Jacob Ben Avraham

PARASHAH: “B'shalach” (when he let go) or (when he sent out) EXODUS 13:17-17:16


We are coming down to the “showdown” where Pharaoh gets his just desserts, and gets what he deserves for defying the God of Israel, going back on his word to “let Israel go”, you cannot pursue Israel without getting hurt, and Pharaoh and his army got to drink bitter waters, went off the “deep end” and received a very fatal “water baptism” in Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds)

Yet before all this happens, there are some interesting verses to look at. Exodus 13: 18 states;

“The children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt”

It also states that Elohim did not lead them through the land of the F’lishtim: (The Philistines) because an encounter with them might bring the Israelites to face war, frighten them, and cause them to go back to Egypt. But if they had weapons, why would they fear a battle? One can assume that even though they had weapons if they didn’t know how to use them, they would be no good.

We can say the same thing about the Bible. It is little good in the hands of one who does not know how to use it, or uses it in wrongful ways, inventing “strange” doctrines, or taking verses out of context. The Israelites were ex-slaves, not warriors. Another question, where did they get the weapons? Were the weapons among the spoils of Egypt? Here is another view from a Derashic perspective (Moral and spiritual)

The word for “armed” in Hebrew which is used is “chamushim” Jewish commentators state this word has roots in the words “chamesh” (the number 5) and “chamishim” (50). So how do we apply these? It is believed that it was the 5th generation after Yosef that left Egypt, if a generation is 80 years, it would add up to 400 years. Also, the number 5 symbolizes “grace”. So, the Israelites not only left Egypt with some spears and swords but they were also armed with the “grace” that Elohim bestowed on them. More importantly, they were armed with the protection, the blessings, and the leadership of Elohim who led them out of Egypt. The number “50” also reminds us of the “50 gates of understanding” which the ancient rabbis say are 50 questions that Elohim asked Job at the end of “Sefer Job.” (The Book of Job)

I would like to answer the question using a question. If we can have eternal life through the blood and sacrifice of Yeshua for our sins, past, present, and future, why do so many people still REJECT Him? The scripture states that ‘Wide is the way that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way that leads to eternal life.’ How many Israelites put the lambs' blood on their doorposts? We hope that all did. But of course, we can't be sure.

Another word for “armed” is “equipped”. One could also say that “B’nei Yisrael” went out of Egypt “equipped” with the “5” promises that Adonai gave to His people; 1) Elohim will deliver Israel out from under the burden of Egyptian Slavery; 2) Israel will be REDEEMED by the ARM of Elohim-YHVH; 3) Elohim-YHVH will take Israel as HIS people and will be their GOD; 4) Israel will be brought into the chosen land of promise; 5) The promised land will be an INHERETANCE.

But let’s look at the Peshat, the literal meaning of the word; “armed” It could also come from the Egyptian word “chams” which is “lance." Here's something else. Once the Israelites crossed the narrow portion of the Sea of Reeds, they were "out of Egypt" and when the Egyptians drowned in the Sea, the scriptures state that the "Israelites saw their bodies on the seashore." from the bodies of the Egyptian soldiers the Israelites took weapons; swords, bows, and arrows, (the spears probably sunk to the bottom of the sea). So here we can confirm that they "left Egypt (behind) and were fully armed (with the weapons they recovered). Now, they would need to learn how to use them. Moses probably taught them how.

As believers, we have the Word of God, but if we are unskilled in using His WORD, or if we do not know how to interpret it correctly, we could do much harm to others, just like a sword in the hands of a child, the child could cut himself, or hurt one of his friends

Another thing to ponder upon is that when the word “Egyptians” is used, the word “Mitzraim” is used, which also means “Egypt” (the nation of). Why “Mitzraim” and not “Mitzrim?” One can say that even though “b’nei Yisrael” left Egypt, Egypt still followed them out! They left with the Egyptian culture, ways, language, and all that was part of them in those 400 years as slaves. It took Elohim one day to take Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to take Egypt out of Israel!

We are the same way, even though we are born-again believers, we still carry around the garbage related to our “Yetzer-Hara” (sinful nature) but little by little, the Ruach HaKodesh takes that from us as we mature in the faith.

We might wonder how many Israelites left Egypt, probably about 2 million, plus those Egyptians that “saw the light” plus the sheep and cattle, it was a huge people group that headed eastward across the Sinai Peninsula.

"And it was told the King of Egypt that the people were fled” (14:5). What? Didn't he already know that? Of course, he did, he let them go! It was probably a team of scouts that were sent out to track down the Israelites to see where they were going, and they gave their report back to Pharaoh. Now this took place a few days later, now Pharaoh is sorry he let them go. What? Didn't he remember the plagues? Some people never learn, they love misery. Now Pharaoh musters together his entire army! Another mistake, never send out your entire armed forces, always leave behind reserve units. But Pharaoh was not a wise general. This probably took another few days, thus giving Israel about a week's head start, it would take quite a few days for about 2 million people to cross the Sinai Peninsula.

The names “Elohim” and “YHVH” are both used in this Parashah, “Elohim” is used at the beginning of this parashah, in Chap 13:17 meaning the “Strong, powerful God” yet the name YHVH, later on, shows the personal name, (coming from “Havayah” meaning “to exist”) shows the personal relationship as “Adonai” which we also say when reading YHVH, anytime the word LORD is used in scripture, it is the name YHVH.

YHVH takes them across the Sinai Peninsula to thus entice the Egyptians, to utterly finish destroying them thus ending the powerful rule of Egypt, Egypt never recovered from that defeat, it formed another army years later, but it never had the power it once had with Rameses, Thutmose, Narmer, and other pharaohs of the past dynasties.

When the Israelites get to the beach, they get ready to cross, in Hebrew it is known as “Yam Suf” in English, it is known as “Nuweba Beach” it is a tourist resort today in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. We see that YHVH goes behind the Israelites to protect them, in the form of darkness to the Egyptians, yet light to the Israelites. To us as believers, Yeshua is our light, for us to follow, but to Satan, Yeshua is the conquering king, without the light of Yeshua, without the light of the Torah, we live in darkness, spiritual darkness.

