Mishpatim - Reading #7

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws
Exodus:21:1-24:18
Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24
Apostolic Reading: Matthew 26:20-30

Reading #7 - Exodus 23:26–24:18

My Thoughts:

In verse 26:24 we read “Come up to Hashem.” I am immediately thinking that is what we should do everyday. We should come to Hashem in our prayer, in our worship, in our actions. They were experiencing something that they had never had before. Witnessing the presence and power of Hashem on the mountain. And they were receiving Commandments that would give them life. Hashem’s love for us is just amazing and overwhelming. He takes care of every detail in our life. And when necessary He presents Himself to us. Sometimes in small ways and sometimes big. Through miracles, through people and in everyday life, He makes Himself known to us. If you haven’t been “up to the mountain” lately, I encourage you to do it today!

Challenge:

In the beginning of today’s reading we see how Hashem will confuse the enemy and have them turn their backs on you (verse 23:27). Isn’t that amazing? He knows that daily we can experience spiritual warfare, but if we love Him and serve Him He makes these promises to protect us. If you are in an unusual situation in life, and feel like you are being “attacked” this is a good reading for you today. Know that He goes ahead of you, gets rid of the enemy in your path -- and will make a way for you. A good way. His way.

Reading #7 - Exodus 23:26–24:18

23:26 No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 I will send the hornet before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land. 31 I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”

24 He said to Moses, “Come up to Hashem, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance. 2 Moses alone shall come near to Hashem, but they shall not come near. The people shall not go up with him.”

3 Moses came and told the people all Hashem’s words, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words which Hashem has spoken will we do.”

4 Moses wrote all Hashem’s words, then rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 He sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of cattle to Hashem. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 He took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, “We will do all that Hashem has said, and be obedient.”

8 Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Hashem has made with you concerning all these words.”

9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up. 10 They saw the Elohim of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. 11 He didn’t lay his hand on the nobles of the children of Israel. They saw Hashem, and ate and drank.

12 Hashem said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them.”

13 Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto Elohim’s Mountain. 14 He said to the elders, “Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them.”

15 Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 Hashem’s glory settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day He called to Moses out of the middle of the cloud. 17 The appearance of Hashem’s glory was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 Moses entered into the middle of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

Here in Isaiah we read about the desire of Hashem to have a dwelling place here on earth. Verse 1 says, “What kind of house will you build to Me”. I believe throughout Scripture we read that Hashem loves us and wants to be with us. But, maybe He is waiting for us to welcome Him. Think of it. There has not been a holy Temple, a dwelling place, for Hashem in Jerusalem for over 2,000 years. This holy mountain has been occupied by the enemy for all those years. Have we fought to get it back? Have we prayed to get it back? Are we supporting groups in Israel to rebuild the Temple? We should be giving money and prayer to the rebuilding of the Temple. What could be more important? If you are not doing this, please consider doing so.

Challenge:

There is an organization called the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. They have been preparing all the instruments and necessary artifacts for the Temple and the priests. I have visited their Institute many times and it is incredible. But, they need help and prayer to fulfill their mission. Please go to: TEMPLE INSTITUTE and consider supporting them today. That is my challenge to you.

Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24

66 Hashem says,

“Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.

    What kind of house will you build to Me?

    Where will I rest?

2 For my hand has made all these things,

    and so all these things came to be,” says Hashem:

“but I will look to this man,

    even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

    and who trembles at My word.

3 He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man;

    he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck;

    he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood;

    he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol.

Yes, they have chosen their own ways,

    and their soul delights in their abominations:

4 I also will choose their delusions,

    and will bring their fears on them;

because when I called, no one answered;

    when I spoke, they didn’t listen;

but they did that which was evil in my eyes,

    and chose that in which I didn’t delight.”

5 Hear Hashem’s word,

    you who tremble at His word:

“Your brothers who hate you,

    who cast you out for My name’s sake, have said,

‘Let Hashem be glorified,

    that we may see your joy;’

    but it is those who shall be disappointed.

6 A voice of tumult from the city,

    a voice from the temple,

    a voice of Hashem that repays His enemies what they deserve.

