Pekudei - Reading #6

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17–27

My Thoughts:

How exciting this must have been. After several months of preparation and construction, Moses is finally bringing it all together – just as Hashem commanded him. You see, he was preparing the most holy place for Hashem to dwell. He was making a “house” for Hashem, right here on the earth. Yes, they were witnessing His glory in the cloud during the day and fire at night. But, this was a place where Hashem was to be honored and worshiped. Where the people would be giving back to Him through sacrifices. Up to this point, it seemed like Hashem was giving of Himself to the people through signs, wonders and miracles. But now, the people had a chance to give back. To show Him how they loved Him and how grateful they were for their deliverance from Egypt. Look at your life today. How do you give back to Hashem?

Challenge:

As we see, the Tabernacle is a very special place of meeting Hashem. I have asked this before, but do you have a special place for Hashem? In Judaism, on Shabbat, a special place is always prepared. A table is set, candles are lit, bread is prepared and placed on the table, songs are sung, prayers are said and there are Torah readings and discussion. It is a very special way to honor and worship Hashem in today’s world. If you are not already honoring Shabbat in this way, I encourage you to start doing so. This is a challenge for myself, because we do not live in a Jewish community. But, I think it is time to start making Shabbat special, like the Tabernacle was made so special. A great place for a great Elohim. A place to meet on a regular basis. Amen!

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17-27

17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up. 18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Hashem commanded Moses. 20 He took and put the covenant into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as Hashem commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside of the veil. 23 He set the bread in order on it before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 24 He put the lamp stand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. 25 He lit the lamps before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil; 27 and he burned incense of sweet spices on it, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Vayakhel - Reading #6

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Reading #6 - Exodus 37:17–29

My Thoughts:

This Torah portion goes into detail how the lamp stand is to be made. Why does Hashem need a lamp stand when He is pure light? Remember the Tabernacle has no windows. So there is no natural light coming in from the outside. And even if His glory will shine inside the Holy of Holies, there will be minimal light in the Most Holy Place. Hence, the lamp stand. It is made specially of gold and with intricate flowers. Everything inside the Tabernacle has meaning and was created a certain way for a reason. Even the number of lights needed is important and makes for an interesting study. Maybe try doing some investigation about this today.

Challenge:

The incense table is important in the Tabernacle. Some have assumed that it is necessary to provide “smoke” so as to “cover” Hashem’s presence in the Holy of Holies. Others say Hashem loves the sweet fragrance of the incense. Remember the recipe to create the incense can not be used for personal needs – only to be present in the Tabernacle. In Scripture it is written that our prayers ascend to Hashem like incense (Psalm 141:2). This is especially important to remember during a time on earth where there isn’t a holy Temple. Maybe we can make this an intentional gift to Hashem to send up prayers daily – like an incense. A sweet aroma to Hashem!

Reading #6 - Exodus 37:17–29

17 He made the lamp stand of pure gold. He made the lamp stand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it. 18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side: 19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower; so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand. 20 In the lamp stand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it. 22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold. 23 He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold. 24 He made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it. 26 He overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it. 27 He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it. 28 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. 29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

Ki Tisa - Reading #6

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

My Thoughts:

It is very clear from today’s reading that Hashem does not want His people hanging out with others that are clearly not believers. He knows they will influence them in very bad ways. So, therefore, He promises to wipe them out before their eyes. And tells them in verse 14 “Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d”.

Do you ever picture Hashem being that way -- jealous? It’s kind of hard for me to picture that, but Scripture says He is. But, think about people you love, like a partner. Aren’t you a little jealous when they are with someone else? It must be in our nature. Anyways, the solution of course is to place our hearts and minds -- centered on Hashem, at all times. To not allow ourselves to be “influenced” in negative ways by others who are in the “world”. Stay close to His Word, pray and repent daily. Stay away from those who do not worship your Elohim, or you just may become influenced by them.

Challenge:

In 34:10 Hashem promises to do “marvels”. It may be His marvels were destroying the enemy, which of course would be huge. But, I think He is also referring to the everyday miracles He will be performing in their midst every day. And I believe those miracles have never stopped. I look at my life, and He is always working miracles and wonders in my life. I challenge you to take some time today and think about what miracles (marvels) Hashem has done in your life lately. Then acknowledge Him with praise and prayer. We are truly grateful for all He does for us and those we love!

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

34:10 He said, “Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of Hashem; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you. 11 Observe that which I command you today. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare among you; 13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherah poles; 14 for you shall worship no other god; for Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d.

15 “Don’t make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the prostitute after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of his sacrifice; 16 and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods.