Chapter 14:13 is interesting. Moshe says; “Fear not and stand still and see the SALVATION of YHVH” In Hebrew, the word “Salvation” is “YESHUAT” we have the name of our Messiah “Yeshua” plus the “Tav” Symbolically, we can see that Yeshua is part of Elohim, and He is moving to bring HIS people through the sea, It also reminds us that the “Tav” (T) symbolizes the covenant, it takes the form of the cross in Paleo-Hebrew. We have the name “Yeshua” and the “cross” He is saving his people from physical destruction by the Egyptians, and in the future, He will die to save the world from Spiritual destruction.

In gematria, “Yeshuat” adds up to 786. Reading from right to left, one way to understand the message of this sum of numbers is; “MAN achieves ETERNAL life (a new beginning) through the PERFECT God who is Yeshua, who is part of Elohim

Now YHVH tells Moshe to “lift up your rod and your hand” and cause the sea to part, and it is divided in two. We read that Israel crossed on “dry land” with a strong wind to dry up the sea bottom, today this area is known as the “Gulf of Aqaba” They crossed a small stretch of sea bottom, about 10 miles across, to get to the land of Midian, now known as Saudi Arabia, if you go to Google earth, and look up “Nuweba Beach” you can see the area that the Israelites crossed over at.

Then, YHVH gave the order to Moshe to raise his hand over the water again, and the waters closed up again and drowned the Egyptian army. we see something in the words, “hand” (Yad) and “rod” (Mateh) that make us think. The “rod” is a symbol of authority, of rulership. The “hand” is a symbol of “power and strength” The Torah speaks of YHVH reveling his “Holy Arm” the “arm is connected to the hand” The ancient Hebrew symbol of the “Yod” is the extended “arm and hand” so we can see the message here, “Moshe” is the authority as he shows his leadership by raising his rod, and his hand opens and closes the sea, thus demonstrating his strength and power, but of course, it is not HIS, it is GOD's leadership and strength, being revealed THROUGH Moshe.

When the people follow Moshe, it is as if they are following GOD, trusting in his leadership and strength. When we receive Jesus/Yeshua as Messiah, we trust in HIM as our leader and our strength, and we follow HIM through his WORD, yet many hope that Yeshua will follow THEM! (not going to happen) .

Today, you can see on YouTube what is left of the Egyptian chariots at the bottom of the Gulf of Aqaba, they are coral formations that look like mushrooms, probably the axle and wheels of the chariots, look up, “The real Exodus Crossing”

When we look at all this from a moral and spiritual insight (Derash) We have been rescued from HaSatan, by our Leader, who is strong, whose “hand” struck the death blow to Satan, whose “hands” bore the nails of Calvary's cross, and who leads us to a new life, we have been “kadoshed” (set apart) to follow HIM for all of our days, (Should we choose to) of course it is a choice, but the “good Shepherd always “looks back” for his lost or misguided sheep, to lead them back to the fold.

We see other events that show God's protection and provision for his people, in verses 22-27 we see the “bitter waters made sweet” Moshe threw into the water “a tree” probably cut it down and threw it in, the waters were made sweet, the Torah is also called, “The TREE of LIFE” (Etz Chaim) that changes our bitterness to sweetness, from sorrow to happiness, from lost to saved.

In chapter 16, the provision of “Manna” in the desert “Bread from Heaven” (Lechem b'Shemayim) another provision from YHVH, it symbolizes “Yeshua the Bread of Life” and in chapter 17, “Water from the Rock” This rock is there today in the Saudi Arabian desert very close to Mt. Sinai, it seems to be about 50 feet tall and has a crack down the middle. Go to “google images” and click on “The water rock at Horeb” Moshe was told to “strike the rock” and he did with his staff/rod” and out flowed water so that the congregation and the livestock could drink. This symbolizes “Yeshua the Solid Rock” (Yeshua HaTzur) and Yeshua who is the Living Water. (Yeshua Mayim Chayim). It also symbolizes that Yeshua was “struck ONLY ONCE for our sins at Calvary, ONLY ONCE meaning “nailed to the cross and died one time” and when Moshe got mad later on and struck the rock again, he was punished by God and couldn't enter the promised land, since he “misrepresented” who God is.

As Moses led his people out of Egypt, so Jesus/Yeshua took us out of the camp of Satan, closing the gap, never to return. He gave us a new beginning. A change of masters, We are now under the guidance of the Good Shepherd, instead of the Father of Lies.

Have a blessed week. And thank you for attending "Torah Class" (each one of these posts can be considered a "class")

Me and my wife in Egypt, 1999, by the Nile River, Cairo 

PARASHA: “BO” (enter) EXODUS 10:1-13:16

The Parasha starts out; “And the LORD said unto Moshe; ‘Go in unto Pharaoh’…” Strange, the word “Go” in Hebrew is “Sh’lach”, but the Hebrew scriptures read “Bo” (enter) so, in reality, the Word of God is saying; “Enter, or Come in unto Pharaoh” But why? One way of looking at this is that Adonai is already there in the palace of pharaoh, and HE is inviting Moshe to come where He is to do business with pharaoh! And what a business deal! Let’s make him an offer he can’t refuse! Freedom for Israel…or the plagues! So, it is “God against Pharaoh and his gods” Guess who wins?

The plagues against the Egyptian gods continue, it is our “Creator God YHVH” against Pharaoh and his false deities. Guess who is winning, yes, you know it. However, I need to point out that many of us peg Pharaoh and the Egyptians as the “bad guys” and the Israelites as the “good guys”.

But we need to take note of something that many believers have in common with pharaoh, After the plague of locusts, pharaoh said;

“I have sinned against the LORD your God, (notice that he said “YOUR” ) and against you, Now therefore forgive I pray thee my sin only this once and entreat the LORD your God that he may take away this death only”(Ex 10:17) and even before that, pharaoh spoke saying;

“I have sinned this time, the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked, entreat the LORD that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail, and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer (EX 9:27,28)

All of these plagues were directed against the false gods of Egypt. The Nile had a goddess (Anuket), and the cattle god was “Apis” in the form of a bull. The sun-god “Ra” was directly attacked by the plague of darkness; In chap 10; 22-23 Moshe speaks of a “darkness which could be felt” per instructions of YHVH, Moshe stretched out his hand towards the heavens, and “darkness” descended over Egypt. We ask ourselves; “How can a person ‘feel’ darkness, it isn’t ‘physical’ yet it could be felt by the Egyptians.

