BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Sh'mot "Names"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
January, 2010
Torah: Exodus 1:1-6:1
Haftorah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23
Sugg. N.T.: Acts 7:17-29
Gospels/Acts: Mark 1 and 2
Welcome: "The favour of the Master Yeshua Messiah, and the love of Elohim, and the fellowship of the Set-apart Spirit be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14). May favor, fresh revelation of Abba's love, the gifts of the Spirit, and peace be strengthened in you this week, and may fellowship with the Set-apart Spirit enhance your prayer, worship, and study time.
Study. He has sent His word to You! "So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty [void], without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
In the above passage Isaiah the prophet is remarking on the power of Elohim's word to accomplish His purposes in a manner of which man cannot necessarily conceive. Elohim's thoughts are higher than man's thoughts, he declares. YHVH's word, once it is declared/pronounced, is potent and effectual in fulfilling its purpose. Thus Isaiah brings assurance to the people of the surety of their eventual deliverance from Babylon. The unfailing promise of YHVH concerning deliverance, he affirms, has gone forth, and therefore it will succeed in its purpose. Deliverance from Babylon will be accomplished, and accompanied by spiritual blessings, but according to Elohim's timing and manner.
Every word of Elohim is endued with divine life. Once declared, His word runs its course swiftly and does not return/rest until it has established the will of YHVH, Who sent it. His word is indestructible. His truth, quickened by the Holy Spirit, will transform us.
Introduction to Sh'mot "Names"
Last week: "And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years" (Gen. 50:22).
Toward the end of the previous parsha, Jacob died. At that time Joseph's brethren, who still suspected him of harboring feelings of revenge, began to fear retribution for their past offenses. Even though the brothers had already been forgiven by Joseph, he gives them generous assurances that he will not punish them for a sin that the Almighty One had obviously turned around for their good. Joseph continued to live as viceroy over Egypt, and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren become knit into Jacob's family and be brought up on Torah truth. As death approached him, he made arrangements for his body to be carried to Canaan when Israel returned to the land. He died peacefully at one hundred ten years of age, looking forward to the resurrection.
Joseph received honor and many possessions during his life. But among the most important possessions which he accrued during his long pilgrimage, were: (1) a forgiving, merciful spirit, (2) singleness of heart, (3) kindness, (4) a guarded watchfulness over Elohim's abiding presence, (5) spiritual endurance, (6) the love of his family, and (7) faith. He was, in that sense, to be envied. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt. 5:9).
This week: "Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob" (Exodus 1:1).
Exodus means going out, or departure. In it we read about the tribes/descendants of the Patriarchs (1) being transformed into a nation in Egypt, (2) receiving the Mosaic Covenant, the Torah, their national constitution, and (3) raising up the Tabernacle, which was Elohim's earthly resting place. The name of the parsha is Shemot, meaning "names". As the second Torah book opens, the names of the sons of Jacob/Israel who went with their father and households from Canaan to Egypt, are listed. They were: "Re'uben, Shim'on, Lewi, and Yehudah; Yissasker, Zebulun, and Binyamin; Dan and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. And all those who were descendants of Ya'aqob were seventy beings, as Yoseph was already in Mitsrayim" (verses 2-5). This small group comprised the embryo of the nation that would arise in the earth to bring YHVH's Messiah and redemption to the world!
It's amazing that such a sublime and noble purpose would be wrought from a group of disagreeable kidnappers and cover-up schemers as were Jacob's sons. All the truculent brothers participated in the conspiracy to kidnap and sell Joseph into Egypt, and to cover up the truth of his disappearance with falsehood, all of which caused and prolonged for years their father Jacob's resultant melancholy. Yet, from these angry, stubborn-hearted tribal patriarchs, who began with such a handicapped background, came forth the Commonwealth of Israel, YHVH's covenant nation.