7 “Before she travailed, she gave birth.

    Before her pain came, she delivered a son.

8 Who has heard of such a thing?

    Who has seen such things?

Shall a land be born in one day?

    Shall a nation be born at once?

For as soon as Zion travailed,

    she gave birth to her children.

9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to be delivered?” says Hashem.

    “Shall I who cause to give birth shut the womb?” says your Elohim.

10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her.

    Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her;

11 that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts;

    that you may drink deeply,

    and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.”

12 For Hashem says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,

    and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;

    and you will nurse.

You will be carried on her side,

    and will be dandled on her knees.

13 As one whom his mother comforts,

    so I will comfort you.

    You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

14 You will see it, and your heart shall rejoice,

    and your bones will flourish like the tender grass.

Hashem’s hand will be known among his servants;

    and He will have indignation against His enemies.

15 For, behold, Hashem will come with fire,

    and His chariots will be like the whirlwind;

to render His anger with fierceness,

    and His rebuke with flames of fire.

16 For Hashem will execute judgment by fire and by His sword on all flesh;

    and those slain by Hashem will be many.

17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, behind one in the middle, eating pig’s meat, abominable things, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together,” says Hashem.

18 “For I know their works and their thoughts. The time comes that I will gather all nations and languages, and they will come, and will see my glory.

19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to far-away islands, who have not heard My fame, nor have seen My glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations. 20 They shall bring all your brothers out of all the nations for an offering to Hashem, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, says Hashem, as the children of Israel bring their offering in a clean vessel into Hashem’s house. 21 Of them I will also select priests and Levites,” says Hashem.

22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me,” says Hashem, “so your offspring and your name shall remain. 23 It shall happen that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh will come to worship before me,” says Hashem. 24 “They will go out, and look at the dead bodies of the men who have transgressed against me; for their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

These are simply “my thoughts”. Yeshua is having a last supper with His talmidim (students). He is breaking bread and drinking wine, very common to do at meals, then and now. As He is blessing and breaking the bread He says it is like His body being broken, because He knows He will soon be executed. The wine is like His blood, that He knows will soon be flowing from the stake that He will hang from. He is saying here that His blood will be used to seal the New Covenant. I believe that is the New Covenant of Jeremiah 33:31-33. That is the time that He will return and reign and rule in Jerusalem as Mashiach. How His blood is to be used to seal this Covenant is a mystery, a heavenly mystery. But, He says it will, and I believe it.

Challenge:

Betrayal of friends. What does that look like today? It could be talking about a friend behind their back. It could be not helping a friend when they need you. It could be spreading false lies about him/her. Do you have that in your life? Have you done that? Even at its basic level, that is what gossip does. It is sheer betrayal. Instead of defending or uplifting your friend, you are tearing them down. If you have done this, I suggest you repair it immediately. Repent and give restitution. If we all do this, the world will heal quicker for the Mashiach to return.

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 26:20-30

0 Now when evening had come, He was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray Me.”

22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask Him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”

23 He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?”

He said to him, “You said it.”

26 As they were eating, Yeshua took bread, gave thanks for[a] it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it,28 for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Yitro - Reading #7

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro

Exodus: 18:1-20:22

Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 19:16-26

Reading #7 - Exodus 20:15–23

My Thoughts:

It seems like very day and every week as I study a particular Torah portion, that it applies to my life and what is happening now! For instance, the Commandment not to covet your neighbor’s house. We are in the process of looking to purchase a house and sell ours. We are  moving to the same city, just need to downsize. So, we take walks and drives and look at houses. Even houses that are not for sale we look at and make comments. I had to be careful this week, because I was starting to “covet” some houses! Really! But, because I have been studying and trying to follow the Commandments and I repented quickly and told Hashem that whatever house He gives us we will be super satisfied! 

Sometimes following the Commandments is a daily task! Especially what we are thinking in our minds! I don’t know about you, but it seems like the more I study and get to know Hashem’s desires for us, the quicker I get convicted of sinning. And I am learning to repent quickly and trying to change. Taking one day at a time!