It could be that the “darkness” that the Egyptians felt was more spiritual and emotional than physical. It was a darkness so “thick” that one person could not see another. Perhaps a sort of supernatural darkness came from YHVH, perhaps a “moist and humid” darkness so that when the Egyptians went to light their lamps, they would not light. It could have been a dense, dark fog.

I experienced such a darkness when I was living in Mexico in 1973. A “campesino” showed me a cave which was in the middle of a forest. No one could find the exit, for it extended for miles. “Cuidado” (careful he told me) “People have gone crazy inside there.” Well, I just had to go in to find out myself. After going in about thirty feet, the cave turned to the right. I went to the right about 10 feet and all of a sudden, there was pitch darkness, so dark that I could not see my hand in front of my face. I felt instant fear, so much so that I turned and left the way I came in. As soon as I saw the light of the outside, I breathed a sigh of relief. I did not go back inside. (Well, that day I did not have a lantern with me, nor a flashlight).

Perhaps the darkness which was felt was that of “fear”. There is a spiritual darkness in which many people dwell, without the light of the Torah, of Yeshua, we live in darkness, yet the scripture tells us that in the dwellings of the Israelites, there was light. Their lamps were lit and they could see each other, the three days of darkness were like three regular evenings for the Israelites, they had lights, and they had the light of YHVH, the promise of redemption, the coming of the first Passover, freedom was just around the corner, just a few days ahead.

Pharaoh seems to be repentant yet it is just “lip service” in Spanish it would be “de diente a labio” or from “tooth to lip” he continues to rebel against YHVH, and refuses to let Israel go. How many believers claim to love God and admit that they are sinners and wicked, and we all are because of our “yetzer hara” (evil inclination) or in simple words, “sin nature” yet we ignore the Torah, we disobey HIS commandments…or…we promise that we will obey, yet we go back on our promise. I think this is true for ALL of us from time to time, for some more often than others.

Even the Israelites, once they got out of Egypt, began to complain, gripe, grumble and groan, and break God’s commandments by making by an idol of the calf of gold. Are we any better? Do we not grumble and complain too? For this and for that? We break YHVH’s commandments, and we say, “sorry” and seem repentant, but continue in the same sins, I think we are like Pharaoh as much as like the Israelites.

Sometimes, we want to compromise, not follow ALL of Adonai’s instructions, and perhaps not follow the whole Torah. Adonai’s instructions to Moshe, as he revealed to pharaoh, were to leave Egypt, all the people, with all their properties (herds and flocks), go to the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD, yet pharaoh said he would comply…but…not all the way;

“go sacrifice to your God in the land” (just stay in Egypt) “Go to the wilderness, but not so far away”

(yes, so we can keep an eye on you so that you don’t run away!) “Go serve the LORD, the men only” (yet Adonai wants “all the people”) “Go serve the LORD, but your herds and flocks stay here” (so, how are they going to sacrifice without the flocks and the herds?)

Do we follow wholeheartedly? Or do we pick and choose? Do we follow the Torah only when convenient? Or parts that won’t interrupt our lifestyles? Do we follow some commandments and not follow others saying “These aren’t for us, only for Israel” If we are picking and choosing, then we are like pharaoh, trying to “bargain” or make “Compromise” with the LORD through his chosen servant.

I would like to add this detail also. It is about “HaMateh” (The Staff) this is the staff or the rod of Moshe and Aaron, the one that was used to bring about the plagues. It is very interesting and how it relates to the power of Elohim through Moshe. The word “Mateh” in Hebrew has two meanings. One is “Rod” or “Staff” and it represents the power and authority of the holder of the same. It also means “Tribe” and in the plural; “Matot” (Tribes).

When Moshe was still before YHVH at Mt. Sinai, He told Moshe to use the “Mateh” to show the people HIS power. The power of Elohim-YHVH through Moshe. Moshe would be as “Elohim” before Pharaoh. The rod would be the symbol of authority, as it also represents the “Tribe” of “Kol Israel” of “All Israel” united as One Tribe. “Mateh Echad”.

If we look at the staff of Moshe through spiritual eyes, just imagine the name YHVH carved into this staff or rod of judgment. We look at the value of the letters Y H V H. The first two letters “Yod and Hey” 10 and 5. Those two letters form the shorter form of the name of God; “YaH”. The letter “Yod” = 10. It can symbolize the “10” plagues that were to befall Egypt, by the “Arm” (Yod) of Elohim. The hand is part of the arm, remember that.

Then we see the letter “Hey” that has the value of “5”. We can sum up the promises of YHVH as the following; 1) Elohim will deliver Israel out from under the burden of Egyptian Slavery; 2) Israel will be REDEEMED by the ARM of Elohim-YHVH; 3) Elohim-YHVH will Israel as HIS people and will be their GOD; 4) Israel will be brought into the chosen land of promise; 5) The promised land will be an INHERETANCE.

After the 10 plagues, the 5 basic promises were fulfilled. The redemption was fulfilled when the lambs and goats were slaughtered and sacrificed in the Israelite homes during the Eve of Pesach. So that gives us Y and H in the infallible name of God.

But we still have Vav (V) and Hey (H). We know that the “Hey” covers the promises, but the “Vav” is the key letter that points us to Calvary’s Cross! The “Vav” is the nail, that was driven into the hands of Mashiach, this would “really” fulfill the promise of redemption. The redemption was symbolized by the animal sacrifices until Yeshua came and fulfilled it in “Full”. The “Vav” has the value of “6” which is the number of “Man”. So, Elohim became a man to receive the nail in his hands to make full the promise of redemption, which was part of the promises. The first story of Israel’s redemption by blood is in chapter 12. This can be the most important chapter of Shemot because it is “Pesach Time”

” This month shall be your beginning of months for you, it shall be the first month of the year for you”

This can't be any clearer in my observation, it isn't January 1st, it is the first of Abib, or Nisan, and since the lunar calendar changes from year to year, God's “New Year's Day” comes on April 8th(New Year's Eve).