17 “You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

18 “You shall keep 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 the month Abib you came out of Egypt.

19 “All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 20 You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.

21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

22 “You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year’s end. 23 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Hashem, your Elohim, three times in the year.

25 “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread. The sacrifice of the feast of the Passover shall not be left to the morning.

26 “You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Hashem your Elohim.

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

Tetzaveh - Reading #6

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command

Exodus:27:20-30:10

Reading #6 - Exodus 29:38–46

My Thoughts:

The glory of Hashem sanctifies the Tabernacle, how wonderful is that? Can we even imagine what Hashem’s glory would be like? Would it light up the area? Would it bring you to your knees, would you lay prostrate, would you be totally consumed by His love? Maybe it’s good to think once in a while what it would be like to be “exposed” to the glory of Hashem. It is something we could yearn for and pray about. For the Temple to be rebuilt and for His presence, His glory to return. Let’s get ready for this. Let’s be living our lives in such a way that when His glory returns, we are ready to present our lives to Him. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will praise Him!

Challenge:

In verse 46 Hashem tells His people WHY He brought them out of Egypt, “that I might dwell among them. I am Hashem their Elohim.” He wants to dwell with us! But He needs a house to dwell in. Just like we do. And that house is the Temple in Jerusalem. I have mentioned this before. Please pray for the Temple to be built so we have a place for the glory of Hashem. We should do this daily. How exciting it will be when He comes! Get ready!

Reading #6 - Exodus 29:38–46

29:38 “Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. 39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at evening; 40 and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 41 The other lamb you shall offer at evening, and shall do to it according to the meal offering of the morning and according to its drink offering, for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Hashem. 42 It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tent of Meeting before Hashem, where I will meet with you, to speak there to you. 43 There I will meet with the children of Israel; and the place shall be sanctified by My glory. 44 I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar. I will also sanctify Aaron and his sons to minister to me in the priest’s office. 45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their Elohim. 46 They shall know that I am Hashem their Elohim, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them: I am Hashem their Elohim.

Terumah - Reading #6

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering

Exodus:25:1-27:19

Reading #6 - Exodus 27:1–8

My Thoughts:

The altar of sacrifice. This is a very important part of Temple service to Hashem. In order to come before Him in the Holy of Holies -- and to have His continual presence -- there must be sacrifice. We must give in order to receive! And the way that Hashem has chosen is sacrifice. 

We don’t have a Temple to offer our sacrifices, but we still serve Hashem and want to be in His “presence”. We can offer the sacrifice of prayer, giving, serving and loving others. He has gifted us to give to others. Ask Him today what He would want you to “sacrifice” for the gift of being in His “presence”. Amen!

Challenge:

One of the greatest sacrifices we can give to Hashem is our gift of “time”. Whether we spend some time helping someone out, or volunteering, or most importantly praying -- we can present this gift to Hashem. Today I ask you to reflect on who needs your help. Or what organization you can support. And if you are praying daily to Hashem! It’s time to give back to Hashem for all the wonderful things He has given us!

Reading #6 - Exodus 27:1–8

27 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height shall be three cubits. 2 You shall make its horns on its four corners. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. You shall overlay it with bronze. 3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze. 4 You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners. 5 You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar. 6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. 7 Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar when carrying it. 8 You shall make it hollow with planks. They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain.

Beshalach - Reading #6

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Reading #6 - Exodus 16:11–36

My Thoughts:

Everyone has unbelief. Even when Hashem is performing great miracles before your eyes. I guess. The Hebrew people did. He sent bread from heaven, literally. Parted a great sea. And He tells them not to gather on the Shabbat. But they try anyway. They go out and there is none to gather (verse 27). Does that shock you? That they would not believe their Elohim, who is displaying His glory from heaven! But, aren’t we the same? He will tell us something not to do very clearly, but we attempt to do it anyway? A good lesson to be learned this week. Listen to what Hashem is telling you and heed His word. Follow His Commandments fully and completely. He will provide.

Challenge:

In verse 30 Hashem is teaching people to begin resting on the Shabbat. Maybe in Egypt they were neglecting to do that. Or maybe they were ordered as slaves to work every single day. Here is Hashem, full of mercy and grace, gently leading them to the restoration of the Commandment of Shabbat. So, here is my question for you. Do you honor the Shabbat -- the seventh day of the week? If not or if you are not being fully obedient about observing the Shabbat -- then I challenge you to change. This is for me too! When Hashem says REST He means it. I think that anything we try to “gather” on the Shabbat will rot. So, why do it? Wait and gather the next day so that your harvest is abundant and fresh.

Reading #6 - Exodus 16:11–36

16:11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am Hashem your Elohim.’”