This remarkable development gives us (Believers) great hope today. We are reminded that our Elohim is a faithful Redeemer and Restorer of people, Who makes the unfit fit, the weak strong, the incompetent able, the despised favored, and the foolish wise. From Genesis to Revelation we observe that there is nothing to hard for our promise-keeping Abba, Who "has chosen...the base things of the world, and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that [by them] He may nullify [make of no value or consequence] the things that are, so that no man may boast before God" (1 Cor. 2:27-29). Consequently, all Believers who are returning to their Israelite identity and Hebraic roots may be assured of His faithfulness and intention to see us through to the successful completion of our journeys. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
The list of names with which Shemot opens does not seem necessary for the narrative, since it had been provided previously in Genesis. But there is a reason for this arrangement. Later, at the time of Israel's deliverance, the family names would be presented with greater detail. After four hundred years, the truth is made apparent that the Hebrews' names had not been changed, and this announces that the Hebrew people had not been assimilated into Egyptian culture and did not identify with it, but remained unique. The new generation was as Israelite as were their forefathers and foremothers, and the promise of return was still in their corporate heart. In the furnace of tribulation and pressure, twelve individuals with distinctly differing temperaments had become a nation of tribes with a common identity.
[Note 1: Twelve is the number [3X4] symbolizing the presence of God with the human family; the divine presence upon/among men. Three is the number of divinity. Four is the number of the world. Hence, twelve tribes, twelve showbreads, twelve apostles, twelve gates, and so on.]
[Note 2: Heredity occurs in both natural/physical and spiritual descents. The temperament (make-up, constitution, complexion, essence, personality) characteristics of the 12 patriarchs were distinctly impressed upon their tribal descendants. Reuben's instability, Judah's ability to rule wisely, Levis' zeal, Benjamin's fierceness, Dan's agility, Ephraim's and Manasseh's tendency to mixture, and Zebulun's seafaring merchandizing are examples of this truth. The appearance of ancestral characteristics is common and can be only partly explained as coming through family customs, ideas, traditions, and inherited habits, values, and organization. Biology plays a part in the generational transfer of traits as well. With this in mind, a question arises. Will Ten-Tribe Believers who return to their ancient Hebraic heritage--the apostolic faith, practices, and values of the early Ecclesia--exhibit some temperament characteristics of their tribal origins?]
Exodus is the story of Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the house of bondage, and the peoples' journey to Sinai to receive the Mosaic Covenant under the leadership of Moses. We will learn in Exodus, among many other things, that Elohim earnestly desires to dwell in the midst of His redeemed people, but on His terms.
The Book of Exodus covers 215 years, from the settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt to the giving of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. It shows the beginning of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. In Exodus, Yeshua is seen as: Deliverer (Acts 5:31); Mediator (Heb. 8:6); Lawgiver-Moses (Heb. 8:10); High Priest-Aaron (Heb. 2:17); Passover Lamb (Ezek. 12; 1 Cor. 5:7); Tabernacle of God with men (Ex. 25-40; Jn. 1:14).
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach ha Kodesh
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Part 5
"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of the bush: and he looked, and behold, the bushed burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed" (Exodus. 3:2).
In the verse, the term angel of the Lord means "angel of YHVH". By looking at the whole passage/narrative we can positively affirm the appearance of the angel of the Covenant was that of the pre-incarnate Yeshua. He "appeared unto him in a flame of fire...", not simply in/out of a dry, acacia shrub or thorny bush of some sort. The encounter was an objective miraculous reality, not a vision.
Throughout history, fire has been seen as representative of divinity. The Vedic Indians made Agni (fire) their god, and sang hymns to it. The Persians maintained perpetual fires on their religious altars. Vulcan, of Roman theology, was a fire god. Baal, Chemosh, Moloch, and Orotal et al represented deities associated with fire. Fire is pure, and purifying, and its effects can be destructive or life-giving. It provides light, and is glorious, illuminative, bright, and cheers the soul. In the Old covenant YHVH revealed Himself in fire, not just at the bush with Moses, but later to all Israel at Sinai (Ex. 19:18; 24:17), to Manoah (Jud. 13:20), to Solomon (2 Chr. 7:1-3), to Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:4-28), and to Daniel (Dan. 7:9-10). In the New Covenant, Elohim is declared to be "a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29), "the light of the world" (John7:12), "the true light" (John 1:9), and The Sun of righteousness" (Mal. 4:2). Could it be that He uses fire to represent Himself in creation because it is so pure, bright, comforting and fearful, all at the same time?