” On the tenth of this month, everyone shall take a lamb.... a lamb for each household” ......

This lamb was to be a young, healthy lamb, and it would be kept for 5 days, on the 14th day, it would be slaughtered, and as we know, the blood would be placed on the two side posts of the door of the house entrance and along the top frame. As the story goes on, the death angel would come and see the blood and thus “pass over” that house that had the blood on the doorposts.

If you imagine that, the blood on the door posts...forms sort of a “cross” you can imagine Yeshua with his arms and hands extended, each one touching one of the “doorposts” and his head against the “top part” where the blood from his head would be (where the Roman soldiers pushed in the crown of thorns and where the nails were hammered (in the wrists) between the two small bones that form the arm (remember that not one bone was broken), so it had to between the bones, through the muscle.

The lamb or goat was to be eaten roasted, with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. The other elements were added later and were present when Yeshua celebrated the Pesach Supper with his talmidim. The roasted lamb or goat symbolizes “Yeshua being “roasted” in the “fires of judgment for our sins. He took upon himself ALL of our sins, past, present, and future. They were all “nailed” to the cross and judged by the Father. The “bitter herbs” symbolize the bitterness of slavery, the slavery to sin, and having a master “HaSatan” as our taskmaster. The unleavened bread symbolizes “Yeshua The Bread of Life” Bread without leaven can be considered “perfect, sinless bread, therefore calling Yeshua who is without sin, “The Bread of Life”, and when we eat the “bread without leaven” (Matzah) we are symbolizing “taking into us Yeshua” and when we eat only unleavened bread for 7 days afterward, we are being conscience of “sin in our lives” (avoiding it) being reminded by the matzah.

At the first Passover, wine wasn't mentioned nor does it mention “Charoseth” (a sweet mixture of nuts, apples, honey, cinnamon, etc.). They may have had wine, or water, or another drink, but no one knows for sure, nor do we know what kind of “bitter herbs” were used, today we use horseradish. Back then, it had to be something common in Egypt.

The death angel visited the houses where no blood was found, so probably all the houses of the Egyptians lacked the blood, but perhaps there were a few houses that had members that paid attention to Moshe, and they might have gone to the Israelites and put blood on their doors.

We are talking about a “substitution sacrifice” the “lambs and goats” were substituted for the Israelites' firstborn. And any Egyptian household that also placed the blood on their doors (those who believed). We can see in scripture where a “substitute” was used. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a “ram” as a substitute for Isaac, On Yom Kippur, two goats are used as “substitutes” for all of the people of Israel, and finally, “Yeshua Ha Mashiach” (Jesus the Messiah/Christ) was “OUR” substitute on the cross, HE exchanged his “Righteousness for our sinfulness” instead of us being punished for our sins, Yeshua accepted the punishment in our place. All that remains for us is to accept his “one time only” sacrifice and receive and accept HIM as our LORD and SAVIOR, thus being “born again” according to John 3:3. Have you done this? If you were to die today, are you sure that Yeshua/Jesus is your LORD and Savior? Will HE let you into his Kingdom? Only you can answer that question.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WORDS/VOCABULARY (just for the fun of knowing them)


“Aw Ibek” = May your heart rejoice, “Em Hotep” = shalom, peace, “Kemet” = Egypt (black earth)

“Qed” = architect (masculine) “Qedet” = architect (feminine) “baket” = female servant

“Em heset net Ra” = be in favor with (the god) Ra, “Em heset net Yah” = be in favor with Yah (YHVH)

“Retehtey” = baker “Retehtet” = baker (female) , “Neter” = god “Sen” = brother, “Sat” = sister

“Dua netjer en ek” = thank you.

One thing about the ancient Egyptian language, the hieroglyphs were consonants and at times, whole words. There is little known about the vowels, so, it is hard to say the true sounds of the words. Torah scrolls are written in Hebrew without the vowel markings. Also, some of our words were not known in ancient Egypt. For example, the ancient Egyptians had no word for "death" instead, the word was "cease to live".

However, God understands all languages. Pharaoh had many chances to repent, but he remained hardened. He thought of himself as a "god on earth"
Don't be like pharaoh, surrender your life to Christ Jesus, (Messiah Yeshua). You'll have all eternity to enjoy.

PARASHA: “BO” (enter) EXODUS 10:1-13:16

The Parasha starts out; “And the LORD said unto Moshe; ‘Go in unto Pharaoh’…” Strange, the word “Go” in Hebrew is “Sh’lach”, but the Hebrew scriptures read “Bo” (enter) so, in reality, the Word of God is saying; “Enter, or Come in unto Pharaoh” But why? One way of looking at this is that Adonai is already there in the palace of pharaoh, and HE is inviting Moshe to come where He is to do business with pharaoh! And what a business deal! Let’s make him an offer he can’t refuse! Freedom for Israel…or the plagues! So, it is “God against Pharaoh and his gods” Guess who wins?

The plagues against the Egyptian gods continue, it is our “Creator God YHVH” against Pharaoh and his false deities. Guess who is winning, yes, you know it. However, I need to point out that many of us peg Pharaoh and the Egyptians as the “bad guys” and the Israelites as the “good guys”.

But we need to take note of something that many believers have in common with pharaoh, After the plague of locusts, pharaoh said;

“I have sinned against the LORD your God, (notice that he said “YOUR” ) and against you, Now therefore forgive I pray thee my sin only this once and entreat the LORD your God that he may take away this death only”(Ex 10:17) and even before that, pharaoh spoke saying;

“I have sinned this time, the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked, entreat the LORD that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail, and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer (EX 9:27,28)

All of these plagues were directed against the false gods of Egypt. The Nile had a goddess (Anuket), and the cattle god was “Apis” in the form of a bull. The sun-god “Ra” was directly attacked by the plague of darkness; In chap 10; 22-23 Moshe speaks of a “darkness which could be felt” per instructions of YHVH, Moshe stretched out his hand towards the heavens, and “darkness” descended over Egypt. We ask ourselves; “How can a person ‘feel’ darkness, it isn’t ‘physical’ yet it could be felt by the Egyptians.