13 In the evening, quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. 14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which Hashem has given you to eat. 16 This is the thing which Hashem has commanded: ‘Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, you shall take it, every man for those who are in his tent.’” 17 The children of Israel did so, and some gathered more, some less. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They each gathered according to his eating. 19 Moses said to them, “Let no one leave of it until the morning.” 20 Notwithstanding they didn’t listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, so it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21 They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to his eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one; and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 He said to them, “This is that which Hashem has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Hashem. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’” 24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses ordered, and it didn’t become foul, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Hashem. Today you shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none.” 27 On the seventh day, some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 Hashem said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 Behold, because Hashem has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

31 The house of Israel called its name “Manna”, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Moses said, “This is the thing which Hashem has commanded, ‘Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” 33 Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot, and put an omer-full of manna in it, and lay it up before Hashem, to be kept throughout your generations.” 34 As Hashem commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 The children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is one tenth of an ephah.

Bo - Reading #6

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #6 - Exodus 12:29–51 

My Thoughts:

In verse 49 we read; “One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you.” Here is the first time that Hashem is actually saying that there is one law for both foreigner and native born. To me that means that if you decide to follow Torah and it’s Commandments then you become a part of Israel. You serve the same Hashem and to follow Him you follow the same Law. One Law for all -- as long as you are willing to serve Him together. (Just like Ruth!)  Isn’t that very exciting to those of us who are foreigners that love Hashem and His Word?

Challenge:

The Hebrew people left with beautiful jewels, gold and silver. All given to them from the Egyptians. What an interesting turn of events! One day they are slaves and the next day through the favor of G-d they are rich! Think of a time in your life when maybe you had a dramatic financial turning. Or when you received some unexpected money. If you haven’t already thanked Hashem, do it today. All good things come from Hashem.

Reading #6 - Exodus 12:29–51 

12:29 At midnight, Hashem struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Hashem, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!”

33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, “We are all dead men.” 34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Hashem gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They plundered the Egyptians.

37 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, in addition to children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock. 39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought out of Egypt; for it wasn’t leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn’t wait, and they had not prepared any food for themselves. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 At the end of four hundred thirty years, to the day, all of Hashem’s armies went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed to Hashem for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Hashem, to be much observed by all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

43 Hashem said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover. No foreigner shall eat of it, 44 but every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. 45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 It must be eaten in one house. You shall not carry any of the meat outside of the house. Do not break any of its bones. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, and would like to keep the Passover to Hashem, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it. He shall be as one who is born in the land; but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you.” 50 All the children of Israel did so. As Hashem commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 51 That same day, Hashem brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

Va'eira - Reading #6

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #6 - Exodus 8:19–9:16

My Thoughts:

Flies, killing of livestock and boils destroy the Egyptians -- and Pharaoh still does not relent. But, now we see Hashem “separating” His people from the disasters. He literally “sets them apart”. This is a reflection of the future of His people. The Jewish Nation will be set apart from the rest of mankind forever. However, they will be commanded to be a “light” to the other nations, so that others may come to Hashem to know Him and serve Him. We all want to be grafted into this set apart nation. So that when the Mashiach returns we will be in Jerusalem and in the Land serving Him forever! Amen!

Challenge:

What can you change in your life to be living a “set apart” life? The most obvious is following Hashem’s Commands -- His Law. Even simple things like honoring the Saturday Shabbat, not eating “unclean” foods and celebrating the annual Feasts. People may ask you why you are doing this, if you are not Jewish. You can simply tell them that you love and serve the same Elohim as the Jews and you serve the Jewish Mashiach - Yeshua. Yeshua followed the Law and so do you!

Reading #6 - Exodus 8:19–9:16

19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is G-d’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken.

20 Hashem said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, he comes out to the water; and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem says, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground they are on. 22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, to the end you may know that I am Hashem on the earth. 23 I will put a division between my people and your people. This sign shall happen by tomorrow.”’” 24 Hashem did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses. In all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies.

25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, “Go, sacrifice to your G-d in the land!”

26 Moses said, “It isn’t appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Hashem our Elohim. Behold, if we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, won’t they stone us? 27 We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Hashem our Elohim, as he shall command us.”

28 Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Hashem our Elohim in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me.”

29 Moses said, “Behold, I am going out from you. I will pray to Hashem that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; only don’t let Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Hashem.” 30 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Hashem. 31 Hashem did according to the word of Moses, and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. There remained not one. 32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he didn’t let the people go.