Bear in mind, fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and we mentioned this several weeks ago. Of course, not all references to fire in the Old Testament refer to the Holy Spirit. But some mentioning of fire does symbolize the Holy Spirit and His illuminating, purifying, and judging work. For example, in Zechariah 13:9 we read of the purifying work of the Spirit. "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God." Also, in Malachi the Spirit's work/ministry of the inner purification of Israel is spoken of again. "But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, like fullers soap: And He shall sit as a refiners and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, an purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering of righteousness" (Mal. 3:2-3).
The severe work of the Messiah must be seen in this context as being moral, an internal function, and not physical. The Scripture affirms at least four things: First, Yeshua's very presence exposes and reveals evil. Place a clean thing next to what is unclean, and the unclean thing stands out. He is our Righteousness. Secondly, "All judgment is committed unto the Son." Messiah's ministry includes judging and punishing wickedness. He is our Judge. Thirdly, Messiah Yeshua delivers us from evil. He is our Refiner. Fourthly, Messiah Yeshua cleanses us from the work of evil in us. Only the harsh process of the fuller, by pounding, can reach and expel what is in the fabric. He is our Fullers Soap. Sounds rough, but it's good. Be glad!
This future work of the Holy Spirit was spoken of in the Old Testament by prophets, who themselves were under the weight and inspiration of the Spirit when they wrote and spoke. The ongoing, cyclical pattern of Israel's backsliding, secularism, and spiritual hypocrisy showed that only a divine intervention, from YHVH on behalf of His people, would establish His eternal purposes for them. The prophets saw, for the future, visions of a coming, revitalizing outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would come upon His people for Israel's (1) restoration. "...the palaces shall be forsaken; multitudes of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens forever, a joy for asses, a pasture of flocks; until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field..." (Isaiah 32:14-15). The first result of the outpouring of the Spirit would bring restoration and fruitfulness. The stony heart Of Israel would changed into a garden bearing good spiritual fruit. Then, when individuals have been changed, purged of old carnal works and ideals [Read Malachi 3:2-3 again], justice and righteousness would flourish and dwell in the land.
He would pour out His Spirit for Israel's (2) transfiguration. "I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground. I will pour My Spirit upon your children, and my blessing upon our offspring" (Isa. 44:3). Water is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and points to His work in regeneration, refreshing, new birth, and renewal. Sometimes words like rain, dew, streams, rivers, and floods are also used to describe this functioning of the Spirit. The verse speaks of a coming and needed outpouring of divine grace--unmerited divine assistance of the Spirit given to spiritually thirsty man for his repentance, regeneration, sanctification, and empowerment--upon the Israel of God.
"And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit" (Joel 2:28-29). The Spirit was promised to come (3) to indwell all Believers for regeneration and supernatural spiritual power . The Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming of the Spirit must be read with an eye to the New Testament. [We will begin to discuss the words of John the Baptist and Yeshua concerning the Spirit next week.] Peter quotes the prophet Joel and applies his words to, "in the last days" (Acts 2:17).
The word "pour out" is shaphak, which does not refer to bestowing the Spirit lightly, by drops or sprinkling. Shaphak means to pour out in great abundance! The Spirit was not poured out over all men in the Old Testament times [Law]. Since the manifestation of the Son of Elohim, the Spirit has been poured out copiously. As we have discussed, the Spirit's ministry was obviously present and vital before the Messianic era, but His outpouring "on all flesh", prophesied in the Old Covenant period, is a New Covenant phenomena. The Holy Spirit's strength-of-visitation, and the number of recipients in the O.T. times, was varied and restricted to greater and lesser extents. But this prophesy from Joel speaks about a great, abundant, unprecedented shower (monsoon season) of the Spirit to come on all people without regard to race, age, sex, nationality, or social status. A result would be that prophecy, dreams, and visions would be commonplace. The requirement for the gift of the Spirit would be: Repent and believe on Messiah Yeshua.
The wonderful effects of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will be examined at another time. Next week we want to look at the Gospels and learn what John the Baptist (Yochanan the Immerser) and Yeshua taught about the Spirit of Elohim.
Lesson: Without the Spirit [Holy Fire], the Ecclesia [you/me/us] is only a dry, fruit-barren bush, a religion of form but without power. Our lives and service must be born anew and come forth from His holy Fire within us. The true glory of Israel is YHVH's dynamic presence in her midst!
