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,

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:

All of what Moses done is to prove 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.

Va'eira - Reading #4

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #4 - Exodus 7:8–8:6

My Thoughts:

Snakes, blood and frogs. Moses first 3 miracles to the Pharaoh. Moses is conveying to Pharaoh what the Elohim of the universe is telling him -- to let His people go! But, just as Hashem warned Moses, the Pharaoh does not listen. Many people have to suffer and eventually lose their lives. All because they were not listening to the voice of Hashem.

Don’t we do that? At times in our life Hashem directly speaks to us. Maybe not audibly but we know it when He does. And many times we do not listen. Maybe His task seems too big, or unreal, or we doubt He even told us to do something. I can tell you from experience. Better to take a risk that what you feel Hashem has asked you to do -- you do it! Trust me, you will regret it forever if you don’t listen. He tells us things to do that are going to change the course of the world. We must listen.

Challenge:

I have challenged you before to practice listening to the voice of Hashem. This is so when He does call you to do or say something you recognize His voice! Sit quietly, pray and ask Him a question. See what you hear, write it down. If it feels like Hashem -- then do it! Keep practicing this. The more you try to listen, the more you will hear Him!

Reading #4 - Exodus 7:8–8:6

7:8 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 9 “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Perform a miracle!’ then you shall tell Aaron, ‘Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent.’”

10 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as Hashem had commanded. Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same thing with their enchantments. 12 For they each cast down their rods, and they became serpents; but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. 13 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken.

14 Hashem said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning. Behold, he is going out to the water. You shall stand by the river’s bank to meet him. You shall take the rod which was turned to a serpent in your hand. 16 You shall tell him, ‘Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, “Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness. Behold, until now you haven’t listened.” 17 Hashem says, “In this you shall know that I am Hashem. Behold: I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 The fish that are in the river will die and the river will become foul. The Egyptians will loathe to drink water from the river.”’” 19 Hashem said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your rod, and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their ponds of water, that they may become blood. There will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’”

20 Moses and Aaron did so, as Hashem commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 The fish that were in the river died. The river became foul. The Egyptians couldn’t drink water from the river. The blood was throughout all the land of Egypt. 22 The magicians of Egypt did the same thing with their enchantments. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken. 23 Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he didn’t even take this to heart. 24 All the Egyptians dug around the river for water to drink; for they couldn’t drink the river water. 25 Seven days were fulfilled, after Hashem had struck the river.

8 Hashem spoke to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem says, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your borders with frogs. 3 The river will swarm with frogs, which will go up and come into your house, and into your bedroom, and on your bed, and into the house of your servants, and on your people, and into your ovens, and into your kneading troughs. 4 The frogs shall come up both on you, and on your people, and on all your servants.”’” 5 Hashem said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.’” 6 Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

Va'eira - Reading #3

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #3 - Exodus 6:29–7:7

My Thoughts:

Hashem tells Moses to go ahead with His plan even though the Pharaoh won’t listen to him. Can you imagine what went through Moses' mind? He already does not feel adequate for the mission and now Hashem is telling him the Pharaoh isn’t going to listen to him. But, most important, we have to realize that Hashem does say He will be with him through it all. Ultimately, it is going to be Hashem delivering the people and not really Moses. Moses is just His instrument. His messenger. So, when Hashem calls you to do the impossible, remember this. It is Hashem working through you -- not you!

Challenge:

We read in 7:2 “Speak what I command you.” Here’s my challenge for today. Listen and look for how Hashem is directing you -- particularly with other people. Pray and listen for His voice. You will know it, it will give you peace. Then as you listen, speak out what you believe He is saying. Take a risk. You will be so amazed. Sometimes I will do this and say, “I think the L-rd is telling me to tell you ...this.” I don’t think it would be wise to say “Thus sayeth the L-rd.” The important part is to start listening to His voice and then tell others what you think He is saying. Give Hashem the glory for the results!

Reading #3 - Exodus 6:29–7:7

6:29 Hashem said to Moses, “I am Hashem. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I tell you.”

30 Moses said before Hashem, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?”

7 Hashem said to Moses, “Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 3 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring out my armies, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Hashem when I stretch out my hand on Egypt, and bring the children of Israel out from among them.”

6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Hashem commanded them, so they did. 7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Va'eira - Reading #2

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #2 - Exodus 6:14–28

My Thoughts:

The ancestral line of Moses from the tribe of Levi. What is interesting is the future line of the Levites in the role of the Temple. As we learn it is a very, very important role. The Levites are responsible to present all the service to Hashem in the Temple. They are the ones that get to be in such close physical/spiritual proximity to Hashem. And it begins with Moses. Hashem speaks to Moses, challenges Moses, directs him and leads him. Why did Hashem pick this special line of ancestry to perform these special duties and to carry out major plans? Was it obedience, dedication and/or faith? Seems like it would be. What do you think? Why the tribe of Levi?

Challenge:

As you look at your ancestry, do you see a particular task/role/ministry that Hashem has called you to? Do you have ancestors that were bankers, bakers, construction workers, social workers, professionals or whatever? It’s something to think about. What type of “gift” has Hashem picked out for you and your relatives? In my family I look back and see creativity (seamstress), hard working (factory) and sales. Interestingly enough my career has been social work. Go figure. Whatever your family’s gifts are, it is important to look at them and praise Hashem for them. Then make sure you are “growing” your gifts and sharing them with your children and grandchildren!

Reading #2 - Exodus 6:14–28

6:14 These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. 20 Amram took Jochebed his father’s sister to himself as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses. The years of the life of Amram were one hundred thirty-seven years. 21 The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. 23 Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 25 Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites according to their families. 26 These are that Aaron and Moses to whom Hashem said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.” 27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.

28 On the day when Hashem spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

Va'eira - Reading #1

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #1 - Exodus 6:2–13

My Thoughts:

Exodus is about the nation of Israel being birthed. Hashem promises to take His people out of Egypt and bring them into freedom -- into the promised Land. And He will do so with an outstretched arm. I’ve often thought of that description of an “outstretched arm” and I believe it means He is holding out His arms to us. Much like when a grandparent holds out their arms for a little toddler, so that he/she can jump into them. It is such a beautiful picture of His unconditional love for us. And that is exactly what He did when He heard the cries of His people in Egypt. He stretched out His arms and said, “Come and follow Me. I will deliver you.”

Challenge:

Do you stretch your arms out to others? Think about the last time you did so. It’s something we need to do more often with those we love, and even with friends. Showing love, and even unconditional love is what will heal our planet. And not only showing, but saying “I love you”. It melts hearts and restores relationships. Just what Hashem wants.

Reading #1 - Exodus 6:2–13

6:2 Elohim spoke to Moses, and said to him, “I am Hashem. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as Elohim Almighty; but by My name Hashem I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. 5 Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Hashem, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. 7 I will take you to Myself for a people. I will be your Elohim, and you shall know that I am Hashem your Elohim, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Hashem.’”

9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn’t listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

10 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Go in, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

12 Moses spoke before Hashem, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” 13 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a command to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Va'eira - Week #2

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Exodus 6:2-9:35

Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

Luke 11:14-22

1.1 First reading — Exodus 6:2–13

1.2 Second reading — Exodus 6:14–28

1.3 Third reading — Exodus 6:29–7:7

1.4 Fourth reading — Exodus 7:8–8:6

1.5 Fifth reading — Exodus 8:7–18

1.6 Sixth reading — Exodus 8:19–9:16

1.7 Seventh reading — Exodus 9:17–35