It could be that the “darkness” that the Egyptians felt was more spiritual and emotional than physical. It was a darkness so “thick” that one person could not see another. Perhaps a sort of supernatural darkness came from YHVH, perhaps a “moist and humid” darkness so that when the Egyptians went to light their lamps, they would not light. It could have been a dense, dark fog.

I experienced such a darkness when I was living in Mexico in 1973. A “campesino” showed me a cave which was in the middle of a forest. No one could find the exit, for it extended for miles. “Cuidado” (careful he told me) “People have gone crazy inside there.” Well, I just had to go in to find out myself. After going in about thirty feet, the cave turned to the right. I went to the right about 10 feet and all of a sudden, there was pitch darkness, so dark that I could not see my hand in front of my face. I felt instant fear, so much so that I turned and left the way I came in. As soon as I saw the light of the outside, I breathed a sigh of relief. I did not go back inside. (Well, that day I did not have a lantern with me, nor a flashlight).

Perhaps the darkness which was felt was that of “fear”. There is a spiritual darkness in which many people dwell, without the light of the Torah, of Yeshua, we live in darkness, yet the scripture tells us that in the dwellings of the Israelites, there was light. Their lamps were lit and they could see each other, the three days of darkness were like three regular evenings for the Israelites, they had lights, and they had the light of YHVH, the promise of redemption, the coming of the first Passover, freedom was just around the corner, just a few days ahead.

Pharaoh seems to be repentant yet it is just “lip service” in Spanish it would be “de diente a labio” or from “tooth to lip” he continues to rebel against YHVH, and refuses to let Israel go. How many believers claim to love God and admit that they are sinners and wicked, and we all are because of our “yetzer hara” (evil inclination) or in simple words, “sin nature” yet we ignore the Torah, we disobey HIS commandments…or…we promise that we will obey, yet we go back on our promise. I think this is true for ALL of us from time to time, for some more often than others.

Even the Israelites, once they got out of Egypt, began to complain, gripe, grumble and groan, and break God’s commandments by making by an idol of the calf of gold. Are we any better? Do we not grumble and complain too? For this and for that? We break YHVH’s commandments, and we say, “sorry” and seem repentant, but continue in the same sins, I think we are like Pharaoh as much as like the Israelites.

Sometimes, we want to compromise, not follow ALL of Adonai’s instructions, and perhaps not follow the whole Torah. Adonai’s instructions to Moshe, as he revealed to pharaoh, were to leave Egypt, all the people, with all their properties (herds and flocks), go to the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD, yet pharaoh said he would comply…but…not all the way;

“go sacrifice to your God in the land” (just stay in Egypt) “Go to the wilderness, but not so far away”

(yes, so we can keep an eye on you so that you don’t run away!) “Go serve the LORD, the men only” (yet Adonai wants “all the people”) “Go serve the LORD, but your herds and flocks stay here” (so, how are they going to sacrifice without the flocks and the herds?)

Do we follow wholeheartedly? Or do we pick and choose? Do we follow the Torah only when convenient? Or parts that won’t interrupt our lifestyles? Do we follow some commandments and not follow others saying “These aren’t for us, only for Israel” If we are picking and choosing, then we are like pharaoh, trying to “bargain” or make “Compromise” with the LORD through his chosen servant.

I would like to add this detail also. It is about “HaMateh” (The Staff) this is the staff or the rod of Moshe and Aaron, the one that was used to bring about the plagues. It is very interesting and how it relates to the power of Elohim through Moshe. The word “Mateh” in Hebrew has two meanings. One is “Rod” or “Staff” and it represents the power and authority of the holder of the same. It also means “Tribe” and in the plural; “Matot” (Tribes).

When Moshe was still before YHVH at Mt. Sinai, He told Moshe to use the “Mateh” to show the people HIS power. The power of Elohim-YHVH through Moshe. Moshe would be as “Elohim” before Pharaoh. The rod would be the symbol of authority, as it also represents the “Tribe” of “Kol Israel” of “All Israel” united as One Tribe. “Mateh Echad”.

If we look at the staff of Moshe through spiritual eyes, just imagine the name YHVH carved into this staff or rod of judgment. We look at the value of the letters Y H V H. The first two letters “Yod and Hey” 10 and 5. Those two letters form the shorter form of the name of God; “YaH”. The letter “Yod” = 10. It can symbolize the “10” plagues that were to befall Egypt, by the “Arm” (Yod) of Elohim. The hand is part of the arm, remember that.

Then we see the letter “Hey” that has the value of “5”. We can sum up the promises of YHVH as the following; 1) Elohim will deliver Israel out from under the burden of Egyptian Slavery; 2) Israel will be REDEEMED by the ARM of Elohim-YHVH; 3) Elohim-YHVH will Israel as HIS people and will be their GOD; 4) Israel will be brought into the chosen land of promise; 5) The promised land will be an INHERETANCE.

After the 10 plagues, the 5 basic promises were fulfilled. The redemption was fulfilled when the lambs and goats were slaughtered and sacrificed in the Israelite homes during the Eve of Pesach. So that gives us Y and H in the infallible name of God.

But we still have Vav (V) and Hey (H). We know that the “Hey” covers the promises, but the “Vav” is the key letter that points us to Calvary’s Cross! The “Vav” is the nail, that was driven into the hands of Mashiach, this would “really” fulfill the promise of redemption. The redemption was symbolized by the animal sacrifices until Yeshua came and fulfilled it in “Full”. The “Vav” has the value of “6” which is the number of “Man”. So, Elohim became a man to receive the nail in his hands to make full the promise of redemption, which was part of the promises. The first story of Israel’s redemption by blood is in chapter 12. This can be the most important chapter of Shemot because it is “Pesach Time”

” This month shall be your beginning of months for you, it shall be the first month of the year for you”

This can't be any clearer in my observation, it isn't January 1st, it is the first of Abib, or Nisan, and since the lunar calendar changes from year to year, God's “New Year's Day” comes on April 8th(New Year's Eve).