Knowing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"When YHVH saw that he [Moses] turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, here I am. Then He [YHVH] said, Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground" (Exodus 3:4-5).
The voice of YHVH proceeded out from the burning bush and calls, "Moses, Moses". The double address suggests both affection and urgency. Moses was summoned to remove his shoes, as the ground on which he was standing was rendered holy by the manifest presence of Elohim. Moses was receiving a supernatural, divine call to service, and by coming near, taking off his shoes, and answering "Here I am", (which can be interpreted as I am available), placed himself at YHVH's disposal. [Note: Do not tarry and postpone your dedication to Yeshua for another, "more convenient" time or place. Instead, consecrate yourself immediately, as did Moses, in the place on which you now stand. The Elohim of Israel is approachable today! "Seeing then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God...let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:14-16).]
Elohim does not (as far as we know) speak to His people from burning bushes today, but He bears witness by His Spirit which is in communion (unity) with the Believer's inner man, his re-born, regenerated human spirit. The un-regenerate spirit of man is like a dry shrub, void of the life flow of YHVH. The recreated Believer's spirit ("...he is a new creature") has within it His divine fire, the Spirit of YHVH--and from that sanctified place (Holy of Holies) of holy communion He speaks to us. [See: Numbers 7:89; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15.] Hence, the Apostle Paul includes the blessing of the communion of the Spirit in his great apostolic benediction to the Corinthians."The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Cor. 13:14).
The Holy Spirit comes to bring conviction to the world, it is true, but the communication of truth to Believers is a primary function of His office.
Last week we had intended to include comments on John 16:13-14 in this section. We will now proceed, and glean important insights from the verses concerning the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he will not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that will he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you' (John 16:13-14).
Yeshua was compassionate, and considered the capacity of his disciples to understand His words when He said, "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot hear [understand] them now" (Jn. 16:12). He had told them things during His ministry that were difficult for them to readily grasp. Other truths would be imparted, but by the Spirit, and at a time when His disciples were experienced and spiritually mature enough to comprehend them. Greater illumination would be placed upon such truths as: His incarnation, atonement, grace and law, Gentiles entry into the kingdom of God, and the destiny of the Ecclesia, the Congregation of Israel. Today the Spirit is still illuminating the Word of Elohim and imparting greater understanding about the return of the Ecclesia to her Hebrew roots, Israelite/Hebraic identity, and Judah and Ephraim roles in the latter days. Yeshua--by the Holy Spirit-- adjusts His lessons in proportion to the capacity and maturity of His followers. It is a sign of His love and wisdom. It also explains why not everyone is on the same spiritual page of restoration truth. We have exciting things [revelation, insight, wisdom, illumination of the Word, new experiences with His presence, and more] to which we can look forward.
Again, it is to our great advantage to develop an ear to hear what the Spirit says, and teaches. [See: Revelation 1-3.]
1. The Holy Spirit provides personal, individualized guidance for each Saint. He is the divine Guide for travelers to Zion, and not merely an influence or energy force. His guidance is true. His teaching is not self-oriented or self-originated (like the devil's), "but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak..." His teaching elevates inspiration above the typical spiritual illumination of Scripture enjoyed by most Believers, and includes things not yet revealed, perceived, understood, or known on earth. At this level, illumination becomes revelation. Consider the four Hebraic levels of progressive interpretation of Holy Writ: P'Shat (literal; inspiration), Remez (hint; insight), Drash (homiletic, verse interpreting verse; illumination), and Sod (divine revelation). While the Holy Spirit works at all levels of interpretation, the sod level understanding of truth is entirely of Him. All levels of interpretation will compliment, not contradict, one another.
The Spirit also teaches about things to come, and opens the curtain on the destiny of the Whole House of Israel.
2. Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit, in His function of manifesting truth, will always glorify Yeshua ha Mashiach. "He shall glorify me: for he shall take of what is mine, and shall show it unto you."
3. According to the Prophet Joel, it appears the last days will be a time particularly noted for the operation for the gift of prophesy. "And it shall come afterwards [in the last days], that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy..." (Joel 2:28).
