Mishpatim - Reading #5

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws

Exodus: 21:1-24:18

Reading #5 - Exodus 23:6–19

My Thoughts:

The last command in this reading is not to boil a young goat in its mother’s milk (verse 19). At first glance we can feel this is a very humane act, which it is. But some sages believe it represents pagan worship. The pagans would sacrifice a baby goat in its mother’s milk. And of course, Hashem does not want us performing or even copying any type of pagan worship. He is the only Elohim we serve. He wants us to know that under no way does He want us to perform pagan worship. When the Israelites were coming into the Land they would be exposed to many different pagan gods. Hashem cares for us and instructs us ahead of time. Amen.

Challenge:

I love in verse 10 how Hashem has us rest our crops in the seventh year, and that the poor will have a way to eat. He provides for everyone -- rich and poor. And He is instructing His people how to take care of those around us. So, today my challenge is for you to think about if you are providing in some way for the poor or those around you who need special help. If you aren't, ask Hashem to give you an opportunity to do so. And He will. I actually got a text from a former client before a recent holiday asking for help. Our family along with five other family friends decided to help her and her seven children. We gave her food and presents. Her children were so excited! I know it was from Hashem because we were more blessed then the family was!

Reading #5 - Exodus 23:6–19

6 “You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

7 “Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked.

8 “You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.

9 “You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, since you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

10 “For six years you shall sow your land, and shall gather in its increase, 11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the animal of the field shall eat. In the same way, you shall deal with your vineyard and with your olive grove.

12 “Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant, and the alien may be refreshed.

13 “Be careful to do all things that I have said to you; and don’t invoke the name of other gods or even let them be heard out of your mouth.

14 “You shall observe a feast to me three times a year. 15 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out of Egypt), and no one shall appear before me empty. 16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you sow in the field; and the feast of ingathering, at the end of the year, when you gather in your labors out of the field. 17 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Hashem.

18 “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread. The fat of my feast shall not remain all night until the morning.

19 You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground into the house of Hashem your Elohim.

“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

Yitro - Reading #6

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro

Exodus: 18:1-20:22

Reading #6 - Exodus 19:20–20:14

My Thoughts:

The worship of idols is against everything Hashem stands for. When He gives the Commandments, He warns us that the sin of idolatry will fall on to our descendants. And if we do not worship false gods, He will bless us by being kind to us (verses 5 & 6)! Which do you choose for your life? To be treated wonderfully from Hashem with blessings, or to have your children and their children cursed because of your sin? Think about it and make a decision. Follow Hashem and His Commandments and have no other gods before you!

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to look at the “idols” in your life. You may be surprised what you do worship -- I know I am. Yes, we worship and love Hashem. But, we do other things too. What about TV? We sit before it, we eat before it, we absorb ourselves in it -- isn’t that like an idol? The same with our social media, computers and phones. I’ll bet you spend more time on those things then you do studying the Word of Elohim. I know I do.

It’s time for a change. Be sure to do your devotions and study every morning. Then try to minimize your time on electronics and media. Pray to Hashem throughout the day. Love others more than yourself. By doing all these things, I believe those “idols” in our lives will disappear slowly. We must try. He has commanded us to do so.

Reading #6 - Exodus 19:20–20:14

19:20 Hashem came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Hashem called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21 Hashem said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Hashem to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 Let the priests also, who come near to Hashem, sanctify themselves, lest Hashem break out on them.”

23 Moses said to Hashem, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.’”

24 Hashem said to him, “Go down! You shall bring Aaron up with you, but don’t let the priests and the people break through to come up to Hashem, lest He break out against them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people, and told them.

20 Elohim spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Hashem your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of Hashem your Elohim, for Hashem will not hold him guiltless who misuses His name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Hashem your Elohim. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; 11 for in six days Hashem made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Hashem blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

Yitro - Reading #5

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.

Beshalach - Reading #5

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Reading #5 - Exodus 15:27–16:10

My Thoughts:

Wow! Bread from the sky (verse 16:4)? Can you even imagine that Hashem loves His people (and us) so very much that He heard their “hunger pains” and blessed them with bread literally from the sky. I never thought of it this way before, but that’s how it covered the ground! If our Elohim can send bread from the sky and part the waters of the sea so that thousands of people can walk through it -- well I guess, He can do anything! I encouraged you to take a moment and reflect on how deep and how high Hashem’s love is for us. No matter how rough things can get, if we are following Him with full faith, He will meet our needs -- even in miraculous ways. Thank you Hashem!