Challenge:

During my “coveting” experience this week, I also had a strong thought about those who are in need. Here I am, thinking about buying a new house, when many people around the world --don’t even have houses! We must remember to help those who are not as fortunate as we are. We must remember to pray for hunger, abuse, and poverty to stop. And we must remember to pray for the Mashiach to return -- so that the earth can return to its original plan. Just like the Garden.

Reading #7 - Exodus 20:15–23

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. 19 They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let Elohim speak with us, lest we die.”

20 Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for Elohim has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.” 21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where Elohim was.

22 Hashem said to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall most certainly not make gods of silver or gods of gold for yourselves to be alongside me.

Haftarah Reading:

My Thoughts:

Hashem of armies! We sometimes forget the ultimate power of our Elohim! Not only is He sovereign over all the world, but He LEADS the spiritual armies in the heavens. I do believe He “wars” on our behalf on a daily basis. He must be encouraged by our prayers and our needs. He wants to join us in our battles. But, only if we let Him. It’s time to let Hashem be in control of your needs, your struggles. It’s time to let go. Amen.

Challenge:

Can you imagine a whole world full of the glory of Hashem (verse 3)? Are you prepared for this? Am I prepared? That is why Hashem gave us His Law. It gets us ready. In a world full of sin and temptation, He has outlined for us a clear path to holiness. And He tells us it is not too difficult. 

Today is a good day (Shabbat) for self-reflection. Take a hard look at your life and praise Hashem for the things you are doing right and ask His help to correct the things you are doing wrong. Each day is a new day. Keep trying to overcome sin in your life. If you fall, get right back up! And hold unto Him, the author and finisher of your faith!

Haftarah Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6

6 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw Hashem sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. 3 One called to another, and said,

“Holy, holy, holy, is Hashem of Armies!

    The whole earth is full of His glory!”

4 The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Hashem of Armies!”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with it, and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven.”

8 I heard Hashem’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

Then I said, “Here I am. Send me!”

9 He said, “Go, and tell this people,

‘You hear indeed,

    but don’t understand.

You see indeed,

    but don’t perceive.’

10 Make the heart of this people fat.

    Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;

lest they see with their eyes,

    hear with their ears,

    understand with their heart,

    and turn again, and be healed.”

11 Then I said, “Hashem, how long?”

He answered,

“Until cities are waste without inhabitant,

    houses without man,

    the land becomes utterly waste,

12     and Hashem has removed men far away,

    and the forsaken places are many within the land.

13 If there is a tenth left in it,

    that also will in turn be consumed,

as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stump remains when they are cut down;

    so the holy seed is its stock.”

7 In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. 2 David’s house was told, “Syria is allied with Ephraim.” His heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind.

3 Then Hashem said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you, and Shearjashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller’s field. 4 Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have plotted evil against you, saying, 6 “Let’s go up against Judah, and tear it apart, and let’s divide it among ourselves, and set up a king within it, even the son of Tabeel.”

9:5 For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6 For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Elohim, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

In verse 17, Yeshua says “...if you want to enter into life, keep the Commandments.” Pretty simple right? He has paved the way of understanding for us to be in His eternal presence. But, it requires “action”. We are not just to go to synagogue or church and say our daily prayers. There is a daily, sometimes minute by minute requirement to follow His Commands. If you are studying Torah, you will be quickly reminded when you break a Commandment. And it will not be good. But, our gracious and kind Elohim will quickly forgive you and give you another chance. Take it.

Challenge:

In verse 21 we are challenged to give to the poor. Are you doing that? Look for opportunities around you -- there are absolutely times when Hashem will show you the needs of others. When the need is presented, take action and help. You will know your guidelines and you will know what to give or do by simply listening to the voice of Hashem. Don’t be afraid to let go of some of your resources, you will be blessed back in incredible ways!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 19:16-26

16 Behold, one came to Him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

17 He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, Elohim. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to him, “Which ones?”

Yeshua said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother.’  And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Yeshua said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.