Looking back, what was significant about that bush? There was a divine fire was on it that did not consume it. And Elohim spoke to Moses out of the fire, not the bush.
In these last days, the Holy Spirit wants to speak to you, and through you. So cultivate a spirit of holy inquiry and reverence as you study through the Exodus-Mark phase of our commentary. To the sincere seeker He reveals Himself, and may give a dramatic call to service.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Sh'mot "Names"
"Give diligence [study] to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:25). And disciple is one who carefully studies and emulates the words and ways of his/her master-teacher. A disciple is a follower, an adherent of a teacher and his teachings.
Start your reading and seeking with the psalmist's prayer: "Open though mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" (Psalm 119:18).
Note: The parsha's study Scriptures and the ten questions are (1) the heart of the commentary study from which you can be most enriched. They are (2) intended, primary medium of practice (exercise) for listening to and hearing the voice/word of Elohim, and as such are (3) the expected means by which the Spirit will directly, noticeably communicate personal edification, exhortation and instructions.
Exodus 1:1-6:1 [Torah]: Joseph is forgotten, yet Israel enjoys growth/New Pharaoh/Birth of Moses/Moses drawn from the Nile/He identifies with the Hebrews/Flees Egypt/YHVH hears Israel's cry/Burning bush/Call of Moses/Name of Elohim/Moses given power/Aaron becomes his spokesman/Moses and Aaron before Moses/Israel's labors and hardships increased/YHVH promises deliverance.
Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 [Haftorah]: This section speaks of the degradation and later deliverance of Israel from her enemies. Isaiah rebukes both houses of Israel, Judah and Ephraim, for their unbelief, humanism and secularism.
Acts 7:17-29 [New Testament]: Stephen makes his defense against false accusers. In the referenced passage he reminds that YHVH sent Moses as deliverer of Israel. Stephen's message: As Moses was not accepted at first by his countrymen as the sent deliverer (even though he performed miracles), so Yeshua was not recognized or received as the Sent one, YHVH's Deliverer of Israel.
Mark 1 and 2 [Gospels]: The preaching of John the Baptist/The baptism of Yeshua/Yeshua preaching in Galilee/Crowds are healed/Paralytic healed/Matthew called/Sabbath.
Note: In Mark Yeshua is seen as: The Son of Elohim (1:1) Who became the Son of Man (10:45), the Sent One (9:37), and the Servant Who became the Exalted Lord (16:19).
Study Questions: Remember to keep these questions in mind as you read this week's
assigned Parsha sections. Pray for Abba to give you fresh, inspired answers [insights] to each one.
1. In your opinion, what is the major teaching or theme found in the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting (complimentary) truth found in the Haftorah?
3. What similar, corresponding idea is revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the common teaching [central truth] of the entire parsha, as you see it.
5. Relate the main teaching of the three parsha readings with the assigned Gospel reading. How does Yeshua reflect or demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Israelite/Hebraic: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, e. duty?
7. How did the Spirit of Truth [John 14:15-18] anoint and teach you this week?
8. Did you experience intimate fellowship with Messiah Yeshua during your prayer and study time this week? Explain.
9. Are your senses being exercised (conditioned, disciplined) to discern and respond to the Spirit's input/communications?
10. Have you met lately with others to pray, and to practice operating in the gifts of the Spirit? What were the results? Pray for the inspiration gifts to begin to manifest. They are the gifts of tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. This is a good place to begin.
Israel
"So I have come down [from my dwelling place above the earth] to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up [most of Israel is at a higher altitude than Egypt] from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite...(Exodus 3:8).
The land to which YHVH would lead Moses and His people was fertile, with the soil east of the Jordan being particularly rich and productive. There were large tracts of woodlands in Canaan, and grass-covered fields on which herds could graze. In the western areas there were terraces waiting to be cultivated. Brass, iron, and other metals could be found in the mountain earth. Canaan was waiting. Its inhabitants were thoroughly corrupted and weakened by centuries of idolatry and debauchery. They were demonized and beyond the hope of redemption, having been given over to their wickedness. Judgment was determined. Israel would be the means. The time had come, and the Almighty was preparing to deliver the Children of Israel from Egypt and bring them to the land that had been set apart for them from eternity.
