘s plans and purposes be put on hold or thwarted simply because there lacks a person of the male gender to fulfill those plans? Can he who used Balaam‘s ass for his purposes, and who said that he could raise up rocks to declare his praises not use women as he so chooses when there lacks a man to do the job, or use women to assist men in doing theirs?

2. 4:4 The wife of Lapidoth (KJV). The ArtScroll Tanach has translated this phrase as ―a fiery woman‖ since the Hebrew word lapid means torch. This implies that Deborah was energetic and decisive. The Jewish sages teach that Lapidoth is but another name for Barak since both names connote flashes of lightning, and therefore are used interchangeably (ArtScroll Rubin Edition Joshua/Judges Commentary, p. 137). If the sages are correct, then Deborah was assisting her husband, Barak. He was the military leader of Israel, while she was the spiritual leader. Does this shake your paradigm about the role of women in biblical societies? Many times fiery women are labeled and branded as persona non grata. Is this a fair thing to do if they are women who walk in and uphold biblical standards of righteousness, and who honor and defer to male headship, if there is righteous male headship worthy of honor?

3. Often Barak is viewed as a reluctant, even cowardly military leader. Is this a fair assessment? Didn‘t he display great faith when he heeded the Word of Elohim through Deborah, and furthermore abandoned the strategic high ground when attacking the enemy on the plain where the enemy‘s chariots would be most advantageous? If Barak and Deborah were husband and wife, what does this story teach us about husbands and wives not only respecting, but heeding each other‘s counsel, and then working together as a team? Who knows, YHVH may be using your wife or husband to speak to you right now!

4. 5:1 On that day. Deborah composed her praise psalm on the very day of battle and victory. She did not delay to offer up a sacrifice of praise to the Elohim of Israel. ―Given the fragile nature of joy so great that it bursts into a song, it must be expressed immediately, before the heightened perception begins to fade away, or is depleted by sin‖ (Ibid., p. 141). Is your relationship that vital with your Maker and your joy and gratitude that child-like, spontaneous and unquenchable that you do not delay to praise YHVH the moment a blessing comes your way?

5. 5:7 A mother in Israel. Have you along your spiritual journey ever encountered a ―mother in Israel‖ who YHVH used to change the course of your life and shape your spiritual destiny through her wise counsel and guidance? Such a Deborah-like woman is loving, but she does not fail to scold or discipline her children when they need it. May YHVH raise up such righteous and discerning women in Israel in our day!

Let‘s not forget the other woman in this passage: Jael. While one woman, Deborah, was a well-known public figure functioning as a prophetess, judge and military leader in Israel, another woman was tucked away in the wilderness, away from others fulfilling her role as a house (or, tent) wife. She, too, was a mother in Israel, who was quietly walking in righteousness in her own home, yet YHVH brought a ministry opportunity her way. Though the task she was asked to do was a grisly one, she did not shrink back when duty called to her. In so doing, she helped to save the nation of Israel at a very tenuous time in its existence, and her name is immortalized in Deborah‘s psalm of praise. What is the lesson for us? Be faithful to do what YHVH has called you to do, no matter how insignificant and out of the limelight it may seem, and he will bring you greater opportunities and reward you with blessings unspeakabl

Scriptures: http://www.messianicisrael.com/cutting-to-the-root/2007-2008/beshalach.html

Exodus 13:17 – 17:16

Haftara: Judges 5:1-31

13:18 Sea of Reeds (Red Sea) – This may have been the Gulf of Suez, which branches northward from the Red Sea and separates Egypt from the Sinai Desert; but what is known today as the Red Sea is south of the Sinai Peninsula and so far south of the populated area of Egypt that it is unlikely that the Exodus and the later Splitting of the Sea could have taken place there. It may be that the Sea of Reeds was the Great Bitter Lake, which is between the Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea; or the large delta at the mouth of the Nile, in the north of Egypt; or it may have been the southern Mediterannean.

14:13-14 Moses said six very important things in the next two verses that pertain to us in a very practical way when dealing with adversity.

Fear not – This is sometimes the hardest thing but most important thing to hear.

Stand still – You shall not be coworkers with YHVH; only be quiet and do not become confused by your fear and confusion.

See the salvation of YHVH – See the deliverance that be, independent of all human help and means.

You shall not see them ever again – Strong faith accompanied by the spirit of prophesy.

YHVH shall do battle for you – We shall have no part in the honor of the day. Alll the honor belongs to YHVH.