Challenge:

Hashem is getting ready to “test” His people. Yes, He delivers this miraculous bread from heaven (actually for 40 years), but He also sets a Law. Only gather enough on the 6th day of the week to last you that day and the Shabbat. The rest will rot. How tempting it would have been to gather more! Think of it, you are starving and you never want you or your family to starve again! So, you naturally would want to gather as much as you could. However, Hashem says not to do that! What faith and courage it would take to obey Him! 

Do you have a situation in your life where God has blessed you, but you want more? I challenge you to put your trust in Him for your future, and accept with gratefulness what He has given you now. He will provide all you need, if you just ask Him.

Reading #5 - Exodus 15:27–16:10

15:27 They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They encamped there by the waters.

16 They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness; 3 and the children of Israel said to them, “We wish that we had died by Hashem’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

4 Then Hashem said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 It shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”

6 Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening, you shall know that Hashem has brought you out from the land of Egypt. 7 In the morning, you shall see Hashem’s glory; because he hears your murmurings against Hashem. Who are we, that you murmur against us?” 8 Moses said, “Now Hashem will give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you, because Hashem hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Hashem.” 9 Moses said to Aaron, “Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come close to Hashem, for he has heard your murmurings.’” 10 As Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, Hashem’s glory appeared in the cloud.

Bo - Reading #5

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #5 - Exodus 12:21–28

My Thoughts:

This Pesach (Passover) miracle is to be remembered and passed down from generation to generation. It is a Feast that we are required to memorialize each year. It is not meant to be some heavy “burden” -- but rather a wonderful reminder of Hashem’s mercy and grace. He heard His people “cries” and He answered them. He delivered them out of slavery and into a Land of milk and honey. Celebrating Pesach every year can draw us back into time, a time where Hashem held His arms out to His people and redeemed them. 

I am sure this was very unexpected to them. After all, they were probably asking to be delivered from slavery, not necessarily to be moved into a different country. Maybe they had forgotten the promise made to their fathers. The promise of Israel. Nevertheless, Hashem did not forget. And now it was time to bring them home. May we never forget that Hashem does hear our prayers and He does have answers. They may just look different then what we expected.

Challenge:

Are you asking Hashem to deliver you out of a certain situation? Keep believing He has heard you and will redeem you, it just may surprise you how He does it. Try to be strong and keep faith. Trust that He will move in His time. Open your eyes and see if your “exodus” has begun!

Reading #5 - Exodus 12:21–28

21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, “Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover. 22 You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two door posts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For Hashem will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, Hashem will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you. 24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 25 It shall happen when you have come to the land which Hashem will give you, as He has promised, that you shall keep this service. 26 It will happen, when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Hashem’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when He struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’”

The people bowed their heads and worshiped. 28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Hashem had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

Va'eira - Reading #5

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #5 - Exodus 8:7–18

My Thoughts:

In all of what Moses has done - he proves that “ - there is no one like Hashem our Elohim.” (verse 8:10) Moses is dealing with a Godless culture or really a culture of many gods. Ultimately, we know that Hashem just wants everyone to know Him and serve Him. Here is a way to show the Pharaoh who He is. And the Pharaoh does begin to see the “hand” of Elohim, in all the miracles of destruction. But, he is stubborn. He believes for a minute and then when things become good again, he dismisses it all. Isn’t that a lot like us? Our faith is so strong when we are witnessing Hashem’s miracles, and then grows weak when we get used to it all. Maybe it is time to appreciate, love and give glory to Hashem every day of our life!

Challenge:

Do you have any “frogs” or “lice” in your life that you cannot get rid of? Maybe it is time to turn it all over to G-d. Maybe it is time to believe He really does exist, and He really does love you. Take a minute to praise Him for all the good He has done in your life! And then ask Him to help you through this time of trouble. Guaranteed He will remove the frogs and lice, it just may not look like you think it should.

