Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro
Exodus: 18:1-20:22
Reading #5 - Exodus 19:7–19
My Thoughts:
What an exciting experience! Thunderings, lightning, smoke, fire and a very loud trumpet. Hashem is descending on Mt. Sinai in front of His chosen nation to speak to them! I can hardly imagine what this would be like! It would be so wonderfully overwhelming and probably frightening -- in a good way. This particular scene and the giving of the Law would create love for Hashem and obedience for centuries to come. And if we believe the prophets, His glory will return again -- to the Temple in Jerusalem. And He will send His Mashiach to rule and reign forever. We should be praying every day for His return! And for the Temple in Jerusalem to be built. Do not take this lightly. Just like He appeared in the most extreme, incredible way to Moses and His people -- so will He return to the Temple Mount, with great appearance! Get ready! Study Scripture so you know what to expect. Be repenting daily and seeking His face.
Challenge:
Some say it’s been about fifty days since the Hebrew people have left Egypt, to the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai. That is when we celebrate the Feast of Shavuot. This year when you get ready to celebrate this Feast, and you are counting the “omer” for fifty days, be sure to think of the occurrence we read of today. Take time to imagine what it was like when Hashem appeared to give the Law. Make sure you are continuing to give Him reverence in your life. Make sure you are staying clean and obedient to His Word. Wear your tzit-tzit to remember you to follow His Law. Show Him your love by loving others more than yourself. Get ready. Daily.
Reading #5 - Exodus 19:7–19
19:7 Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Hashem commanded him. 8 All the people answered together, and said, “All that Hashem has spoken we will do.”
Moses reported the words of the people to Hashem. 9 Hashem said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Moses told the words of the people to Hashem. 10 Hashem said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, 11 and be ready for the third day; for on the third day Hashem will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. 12 You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”
14 Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. 15 He said to the people, “Be ready by the third day. Don’t have sexual relations with a woman.”
16 On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet Elohim; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai smoked, because Hashem descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and Elohim answered him by a voice.