"...they shall ask me, What is thy name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you...thus shalt thou say...the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name forever..." (Exo. 3:13-15).
As assurance to Moses, Elohim revealed His Name to him as "I AM THAT I AM." The closest translations are, "I Will BE THAT I WILL BE" or "I AM BECAUSE I AM". The abbreviated form is, "I AM". In Revelation 1:4-8 and 16:5 the Eternal One is referenced as, "He that is, and was, and is to come." [Readers can do their own research.] The words were (are) an assertion that the Holy One of Israel, Who had come to bring the multitudinous descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the better land long since promised, was well able to accomplish the task of deliverance. By way of His Name He had proclaimed Himself to be (1) eternal, (2) infinite,
(3) uncaused, (4) self-sufficient, (5) omniscient, (6) omnipotent, (7) omnipresent, (8) ready to act to and fulfill His promise, and (9) worthy to be trusted!
Before this, Elohim had been known to the Semites (descendants of Shem) by many names, such as El, Eliun, or Elohim, all of which basically mean, "Lofty, Exalted One". He was also known as El Shaddai, meaning "Strong, Powerful', implying that He was/is "More Than Enough" to meet every need of man. The other name the Elohim of Israel was known as, but one that was not commonly used or fully understood, was YHVH, which means "Existent". There is controversy over how and when the Set-apart Name should be uttered [YHVH is spoken and written as Adonai/Lord in the Bible], but the vocalization of YHVH has been lost and remains uncertain, and its pronunciation is thus unsettled.
Moses was instructed to speak of Elohim as YHVH, Who by His own authority had chosen this epithet from among those others by which He was known, as His proper Name. There would be no change. One reason for the use of the Name was that it would act as a deterrent against polytheism, the bane of the surrounding nations and the reason Israel would be raised up in the first place. [Note: When Yeshua returns, the entire world will turn back to monotheism, from which it fell before the flood, and to the worship of the One True Elohim, YHVH.] Since YHVH means "Alone Existent", Creator, not created, He thereby declared Himself to be the one true Elohim. He placed a great distance--one that no one could cross or bridge--between Himself and every other being. He proclaims in His Name that no other Creator exists, and that all other "gods" were false, demonically inspired lies, shadows and vapors. He alone was divine, real, a living and loving Personality, powerful, faithful, and worthy to be trusted.
Moses was told by YHVH to go to the elders of Israel in Egypt, and promise them inportant two things: (1) that they would be brought out of the land of affliction, and (2) they would be settled in a good land, one "flowing with milk and honey."
YHVH was as eager to get to the "Land of Milk and Honey", and there to settle in His tent, the Tabernacle, as were His children!
Latter Days
"Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land" (Exo. 6:1).
Moses had received encouragements from His Elohim concerning his mission, but his temperament was exposed (again) and he impulsively spoke out of turn and challenged God's management of Israel's deliverance. "...wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou has sent me? For since I have come to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he has done evil to this people..." (Exodus 5:22-23). In contrast, Abraham, when commanded to sacrifice his offspring of promise, Isaac, never railed or hestiated, but remained faithful and patient, and thus saw YHVH's salvation. Moses would learn faith and patience as had his forefather, Abraham. Israel's deliverance was just behind the "birth pangs" that had discouraged the Hebrews and confused Moses. But he would soon see the Eternal One's salvation. "Now shalt thou see..." However, because of another, later exhibition of unrestrained temper and careless words [See Numbers 20:11-12] Moses would end up not witnessing YHVH's later salvation, when He would lead the Israelites out of the Wilderness to conquer the Canaan and establish them in Eretz Israel.
Moses was about to see: First, that all power on earth and in heaven belongs to Elohim. Secondly, that Pharaoh was not invincible nor to be feared. Thirdly, the terror of YHVH's anger as it burned against the abusers of His chosen ones. Fourthly, the end of Israel's poverty and suffering. Fifthly, a mighty redemption, complete with signs and wonders, that would inspire people throughout history. This is how Moses was alerted that the Exodus was about to commence.