Reading #5 - Exodus 8:7–18

The magicians did the same thing with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.

8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, “Entreat Hashem, that he take away the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to Hashem.”

9 Moses said to Pharaoh, “I give you the honor of setting the time that I should pray for you, and for your servants, and for your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, and remain in the river only.”

10 Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow.”

Moses said, “Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like Hashem our Elohim. 11 The frogs shall depart from you, and from your houses, and from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only.”

12 Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to Hashem concerning the frogs which he had brought on Pharaoh. 13 Hashem did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields. 14 They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken.

16 Hashem said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’” 17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were lice on man, and on animal; all the dust of the earth became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 The magicians tried with their enchantments to produce lice, but they couldn’t. There were lice on man, and on animal.

Shemot - Reading #5

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Reading #5 - Exodus 3:16–4:17

My Thoughts:

Hashem is determined to use Moses. Even though he is scared and objects. What is so interesting is that Hashem works through his doubts with him. He promises that He will do miracles, signs and wonders. That He will make Moses rod do special things to convince people. And Hashem promises to put words into his mouth to speak. Moses is still afraid. Hashem gets a little upset with him, but then agrees to using his brother Aaron as a mouthpiece. It’s like Hashem is telling Moses, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.” 

Isn’t that what Hashem does with us? He tells us to do something, we give a thousand excuses, and He stays with us through it all. That is the coolest thing. So, don’t be afraid to carry out Hashem’s task. He is there and He will help you!

Challenge:

I have a brave challenge for you today. Look around you and see if Hashem is showing you something that someone needs. Take that need, pray about it and ask Hashem to do a miracle. Don’t do anything (unless Hashem tells you to) -- just pray about it. And see what He does. Be sure to pray HIS WILL in the situation. You may be super surprised at His answer to your prayer! I just thought of someone and prayed a special prayer for Hashem to help this person (actually a couple). I will wait, continue praying and see what happens.

Reading #5 - Exodus 3:16–4:17

16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, ‘Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt. 17 I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 They will listen to your voice. You shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall tell him, ‘Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Hashem, our Elohim.’ 19 I know that the king of Egypt won’t give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20 I will reach out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do among them, and after that he will let you go. 21 I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her who visits her house, jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and clothing. You shall put them on your sons, and on your daughters. You shall plunder the Egyptians.”

4 Moses answered, “But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice; for they will say, ‘Hashem has not appeared to you.’”

2 Hashem said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

He said, “A rod.”

3 He said, “Throw it on the ground.”

He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it.

4 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand, and take it by the tail.”

He stretched out his hand, and took hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand.

5 “This is so that they may believe that Hashem, the Elohiim of their fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Hashem said furthermore to him, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.”

He put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

7 He said, “Put your hand inside your cloak again.”

He put his hand inside his cloak again, and when he took it out of his cloak, behold, it had turned again as his other flesh.

8 “It will happen, if they will not believe you or listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9 It will happen, if they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river, and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take out of the river will become blood on the dry land.”

10 Moses said to Hashem, “O Hashem, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”

11 Hashem said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Hashem? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”

13 Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.”

14 Hashem’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he is coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 He will be your spokesman to the people. It will happen that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God. 17 You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

Vayechi - Reading #5

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26

My Thoughts:

Jacob continues to praise his sons and prophecy into their future. He seems to give the longest speeches to Judah and Joseph. I guess we all choose favorites in our kids, but good not to let them know this – right? The point being it is obvious he loved all his children (and grandchildren) and it was important to impart blessings. Like we talked about yesterday, be sure to bless your children while they and you are alive. You never want to miss out on any opportunities.

Challenge:

Take a piece of paper and write down one special thing about each of your children. If they are grown, still do it. And do the same for your grandchildren. Take your paper, date it, and put it somewhere special. Guaranteed sometime in the future someone will find it and be blessed. And it will help you to remember the special things about your family. (If you don’t have kids then write something special about a sibling or friend).

Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26

49:19 “A troop will press on Gad,

    but he will press on their heel.

20 “Asher’s food will be rich.

    He will produce royal dainties.

21 “Naphtali is a doe set free,

    who bears beautiful fawns.

22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,

    a fruitful vine by a spring.