” On the tenth of this month, everyone shall take a lamb.... a lamb for each household” ......

This lamb was to be a young, healthy lamb, and it would be kept for 5 days, on the 14th day, it would be slaughtered, and as we know, the blood would be placed on the two side posts of the door of the house entrance and along the top frame. As the story goes on, the death angel would come and see the blood and thus “pass over” that house that had the blood on the doorposts.

If you imagine that, the blood on the door posts...forms sort of a “cross” you can imagine Yeshua with his arms and hands extended, each one touching one of the “doorposts” and his head against the “top part” where the blood from his head would be (where the Roman soldiers pushed in the crown of thorns and where the nails were hammered (in the wrists) between the two small bones that form the arm (remember that not one bone was broken), so it had to between the bones, through the muscle.

The lamb or goat was to be eaten roasted, with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. The other elements were added later and were present when Yeshua celebrated the Pesach Supper with his talmidim. The roasted lamb or goat symbolizes “Yeshua being “roasted” in the “fires of judgment for our sins. He took upon himself ALL of our sins, past, present, and future. They were all “nailed” to the cross and judged by the Father. The “bitter herbs” symbolize the bitterness of slavery, the slavery to sin, and having a master “HaSatan” as our taskmaster. The unleavened bread symbolizes “Yeshua The Bread of Life” Bread without leaven can be considered “perfect, sinless bread, therefore calling Yeshua who is without sin, “The Bread of Life”, and when we eat the “bread without leaven” (Matzah) we are symbolizing “taking into us Yeshua” and when we eat only unleavened bread for 7 days afterward, we are being conscience of “sin in our lives” (avoiding it) being reminded by the matzah.

At the first Passover, wine wasn't mentioned nor does it mention “Charoseth” (a sweet mixture of nuts, apples, honey, cinnamon, etc.). They may have had wine, or water, or another drink, but no one knows for sure, nor do we know what kind of “bitter herbs” were used, today we use horseradish. Back then, it had to be something common in Egypt.

The death angel visited the houses where no blood was found, so probably all the houses of the Egyptians lacked the blood, but perhaps there were a few houses that had members that paid attention to Moshe, and they might have gone to the Israelites and put blood on their doors.

We are talking about a “substitution sacrifice” the “lambs and goats” were substituted for the Israelites' firstborn. And any Egyptian household that also placed the blood on their doors (those who believed). We can see in scripture where a “substitute” was used. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a “ram” as a substitute for Isaac, On Yom Kippur, two goats are used as “substitutes” for all of the people of Israel, and finally, “Yeshua Ha Mashiach” (Jesus the Messiah/Christ) was “OUR” substitute on the cross, HE exchanged his “Righteousness for our sinfulness” instead of us being punished for our sins, Yeshua accepted the punishment in our place. All that remains for us is to accept his “one time only” sacrifice and receive and accept HIM as our LORD and SAVIOR, thus being “born again” according to John 3:3. Have you done this? If you were to die today, are you sure that Yeshua/Jesus is your LORD and Savior? Will HE let you into his Kingdom? Only you can answer that question.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WORDS/VOCABULARY (just for the fun of knowing them)


“Aw Ibek” = May your heart rejoice, “Em Hotep” = shalom, peace, “Kemet” = Egypt (black earth)

“Qed” = architect (masculine) “Qedet” = architect (feminine) “baket” = female servant

“Em heset net Ra” = be in favor with (the god) Ra, “Em heset net Yah” = be in favor with Yah (YHVH)

“Retehtey” = baker “Retehtet” = baker (female) , “Neter” = god “Sen” = brother, “Sat” = sister

“Dua netjer en ek” = thank you.

One thing about the ancient Egyptian language, the hieroglyphs were consonants and at times, whole words. There is little known about the vowels, so, it is hard to say the true sounds of the words. Torah scrolls are written in Hebrew without the vowel markings. Also, some of our words were not known in ancient Egypt. For example, the ancient Egyptians had no word for "death" instead, the word was "cease to live".

However, God understands all languages. Pharaoh had many chances to repent, but he remained hardened. He thought of himself as a "god on earth"
Don't be like pharaoh, surrender your life to Christ Jesus, (Messiah Yeshua). You'll have all eternity to enjoy.

JEREMIAH 46:13-28

600 years later, after the fall of Egypt at Passover, disaster strikes, this time, YHVH uses Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon as the instrument of destruction against Egypt, seems like Egypt was not humbled after the Passover experience. You would think that the pharaohs who rose to power after the time of Passover would have realized the author of Egypt's destruction, but seems like they did not, a hard heart is hard to break at times.

There are people today who have hardened hearts, and still resist the will of YHVH. Being "Sons of God", servants of Yeshua, disciples, and followers will, at times, be difficult. God will humble us through accidents, illnesses, etc..if we have prideful hearts or stiff necks. Don't wait for that to happen, HUMBLE THY SELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD! He loves you and wants you in the middle of His Will.

Our lives are not our own to live, that is if we want to walk in the Will of God. The reason for living is to be witnesses of the Gospel, to share the WORD with those around us, and to teach the WORD to those who are willing to listen. For this reason, the Holy Spirit has given believers different gifts to use to serve the LORD.

Pharaoh could have humbled his heart and swallowed his pride, yet he chose to resist and thus brought destruction to his nation and made his people suffer needlessly. We need to follow God's leading, not resist it. Shalom to all.

MAT 25:1-46; JOHN 19:31-37

”The Ten Talents” A “talent” was a “weight” of money thousands of years ago. It was a lot, one could have a “talent” of gold, or silver, or copper, brass, bronze, etc. And like money today, it could be invested, or wisely spent,

We also use the word “talent” as something that we have, like an “ability” to do good. As believers, we all have “talents” or “abilities” given to us through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit), with which to serve our LORD and Savior on earth. But, like the evil servant in the parable, who did nothing with his talent, only buried it, there are believers today who are doing the same. Many have more than one talent, or “spiritual gift” and they are not using it (or them). They are going to waste, or are squandering them in “things of the world.