9 Then Hashem said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still, 3 behold, Hashem’s hand is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence. 4 Hashem will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”’” 5 Hashem appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow Hashem shall do this thing in the land.” 6 Hashem did that thing on the next day; and all the livestock of Egypt died, but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died. 7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn’t let the people go.

8 Hashem said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be boils and blisters breaking out on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt.”

10 They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became boils and blisters breaking out on man and on animal. 11 The magicians couldn’t stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians. 12 Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken to Moses.

13 Hashem said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 For this time I will send all my plagues against your heart, against your officials, and against your people; that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15 For now I would have stretched out My hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth; 16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you My power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth,

Shemot - Reading #6

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Reading #6 - Exodus 4:18–31

My Thoughts:

The most interesting part of this reading is when in verse 24, it is written Hashem wants to kill Moses. This is hard to understand when in the verse above Hashem is saying He instructs Moses about the Pharaoh and the killing of his firstborn. Some of the sages teach -- what Hashem is really saying in verse 24 -- is that He is going to kill Moses' firstborn son! They speculate that it is because Moses had delayed circumcising his son. This actually makes a lot of sense. First Hashem is talking about destroying the Pharaoh's son and then Moses's son. Is He showing the importance of obedience in both situations? Most certainly He is. It seems to be all about following and obeying the one true Elohim. As soon as his wife circumcises his child, he becomes safe again. This is truly an interesting story about obedience and loyalty.

Challenge:

Do you have a situation about disobedience to Hashem in your life? If you are thinking about something right away, chances are you are being convicted. Take care of your sin today. Make it right and make restitution. Before you have to suffer consequences.

Reading #6 - Exodus 4:18–31

4:18 Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.”

Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

19 Hashem said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return into Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.”

20 Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took Elohim’s rod in his hand. 21 Hashem said to Moses, “When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. 22 You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘Hashem says, Israel is my son, my firstborn, 23 and I have said to you, “Let my son go, that he may serve me;” and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”

24 On the way at a lodging place, Hashem met Moses and wanted to kill him. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”

26 So He let him alone. Then she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.

27 Hashem said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.”

He went, and met him on Elohim’s mountain, and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all Hashem’s words with which He had sent him, and all the signs with which He had instructed him. 29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words which Hashem had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 The people believed, and when they heard that Hashem had visited the children of Israel, and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Vayechi - Reading #6

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

My Thoughts:

We have a very well known verse today in 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.” I love this verse, it gives us so much hope. Many times in my life and in others I have seen where Hashem did something really wonderful in a very sad or challenging situation. Usually, it involves people that are not directly involved. In other words, we can be such a “light” to others during a difficult situation.

Yesterday my good friend’s husband died of brain cancer. She called me a few hours after he died and she sounded unbelievably peaceful. She really believes her husband is in the presence of Yeshua now - in heaven or paradise. It was such a witness to hear her voice and her calmness in such a sad situation! I know that Hashem will use her as a huge example of His love to others during the upcoming week -- funeral and all. That is Hashem turning something that could be bad into something that could be really good.

Challenge:

Think of something difficult that you are going through right now, or that someone you are close to is handling. Now pray and ask Hashem how it could all turn for good -- or better yet, see how He already is using the situation for something good. Write it down. Tell others about the goodness of G-d. And praise Him. By doing this you will “enhance” the goodness that comes out of your challenging situation.

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

49:27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he will devour the prey. At evening he will divide the plunder.”

28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them, and blessed them. He blessed everyone according to his own blessing. 29 He instructed them, and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and there I buried Leah: 32 the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth.” 33 When Jacob finished charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, breathed his last breath, and was gathered to his people. 50 1 Joseph fell on his father’s face, wept on him, and kissed him. 2 Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Forty days were used for him, for that is how many the days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for Israel for seventy days.

4 When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, 5 ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.’”

6 Pharaoh said, “Go up, and bury your father, just like he made you swear.”

7 Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen. 9 Both chariots and horsemen went up with him. It was a very great company. 10 They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and severe lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days. 11 When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. 12 His sons did to him just as he commanded them, 13 for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field, as a possession for a burial site, from Ephron the Hittite, near Mamre. 14 Joseph returned into Egypt—he, and his brothers, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, 17 ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of Elohim of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of Elohim? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.

Vayigash - Reading #6

Vayigash - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

My Thoughts: 

Jacob and his sons receive the “best of the land” (47:6). When people receive favor from others, they should get the best. But, how many times do we NOT do that? Do we give them maybe something we didn’t want or second best, or the burnt cookie so we can have the one that is not burnt? I know I do it. It seems like the more I study Torah, the less I do it. Torah is all about loving Hashem and loving others more than yourself. So, we should give the best to those we are serving. Try it, you will be more blessed than if you had it yourself!