    His branches run over the wall.

23 The archers have severely grieved him,

    shot at him, and persecuted him:

24 But his bow remained strong.

    The arms of his hands were made strong,

    by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,

    (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

25 even by the Elohim of your father, who will help you,

    by the Almighty, who will bless you,

with blessings of heaven above,

    blessings of the deep that lies below,

    blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.

26 The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of your ancestors,

    above the boundaries of the ancient hills.

They will be on the head of Joseph,

    on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.

Vayigash - Reading #5

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #5 -  Genesis 45:28–46:27

My Thoughts: 

Small beginnings. Only seventy people, descendants of Jacob, travel to Egypt to settle in Goshen. But, we know that years later thousands leave to go back to the promised land. Over a million with those who joined them. Sometimes we will start a project or a mission and the number of people helping us are few. As time progresses and the mission/project grows, so do the people. When we take on something that is from Hashem it is sure to grow. And it is amazing to watch. If you are in the early beginnings of a mission/project, stay in prayer and stay strong. If it is of Elohim it will mature into a magnificent gift.

Challenge: 

This is a time of year where we have many family events. Your family has many traditions I am sure. Or maybe you don’t have a family and you are meeting with friends. My challenge to you today is to look at the importance of friends and family. Jacob had several sons, who multiplied their families. One of the ancestral lines of Judah would bring the Mashiach - Yeshua. Family is important. Having children is important. Think and pray about how you are going to grow your family, or if you are older -- how you can bless your children and grandchildren. You never know the purpose Hashem has for them! You may be instrumental in changing the world!

Reading #5 - Genesis 45:28–46:27

28 Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

46 Israel traveled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the Elohim of his father, Isaac. 2 Elohim spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!”

He said, “Here I am.”

3 He said, “I am Elohim, the Elohim of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation. 4 I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Joseph’s hand will close your eyes.”

5 Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob, their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him, 7 his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and he brought all his offspring with him into Egypt.

8 These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Iob, and Shimron. 14 The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty-three. 16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls. 19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22 These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen. 23 The son of Dan: Hushim. 24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob: all the souls were seven. 26 All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt, who were his direct offspring, in addition to Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were sixty-six. 27 The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.

Miketz - Reading #5

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #5 - Genesis 42:19–43:15

My Thoughts:

This reading seems to be abundant in “fear”. The brothers are fearful for their lives, for their brother’s lives and for the reaction of their father. And probably fearful of starvation and accusation of stealing money. Jacob is fearful that he might lose Benjamin. It seems like not only in Scripture, but in our own lives that fear dominates us at times. I know it has happened in my life. It is so easy to trust Hashem when things are going well, but when they are not -- we exhibit great fear. Maybe we need to practice having trust when little disturbing things happen in our lives, so when larger things come our way we are more prepared. Also, it is good to have other people pray for us during those tough times. They can help us to have “peace” during hard situations.

Challenge: 

Regret. Clearly the brothers are displaying regret for what they did to Joseph years ago. They feel that the sin of abandoning him is now “catching” up with them. Do you have any regrets in your life? Is there something you can do to repair what you have done? Spend some time in prayer and ask Hashem to show you. Ask Him if there is a way to fix what has occurred -- to restore the situation to something good. I know it’s hard to do things like that, but rather than regret it forever.

READING #5 - Genesis 42:19–43:15

9 If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses. 20 Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won’t die.”

They did so. 21 They said to one another, “We are certainly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us, and we wouldn’t listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us.” 22 Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen? Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.” 23 They didn’t know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. 24 He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes. 25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore each man’s money into his sack, and to give them food for the way. So it was done to them.

26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there. 27 As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey food in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, “My money is restored! Behold, it is in my sack!” Their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that Elohim has done to us?” 29 They came to Jacob their father, to the land of Canaan, and told him all that had happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country. 31 We said to him, ‘We are honest men. We are no spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is today with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 The man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. So I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.’”

35 As they emptied their sacks, behold, each man’s bundle of money was in his sack. When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 Jacob, their father, said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children! Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin away. All these things are against me.”

37 Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons, if I don’t bring him to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him to you again.”