Can you sing? Yes, are you singing for God? Can you write? Are you writing for God? Can you teach? Are you teaching God's word to others? Can you play an instrument? Are you playing for the LORD? Think about the talents you have. How are you using them?

(JOHN 19:31-37)

John talks about the Eve of Passover, since part of this Parasha is all about Passover, these verses should be read. The bodies of the two criminals and that of Yeshua were to be taken down from the crosses where they were crucified. The scripture says “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree, (from Deuteronomy 21:22,23)

Yeshua already carried our “curse” and that of the two thieves. All was accomplished during that special Passover. It also states that a Roman soldier pierced the side of Yeshua with a spear, and out came blood and water which was proof that He was dead.

The blood and water have special symbolism. The blood is symbolized by the wine that we drink during Passover or communion, and the beginning of each sabbath. Symbolically, we are inviting Yeshua/Jesus to come inside of us and continue to be part of our lives. The water is Yeshua who is the “Living Water” The blood also symbolizes “life” so through His death, we have “Life” and that is “Life Eternal”. The Bread symbolizes "Yeshua/Jesus, the Bread of Life."

“They shall look upon Him whom they pierced” (vs 37) One day in the future, Yeshua will return in the clouds of Heaven, and “ALL” will see Him coming, “They” means “All” even those very soldiers who pierced Him, with the flagellum and with the spear, will SEE HIM someday soon. And ALL will have to answer for their actions.

Eternity ripples forth Living waters that bubble up from the STONE that the builders rejected. 

JEREMIAH 46:13-28

600 years later, after the fall of Egypt at Passover, disaster strikes, this time, YHVH uses Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon as the instrument of destruction against Egypt, seems like Egypt was not humbled after the Passover experience. You would think that the pharaohs who rose to power after the time of Passover would have realized the author of Egypt's destruction, but seems like they did not, a hard heart is hard to break at times.

There are people today who have hardened hearts, and still resist the will of YHVH. Being "Sons of God", servants of Yeshua, disciples, and followers will, at times, be difficult. God will humble us through accidents, illnesses, etc..if we have prideful hearts or stiff necks. Don't wait for that to happen, HUMBLE THY SELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD! He loves you and wants you in the middle of His Will.

Our lives are not our own to live, that is if we want to walk in the Will of God. The reason for living is to be witnesses of the Gospel, to share the WORD with those around us, and to teach the WORD to those who are willing to listen. For this reason, the Holy Spirit has given believers different gifts to use to serve the LORD.

Pharaoh could have humbled his heart and swallowed his pride, yet he chose to resist and thus brought destruction to his nation and made his people suffer needlessly. We need to follow God's leading, not resist it. Shalom to all.

MAT 25:1-46; JOHN 19:31-37

”The Ten Talents” A “talent” was a “weight” of money thousands of years ago. It was a lot, one could have a “talent” of gold, or silver, or copper, brass, bronze, etc. And like money today, it could be invested, or wisely spent,

We also use the word “talent” as something that we have, like an “ability” to do good. As believers, we all have “talents” or “abilities” given to us through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit), with which to serve our LORD and Savior on earth. But, like the evil servant in the parable, who did nothing with his talent, only buried it, there are believers today who are doing the same. Many have more than one talent, or “spiritual gift” and they are not using it (or them). They are going to waste, or are squandering them in “things of the world.

Can you sing? Yes, are you singing for God? Can you write? Are you writing for God? Can you teach? Are you teaching God's word to others? Can you play an instrument? Are you playing for the LORD? Think about the talents you have. How are you using them?

(JOHN 19:31-37)

John talks about the Eve of Passover, since part of this Parasha is all about Passover, these verses should be read. The bodies of the two criminals and that of Yeshua were to be taken down from the crosses where they were crucified. The scripture says “Cursed is he who hangs on a tree, (from Deuteronomy 21:22,23)

Yeshua already carried our “curse” and that of the two thieves. All was accomplished during that special Passover. It also states that a Roman soldier pierced the side of Yeshua with a spear, and out came blood and water which was proof that He was dead.

The blood and water have special symbolism. The blood is symbolized by the wine that we drink during Passover or communion, and the beginning of each sabbath. Symbolically, we are inviting Yeshua/Jesus to come inside of us and continue to be part of our lives. The water is Yeshua who is the “Living Water” The blood also symbolizes “life” so through His death, we have “Life” and that is “Life Eternal”. The Bread symbolizes "Yeshua/Jesus, the Bread of Life."

“They shall look upon Him whom they pierced” (vs 37) One day in the future, Yeshua will return in the clouds of Heaven, and “ALL” will see Him coming, “They” means “All” even those very soldiers who pierced Him, with the flagellum and with the spear, will SEE HIM someday soon. And ALL will have to answer for their actions.

Eternity ripples forth living water from the STONE that the builders rejected. 

Well, there are two words, Hebrew speaking, that describe the makeup of living beings,  "Ruach" (spirit) also means "breath, or wind"  and "Nephesh" which is rendered "soul"  at times, we need to look past the literal meaning and go into a deeper meaning, in this case,  the mention of the singular "Nephesh" (soul) I would believe that all living beings have souls, yet God has placed a "Spirit" in each human being, which will return to the LORD at death.  Here something else I found: 

The Hebrew term nephesh chayyah is often translated "living soul". Chayyah alone is often translated living thing or animal. Often nephesh is used in the context of saving your life, nephesh then is referring to an entire person's life as in Joshua 2:13; Isaiah 44:20; 1 Samuel 19:11; Psalm 6:5; 49:15; 72:13.

PARASHA: “Shemot” (Names) EXODUS 1:1-6:1


We enter into a new era, Jacob/Israel and Joseph are now in the past, yet their legacy continues, in “Am Yisrael” (The People of Israel).