You shall remain silent – You will see that by might none shall be able to stand against YHVH. The week shall obtain victory when the power of YHVH is exerted.

14:28 "There remained not a one of them." According to the writings of Josephus the army of Pharaoh consisted of 50,000 horsemen and 200,000 foot soldiers of whom not one remained to tell of what happened.

15:1 "Then Moshe and the Children of Israel chose to sing this song to YHVH." Poetry has been written by peoples and at all times, from the most refined to the most callous. We are indebted to YHVH that this piece of some of the most beautiful poetry has been through the ages for us to enjoy. Although this is not the first appearance of poetry in the Torah (Lamech’s speech to his wives – Gen.4:23-24; Noah’s prophecy concerning his sons – Gen.9:25-27 and Ya’akov’s blessing of the twelve patriarchs – Gen.49:2-27) yet it is the first regular poem of any considerable length and having but one subject. It is all written in hemistichs, or half lines, the usual form of Hebrew poetry. The Tanach is full of poetic writings the Psalms being a collection of exclusively poetic writing.

The song of Moshe is held in the highest regard by sages and church teacher alike. The Wisdom of Solomon (Apocrypha) (Shir haShirim) 10:21 says that at the time of the singing of this song YHVH opened the mouths of the dumb and gave infants the ability to speak. It is as if he has said that everyone was involved in the great event that had taken place and that every living person was to praise YHVH.

15:2 The manifestation was so clear that all, even the simplest of people could point and say ―This is my God‖ (Rashi).

It is noteworthy to see that this is the first time in the Torah that yah is used instead of YHVH. The yud hey is use of the future imperfect form and denotes the "is" and "will be" of YHVH.

"I will prepare for Him a Sanctuary." Some scholars say that Moses already new of the construction of the Tabernacle but it seems to be too early on. The Syriac and Coptic codex as well as the Yonatan and Jerusalem Targum agree that it implies glorification rather than a physical construction.

15:11 "Who is like you among the heavenly powers?" Mi chamochah baelim adonai. It is believed that these were the words that Judah Maccabee used as his motto.

15:20-21 The Talmud (Sotah11b) teaches, ―In the merit of righteous women of that generation were the Children of Israel redeemed from Egypt.‖ In addition to maintaing the spiritual vigor of the Nation during the years of oppression, the women had greater faith then the men that there would be an eventual redemption, accompanied by miracles of great magnitude.

15:23 The word mara means bitterness, as in maror, the bitter herbs of the Seder.

16:4-36 The lesson of the sweetened water of Marah had not yet been fully absorbed. When the people felt threatened by hunger, they protested even more vehemently than in Marah, going so far as to say that they were better off in Egypt than now. This too was part of Israel’s schooling for eternity, for YHVH was about to give them manna, heavenly food, which proved that deserts cannot hamper YHVH’s infinite capacity to provide for His children. Often on hears that the observance of Torah stands in the way of a livelihood; the blessing of the manna proves the opposite. When Israel neglected the Torah or lost faith, it was thirsty and hungry; when it recognized that YHVH is its Healer and Provider, there was plenty in place of need.

16:13 "The quail." If anyone has seen the desert quail it is a miracle in itself that they could catch them as they are very fast on the ground and magnificent in flight.

16:35 The manna fell until the 7th Adar, when Moses died and before the people had crossed the Jordan into Eretz Israel.

17:6 Al ha Tzur – on the rock. This is a type and shadow of what we see in the Gospels where Yeshua says "upon this rock." – Moses the Messianic figure upon the the Torah, the instruction of YHVH.

17:15 YHVH nisi. This is interesting because of the different uses the word has. It means to escape as well as a miracle amongst other derivatives. This of course fits the episode.

17:8-16 Amalek’s enmity against Israel stems not only from its legacy as Esau’s grandson, but from what it represents. The evil prophet Bilaam referred to Amalek as the first among the nations (Num. 24:20), i.e. the leading force of evil, just as Israel is the leading force of good and the will of YHVH. Consequently, their struggle is the eternal struggle of good versus evil

http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html#parasha_bereishit

Beshalach (After he had let go) — see also: • Hold On to Torah; • Deborah—A Fiery Woman of YHVH

Exodus 13:17–17:16 Judges 4:4–5:31 Romans 9:15–23; Acts 7:36; Hebrews 11:29; Revelation 15:1-4; John 6:25-58; Revelation 2:17; 1Corinthians 10:1-13