Yeshua said, regarding the days before His return, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars...famines and earthquakes, but all these are merely the beginning of birth pangs" (Mt. 24:6-8). In Israel's history we see that it was usually following a period of intensified suffering and darkness that the light of redemption would arise. The oppression of the people of Israel increased while they awaited their deliverance from Egypt, and even Moses became alarmed. Yeshua forewarns and prepares the people of our day not to be discouraged by the hardships that will intensify upon the earth, for they (1) declare the nearness of, and (2) prepare the way for the advent of the Messiah and His Kingdom.
In America today, He is again removing the people of Israel from the Egypt of the world system and unbiblical religion by imparting revolutionary revelation to the Ecclesia. He is bringing the people of Judah to Messiah, the people of Ephraim to the Torah and their Hebrew roots, and He is bringing both houses to the fullness of the Spirit. At the same time the "calling out" of the Bride is occurring, many are seeing the approach of oppression and their freedoms threatened, and they thus proclaim the end of Christian America.This they have reason to believe. Newsweek recently reported a dramatic drop in Americans identifying with Bible-based Christianity. Many conservatives think the battles over abortion rights, school prayer, traditional marriage, encroaching socialism, and the public posting of the Ten Commandments are as good as lost. Most Believers feel we live in a post-Christian culture, one that is rapidly becoming "anti-Bible".
"In the last time [last days] there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lust. These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God..." (Jude 18-21).
We are in for a greater outpouring!
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel.
"The Lord appeared to Israel saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to You" Jer. 31:3).
Jeremiah brings a refreshing, encouraging word to Judah. He assures them that God's love for them is everlasting [drawn out at length], even though they were indifferent, unfaithful, and unworthy. The prophet affirms that, because YHVH loves them, He will do all that is possible for their (and our) highest good.
Therefore, pray with confidence.
2. Pray for America/Pray for Your Nation.
"...the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth was upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all the strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers" (Neh. 9:1-2).
Pray for a spirit of repentance to come upon the Ecclesia/Church in the land, and for a spiritual awakening among the people through faith in Yeshua Messiah.
3. Sing the Song of the Lord [New Song]. Teaching and Activity
"Then Ezekiel gave the order to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord also began with trumpets, accompanied by the instrument of David, king of Israel. While the whole assembly worshipped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshiped" (2 Chron. 29:27-28).
After sixteen years of corrupt rule by King Ahaz, twenty five year-old King Hezekiah of Judah [Hezekiah means The might of YHVH] moved quickly to bring reformation to the nation. He had the Priests and Levites cleanse themselves, the Temple, and all its utensils. He then led the Israelites in repentance and return to the Torah, offered up an atoning blood sacrifice, a burnt offering, and arranged the fullest possible celebration [singers, musicians, choirs] to accompany the sincere and sacred proceedings.
The song of the Lord, one of inspired, exuberant praise and thanksgiving with music, began with the burnt offering being placed upon the brazen altar, and continued until the offering was consumed. By that time the anointing upon the song of the Lord was so powerful that those present "bowed themselves, and worshiped." The verb "bow" in Hebrew carries with it a sense of force, or forcibleness, the idea of which can be surmised by reading: Gen. 49:9; Num.24:9; Jud. 5:27 and 7:6; 1 Kings 19:18. [Please take time to look over these verses.] Further, the particular Hebrew word "worship" in this verse conveys the idea of a weight, a force not only (external) affecting body posture, but a force or impression (internal) bearing strongly upon the mind and heart as well. Thus, the phrase, "bowed and worshiped", speaks of a visitation of the Spirit so profound and heavy that it caused: (1) deepening, inspired worship (2) profound adoration and reverence, (3) rising degrees of revelation, (4) greater respect and allegiance, (5) heart-felt thanksgiving to be offered up to YHVH, (6) holy awe, and (7) the bowing and prostration of the congregation.
The outcome of this great repentance/rededication effort on the part of Hezekiah and the people was: "So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order. And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly" (1 Chron. 29:35-36). Powerful visitation, revival, rejoicing, and spiritual order were measured out to Hezekiah and all Israel's.
Hezekiah's father was evil, "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel" (1 Chron. 28:2). But Hezekiah did not succumb to hereditary curses or corruption. YHVH raised him up and empowered him to cope with the issues of his past, demands of his era, and to usher in a much needed renewal and reprieve for Judah. We learn from Hezekiah's reformation success that the highest, most propitious virtue to be found in man, one that leads him to walk in truth and righteousness, is faith in YHVH.