23 Yeshua said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into Elohim’s Kingdom.”

25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

26 Looking at them, Yeshua said, “With men this is impossible, but with Elohim all things are possible.”

Beshalach - Reading #7

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Reading #7 - Exodus 17:1–16

My Thoughts:

I think the Aaron and Hur miraculous story, and holding up Moses arms, is about friendship and support. Yes, Hashem did a powerful miracle by providing success when his arms were raised, but I think it’s more than that. Think of the difficult times in your life when a spouse, friend or relative was there for you. You could not have done so well if you were alone. But, they were there for you and made a difference. Recently, a good friend of mine lost her husband. They are not that old so it was really sad. I tried to be “there” for her in many different ways. First, I continually prayed for her, sent her Bible verses and listened to her struggles. Secondly, I asked her what practical needs she had, and helped her with those.  Truthfully, just being there to help her with tangible things, showed her my support and encouragement. That’s just like Aaron and Hur, it was tangible evidence of their support because they physically held up his arms. The really cool thing is when they did that, Hashem did miracles! And there was success!

Challenge:

If there is someone in your life that is going through a tough time, see if you can be their “Aaron or Hur”. Do something practical and tangible that shows them you are supporting them! Then watch what Hashem does, He will give them success and most likely a miracle! Thank you Elohim for good and faithful friendships, and how You reward us when we do what You have taught us to do. To love others and serve them with a grateful heart!

Reading #7 - Exodus 17:1–16

17 All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Hashem’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.”

Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Hashem?”

3 The people were thirsty for water there; so the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

4 Moses cried to Hashem, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

5 Hashem said to Moses, “Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Hashem, saying, “Is Hashem among us, or not?”

8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with Elohim’s rod in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset. 13 Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 Hashem said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.” 15 Moses built an altar, and called its name “Hashem our Banner”. 16 He said, “Hashem has sworn: ‘Hashem will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

Here we see a mighty warrior asking for Deborah to accompany him in battle. Even strong people need support and encouragement. Barak had two great supporters -- Hashem and Deborah. And the battle was won! Needing help from others is not a bad thing. In fact, I believe Hashem honors it.

The Challenge:

Do you need support and encouragement? Are you going through a tough time or do you know someone who is? Be their “Deborah”. Even if you don’t think they really need your help because they have Hashem’s help. Be there for them and ask them how you can help them in a tangible way. This is important for our world to be healed and delivered.

Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31

4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time. 5 She lived under Deborah’s palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, “Hasn’t Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, commanded, ‘Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? 7 I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.’”

8 Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.”

9 She said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won’t be for your honor; for Hashem will sell Sisera into a woman’s hand.” Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh. Ten thousand men followed him; and Deborah went up with him. 11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh. 12 They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to Mount Tabor. 13 Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, to the river Kishon.

14 Deborah said to Barak, “Go; for this is the day in which Hashem has delivered Sisera into your hand. Hasn’t Hashem gone out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. 15 Hashem confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled away on his feet. 16 But Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth of the Gentiles; and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. There was not a man left.

17 However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don’t be afraid.” He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

19 He said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty.”

She opened a container of milk, and gave him a drink, and covered him.

20 He said to her, “Stand in the door of the tent, and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says, ‘Is there any man here?’ you shall say, ‘No.’”

21 Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him, and struck the pin into his temples, and it pierced through into the ground, for he was in a deep sleep; so he fainted and died. 22 Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek.” He came to her; and behold, Sisera lay dead, and the tent peg was in his temples. 23 So God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel on that day. 24 The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.

5 Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

2 “Because the leaders took the lead in Israel,

    because the people offered themselves willingly,

be blessed, Hashem!

3 “Hear, you kings!

    Give ear, you princes!

I, even I, will sing to Hashem.

    I will sing praise to Hashem, the Elohim of Israel.

4 “Hashem, when you went out of Seir,

    when you marched out of the field of Edom,

the earth trembled, the sky also dropped.

    Yes, the clouds dropped water.

5 The mountains quaked at Hashem’s presence,

    even Sinai at the presence of Hashem, the Elohim of Israel.

6 “In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath,

    in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied.

    The travelers walked through byways.

7 The rulers ceased in Israel.

    They ceased until I, Deborah, arose;

    Until I arose a mother in Israel.

8 They chose new gods.

    Then war was in the gates.

    Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel,

    who offered themselves willingly among the people.

    Bless Hashem!

10 “Speak, you who ride on white donkeys,

    you who sit on rich carpets,

    and you who walk by the way.

11 Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water,

    there they will rehearse Hashem’s righteous acts,

    the righteous acts of his rule in Israel.

“Then Hashem’s people went down to the gates.

12     ‘Awake, awake, Deborah!

    Awake, awake, utter a song!

    Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.’

13 “Then a remnant of the nobles and the people came down.

    Hashem came down for me against the mighty.

14 Those whose root is in Amalek came out of Ephraim,

    after you, Benjamin, among your peoples.

Governors come down out of Machir.

    Those who handle the marshal’s staff came out of Zebulun.

15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah.

    As was Issachar, so was Barak.

    They rushed into the valley at his feet.

By the watercourses of Reuben,

    there were great resolves of heart.

16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds?

    To hear the whistling for the flocks?

At the watercourses of Reuben,

    there were great searchings of heart.

17 Gilead lived beyond the Jordan.

    Why did Dan remain in ships?

    Asher sat still at the haven of the sea,

    and lived by his creeks.

18 Zebulun was a people that jeopardized their lives to the death;

    Naphtali also, on the high places of the field.

19 “The kings came and fought,

    then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.

    They took no plunder of silver.

20 From the sky the stars fought.

    From their courses, they fought against Sisera.

21 The river Kishon swept them away,

    that ancient river, the river Kishon.

    My soul, march on with strength.

22 Then the horse hoofs stamped because of the prancing,

    the prancing of their strong ones.

23 ‘Curse Meroz,’ said Hashem’s angel.

    ‘Curse bitterly its inhabitants,

    because they didn’t come to help Yahweh,

    to help Yahweh against the mighty.’

24 “Jael shall be blessed above women,

    the wife of Heber the Kenite;

    blessed shall she be above women in the tent.

25 He asked for water.

    She gave him milk.

    She brought him butter in a lordly dish.

26 She put her hand to the tent peg,

    and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer.

With the hammer she struck Sisera.

    She struck through his head.

    Yes, she pierced and struck through his temples.

27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay.

    At her feet he bowed, he fell.

    Where he bowed, there he fell down dead.

28 “Through the window she looked out, and cried:

    Sisera’s mother looked through the lattice.

‘Why is his chariot so long in coming?

    Why do the wheels of his chariots wait?’

29 Her wise ladies answered her,

    Yes, she returned answer to herself,

30 ‘Have they not found, have they not divided the plunder?

    A lady, two ladies to every man;

to Sisera a plunder of dyed garments,

    a plunder of dyed garments embroidered,

    of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the plunder?’

31 “So let all your enemies perish, Hashem,

    but let those who love him be as the sun when it rises in its strength.”

Then the land had rest forty years.

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

Seems like all of today’s readings are about Hashem’s miracles and man’s short memory of His faithfulness. Yes, we are all guilty of this. And so are these Bible characters and people. In this Matthew reading we see Peter witnessing a huge miracle -- Yeshua walking on water. But, a few moments later Peter doubts and starts to sink. He forgot. He forgot how big Hashem’s faithfulness is. And truthfully, as I am writing this, I too have forgotten. We are in the middle of a huge life change and every day I worry about what is going to happen. Instead of remembering His many, many miracles in my life and His continuing faithfulness -- I worry and forget. I am just like Peter. Sinking in doubt. We all need to stay strong in our faith and resolute. He will come through for us, He always does.

The Challenge:

If you are worried about something and it seems like your prayer requires a miracle, then pray. Ask Hashem if He will help you with this miracle. Be patient and thank Him for all the wonderful things He has done in the past. And be sure to BELIEVE. Believe He will help you, and He will answer your prayers.

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

14:22 Immediately Yeshua made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening had come, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Yeshua came to them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Yeshua spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him and said, “L-rd, if it is You, command me to come to You on the waters.”

29 He said, “Come!”

Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Yeshua. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “L-rd, save me!”

31 Immediately Yeshua stretched out His hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of G-d!”