Challenge: 

Today’s challenge. Think of someone in your family, maybe your spouse or kids that you recently cheated them out of the best. And give back the next time. Pray that Hashem will convict you and really give you the desire to share the best with those around you. When that happens you will truly be spreading the “Light of Hashem” around your family and community. It may encourage others to ask you, “What is it about you that treats people this good way?”

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

46:28 Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

31 Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ 33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

47 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.” 2 From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.” 4 They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

5 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” 10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Miketz - Reading #6

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

My Thoughts:

Isn’t it amazing that a supposedly Egyptian ruler (Joseph) says to Benjamin in v.29 “G-d be gracious to you.” Is he speaking of the Hashem of Abraham, or is he just speaking to “their'' G-d?  In other words, do his brothers just think he is recognizing their G-d, and of course not really believing in Him? Probably. But, in all reality Joseph really did believe in the one true Elohim. I have friends who recognize the Hashem I serve, but they do not believe in Him. Not yet. It is my prayer that I will be His light to them, and that they will be attracted to His light. And that ultimately they will choose to believe in the one true Elohim. 

Challenge: 

I challenge you today to be such a “light” to those around you that do not yet believe in Hashem. To reflect His love, His truth and that He is Life. That you would so strongly reflect Him, that they would say to you, “G-d be gracious to you.” Even though they do not yet believe in Him. Pray about how you can be that “light”.

READING #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”

17 The man did as Joseph commanded, and the man brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” 19 They came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food. 21 When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand. 22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”

23 He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the G-d of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them. 24 The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys fodder. 25 They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down to the earth before him. 27 He asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”

28 They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly. 29 He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” He said, “G-d be gracious to you, my son.”

Vayeshev - Reading #6

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

My Thoughts: 

There it is again in verse 23 “...because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.” We read about how Hashem is with Joseph and how He prospers him. Even when he is sent to prison! It really doesn’t matter where you are, Hashem will meet you there and be faithful. Sometimes in the hardest of times, it is only because of Hashem that we are able to endure. But, it requires us to be obedient and faithful, to be close to Him. He is always there for us, we just need to seek Him.

Challenge: 

If you are not happy at work, in your relationship, or suffering from poor health -- today I challenge you to make the very best of your situation. That is what Joseph did! He was cast off from his brothers, sold into slavery, taken to be a servant, betrayed by a woman and thrown in prison. Yet, he rises above it all and does his best to reflect the love and grace of the almighty Hashem. Others see the light of Hashem in him and respect him. This ends up in promotion and prosperity -- and many blessings. Try to reflect Hashem’s love today to others around you, even if you are in the hardest of times! The joy of Hashem is your strength!

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

39:7 After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”

8 But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against Elohim?”

10 As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 12 She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!”

He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. 13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 14 she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought a Hebrew in to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15 When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 16 She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 17 She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 18 and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

19 When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. 20 Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 21 But Hashem was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 23 The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.

Vayishlach - Reading #6

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Reading #6 - Genesis 35:12–36:19

My Thoughts: 

Hashem is giving Jacob the Land. You would think that with the age of the writings of the Bible that this would prove that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jews. But for centuries, even thousands of years this Land has been the most highly contested on the planet. Everyday I try to pray that the Land will be given back to the People of Hashem (all of it) and that there would be shalom peace and safety in the Land. It’s a good prayer, would you pray it also? Remember, the Mashiach (whom I believe to be Yeshua) will be returning to the Land, to the Temple in Jerusalem. It all belongs to Hashem and He gave it to the Jewish people. His people. And to all of us who join hands with them we will be able to live there too!

Challenge: 

Here’s my challenge today. We read in today’s reading that Rachel dies in childbirth. As we go through life we will have many family and friends who get pregnant. Make a commitment to pray for them on a regular basis. Even though childbirth is safer in our generation than ever before, there are still huge risks involved. Hashem hears our prayers and often answers them - so lift up anyone you know who is pregnant today for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Reading #6 - Genesis 35:12–36:19

35:12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your offspring after you I will give the land.”

13 Elohim went up from him in the place where he spoke with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he spoke with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the name of the place where Elohim spoke with him “Bethel”.

16 They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. 17 When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.”

18 As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. 19 Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22 While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it.

Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. 27 Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as foreigners.

28 The days of Isaac were one hundred eighty years. 29 Isaac gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.

36 Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). 2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, the Hivite; 3 and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth. 4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel. 5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan. 6 Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob. 7 For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock. 8 Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.

9 This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir: 10 these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau. 11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s wife. 13 These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

15 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah. 17 These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 18 These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife. 19 These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.