The Song of the Lord intensifies His presence, inspires and strengthens individual and corporate worship, produces repentance, and facilitates revival. This week: Sing Psalm 144:9-11. Listen for His response.
Conclusion
"You shall no more give the people straw to make bricks, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof." (Exo. 5:7-8).
Pharaoh was convinced the people were attempting to shirk their duties, being drawn away from their daily responsibilities by the distractions of Moses and Aaron. He therefore decided the best way to stop the two intruders' rabble-rousing was to force the Israelites into such strenuous and difficult labors that they would have no time, interest, or energy for Moses's fantastic claims and incitements. Life for the children of Israel grew more and more harsh as Moses and Aaron continued to confront Pharaoh.
[Note: There were two levels of authority over the Hebrews. They were: (1) the Egyptian taskmasters, who set the work quotas, and (2) the Hebrew foremen, who were responsible to enforce the Hebrew laborers to fulfill their quotas. If the Hebrews' work assignments went unfulfilled, the taskmasters beat the foremen, often brutally. It was a tactic, used by other nations later in history, to pit Israelite against Israelite, and force them to mistreat one another, and thereby cause the attrition of unity. In Egypt the foremen accepted the beatings from the taskmasters and did not retaliate against their overworked and exhausted fellow Hebrews. "Because of their devotion to their brethren, the foremen were chosen to be the elders in the Wilderness" [Chumash/Rashi]. Scripture teaches us that leadership comes forth from unselfish devotion to people, and dedication to their well-being, not from self-aggrandizement. Remember Judah. He exemplified this by his promise to Jacob, and his intercessory plea before Joseph. Because of these virtues, He was the one who arose preeminent among the ten brethren.]
The increase of Believers' difficulties and the enlargement of their trials does not mean the Almighty's plans and purposes for them are failing. When the Word of Elohim is rejected and the Spirit is grieved, the carnal soul becomes inflamed, increasingly excited to heated rebellion, obstinacy, and intensified resistance to Elohim's will. The unregenerate spirit has blasphemed and resisted YHVH throughout history. This describes Pharaoh. Israel's deepening troubles were the temporary result of YHVH arising to fight for them. But Pharaoh's mounting resistance signaled the advent of his demise and the nearness of Israel's Exodus.
The pathway to maturity, a promise, or even the next spiritual season often runs straight through the enemy's staunchest resistance. Israel went through Egypt's Pharaoh. Joshua went through Jericho's walls. David went through the Philistine's Goliath. And we, who are returning to our Hebraic heritage and righteousness must go through religious tradition and ridicule before we arrive at Jeremiah 3:14-18.
New Testament Living
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13).
The Corinthians had heard from Paul about the trials and temptations endured by their forefathers and foremothers, and some began to despair whether they could endure such difficulties also. The apostle reminds the Believers that early Israel's struggles and temptations were not superhuman, but were the type that had been resisted before, and could be resisted and overcome again, by them. He assures the Corinthians that God knew then "how to deliver the godly out of temptations" (2 Pet. 2:9), and that He would deliver [special means of escape for each temptation/trial], establish, and fulfill His covenant with them as well.
When considering Sh'mot, even the whole book of Exodus, we learn four helpful truths concerning temptations to sin and despair that encourage us to endure and emerge victorious in mundane, day-to-day life. They are: (1) Temptation is allowed by Elohim. It is a fact of life on earth. No one escapes it. (2) Temptation is endured/withstood through the faithfulness of the Eternal One. He has undertaken to be your Shield and Deliverer. "No weapon formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord" (Isa. 54:17). (3) Temptation is regulated, or tempered by the Almighty, Who shall never allow it to exceed our individual power or ability to endure and resist it. (4) Temptation, as far as true Believers are concerned, is always accompanied by a "way to escape." The same Elohim who delivered Joseph from prison, Jacob from famine, and Israel from Egypt, makes a way for deliverance and escape for all who trust in Him.
Keep His commandments. Walk in the Spirit. And be glad.
Complete Study Questions.
To be continued.
Hutch Church D. Min.