38 He said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

43 The famine was severe in the land. 2 When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food.”

3 Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go down and buy you food; 5 but if you don’t send him, we won’t go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”

6 Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly, telling the man that you had another brother?”

7 They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’”

8 Judah said to Israel, his father, “Send the boy with me, and we’ll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones. 9 I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever; 10 for if we hadn’t delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now.”

11 Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds; 12 and take double money in your hand, and take back the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take your brother also, get up, and return to the man. 14 May Elohim Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

15 The men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

Vayeshev - Reading #5

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #5 - Genesis 39:1–6

My Thoughts: 

This is quite amazing. In verse 2 we are told “Hashem was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.” Did you ever know anyone who knew Hashem and also did really well in all he/she did? They seem to be really prosperous and a really good person. Or maybe that happens to you too? Sometimes in my life I feel so blessed. Almost like I am spoiled. Like Hashem gives me everything! I guess you could say that is being prosperous, because Hashem is with me? I hope so!

Challenge: 

Try to get closer to Hashem today. Read Scripture, pray and just sit and talk to Him. Then see how the rest of your day goes. See if He blesses you more than other days. In other words, see if Hashem will be “with” you and then watch Him bless (prosper) you.

Reading #5 - Genesis 39:1–6

39 Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. 2 Hashem was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 His master saw that Hashem was with him, and that Hashem made all that he did prosper in his hand. 4 Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Hashem blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Hashem’s blessing was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. 6 He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate.

Joseph was well-built and handsome.

Vayishlach - Reading #5

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Reading #5 - Genesis 34:1–35:11

My Thoughts: 

Dinah seems to be the only sister mentioned of Jacob’s sons. Usually when that happens the “big” brothers will really defend their “little” sister. They were not happy at all that Shechem took her to his home and slept with her. Neither was Jacob. They devised a plan to kill Shechem and all the men. But, what I find to be interesting in today’s reading is that in verse 3 “His soul joined to Dinah”. 

I have heard before in religious circles that when a man sleeps with a woman they are spiritually “joined” before Hashem. Back in this time there was not a formal marriage, you simply announced to be married and then slept together. Remember that Elohim says in Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In the eyes of Hashem when a man and wife have sex, they become one. Their souls “join” together. That is the way Hashem created us. Should we be having sex outside of marriage, if indeed our “souls join”?

Challenge: 

For those of you who have had sex outside of marriage, you may want to repent today -- and break “soul ties” with that person. I have been to religious conferences where they dealt solely with this and would pray special prayers. It is serious to be tied to someone this way and if you haven’t gone to Hashem and repented, I urge you to do so today.

Reading #5 - Genesis 34:1–35:11

34:1 Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2 Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her. He took her, lay with her, and humbled her. 3 His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady. 4 Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, “Get me this young lady as a wife.”

5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to talk with him. 7 The sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it. The men were grieved, and they were very angry, because he had done folly in Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing that ought not to be done. 8 Hamor talked with them, saying, “The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. 9 Make marriages with us. Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You shall dwell with us, and the land will be before you. Live and trade in it, and get possessions in it.”

11 Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give. 12 Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife.”

13 The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their sister, 14 and said to them, “We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us. 15 Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised, 16 then will we give our daughters to you; and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our sister, and we will be gone.”

18 Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. 19 The young man didn’t wait to do this thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter, and he was honored above all the house of his father. 20 Hamor and Shechem, his son, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the men of their city, saying, 21 “These men are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. For behold, the land is large enough for them. Let’s take their daughters to us for wives, and let’s give them our daughters. 22 Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised. 23 Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us.”

24 All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem his son; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city. 25 On the third day, when they were sore, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. 27 Jacob’s sons came on the dead, and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, that which was in the city, that which was in the field, 29 and all their wealth. They took captive all their little ones and their wives, and took as plunder everything that was in the house. 30 Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house.”

31 They said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?”

35 Elohim said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to Elohim, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”

2 Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, change your garments. 3 Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to Elohim, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”

4 They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. 5 They traveled, and a terror of Elohim was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. 7 He built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there Elohim was revealed to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8 Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and its name was called Allon Bacuth.

9  Elohim appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan Aram, and blessed him. 10 Elohim said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel. 11 Elohim said to him, “I am Elohim Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and kings will come out of your body.