”70 souls” entered Mitzraim (Egypt). It is interesting that the Hebrew word “Nefesh” is used for “souls” yet the word is in singular, but why? Is there a symbolism here? If we were to read this in English, we would read; “70 soul entered Egypt”.

One could say that the word “Nefesh” (Soul) could refer to the whole “Family” of Israel as ONE (Echad) family unit, as we are ONE with Elohim, then all of Israel was ONE as well.

hundreds of years later, we have a few million Hebrews. There is a list at the beginning of Exodus of the “b'nei Israel” (the sons of Israel) and they had their children, and their children had children, etc. They remained in the area of “Goshen” along the Nile Delta, farming, and raising cattle, probably a few became merchants, they adapted to life in Egypt, got used to seeing Egyptian deities, and probably understood spoken Egyptian. Who knows if many became “Egyptianized” did they bow down to the deities?

How much did they retain about Adonai? El Shaddai? We don't know, but I am sure that the story of Joseph and how he brought his family to Egypt from Canaan was passed down from family to family. The story of the famine, and how Yosef preserved life during the famine. So “b'nei Israel” multiplied, and the land was filled with the “b'nei Israel”, and now the Egyptians started to get nervous. In verse 8, problems start;

” And there arose a new king over Egypt who knew not Joseph” This new king had overthrown the Hyksos rulers, and did not personally know Yosef nor knew of his accomplishments to save Egypt. The new pharaoh might have heard of Yosef, but thought "That's ancient history." Some tradition says that in part, the Hebrews had become “Egyptianized” and failed to keep the memory of Yosef alive and what he did.

There are a few ideas of who it might have been. Some believe it might have been “Pharaoh Ahmose” The title “Pharaoh” is not the name, it is only a title which means “ruler”. It might have been “Ahmose” or even “Rameses II”. A little on Egyptian words and etymology, the Egyptian word “meses” or “mose” means “born of” so the name “Moshe” or “Moses” is similar to “meses” (born of) or (Taken from).

Since Moses was “Taken from the water, or the river (The Nile). We ask what might have been the Egyptian name Moses used? The Egyptian word for “river” is “iteru” so, his name might have been “Iterumose” or “Iterumeses” (given ancient Egyptian entomology) There were many “Rameses” it means “Born of the god RA” “Ahmose” probably (born of “Ah”) “Thutmose” (born of the god Thut) and so on. So many pharaohs took on those names.

Also, the title “Pharaoh” is exactly that, a title, not a name. It comes from two Egyptian words; “per” and “o” “Per” = house, and “O” = great. So the title “pharaoh” means “of the Great House” It would be like saying; “I am going to Washington D.C. to see the White House” What you are saying is that you are going to see the president, who “lives” in the White House.

The pharaoh of verse 8 is paranoid and thinks that the Israelites will join, perhaps with the Hittites, to overthrow Egypt. The pharaoh that gave Joseph power to be co-ruler was a foreign king, a “Semite” known as a “Hyksos king”, perhaps that was why he felt some kinship with Joseph. Now slavery starts and the Hebrews (the Egyptian word is “Hapiru”) are made slaves, and the good times are over.

Yet Elohim hears the cries of his people, and has selected the tribe of Levi, through a couple; Amran and Jochebed, to bring into the world, “Moshe” who would be a sort of “Mashiach” (like Yosef) to lead Israel OUT of Egypt, in God's appointed time. YHVH has a time for ALL THINGS, we cannot rush God's clock, it ticks slowly for us, yet it ticks out second by second and includes us all in the plan of things. The root meaning of the name "Yochebed" is from "Kavod" weight, and glory. "God's Glory" could be a meaning for the name "Yochebed" and for "Amram" (Exalted people) So, "Amram and Yochebed" could mean "God's glory is his Exalted people"

The throne of Egypt probably changed, and the pharaohs continued to be paranoid, one developed a plan to “curb” the birth rate by killing the baby boys, according to the historian 'Ted Stewart' in his book “solving the Exodus Mystery” the pharaoh who ordered the death of the male infants was “Sesostris III” we see that Moshe is adopted by the daughter of this pharaoh.

A little about this princess. According to Midrash (commentary from the rabbis) her name was "Bithyah" or "Batyah" A little strange for an Egyptian princess to have this name because in Hebrew it means "a daughter of God (Yah)" Could it be that the daughter of the pharaoh was a proselyte to the Hebrew God YHVH? Is that why she had compassion for the child Moshe? How did she recognize that the baby was Hebrew? Was she bathing at the edge of the Nile? or was it a Mikvah? We learn that the name "Bithyah or Batiyah" comes from 1 Chronicles 4:17-18. There it names some of the children of the Tribe of Judah, "Bithyah, the daughter of Pharoah" was married to "Mered" and they had children together.

One thing about the Nile River. It is a dangerous place to swim. It is home to crocodiles and hippos. Both are dangerous to humans. It makes sense that the princess had servants to accompany her, to be "look-outs" for those creatures. She sees the basket and sends her servant to go in and get it. The Midrash says that "Her arm extended far out to reach the basket " One could say that her "extended arm" was her handmaiden who retrieved it. When the basket was opened and she saw baby Moshe, his older sister Miriam was right there and suggested to the princess that a "wet nurse" could feed and raise Moses. It is believed that Miriam was one of the handmaidens of the princess, or that she worked there at the palace. God makes everything work out to good. Moses' own mother raised him and was paid for it.

Moshe grows up in the palace, and is raised as a “Prince of Egypt” yet all the time, “retaining (inside) his Hebrew identity”. We remember that he killed an Egyptian in defending one of his own, the Pharaoh that sought his death was “Amenemhet III”. When Moshe fled and spent 40 years in Madian, upon returning, he faced the Pharaoh “Amenemhet IV” who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus, who pursued the Israelites through the Red Sea, (and didn't quite make it, receiving a very fatal water baptism). (T. Stewart, Solving the Exodus Mystery, www.biblediscoveries.com).

When Moshe fled, there is an interesting verse, 2:15, which says that “Moshe fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian (which is now Saudi Arabia). “And he sat down by a well”

We can read scripture from a literal standpoint. Yes, Moshe fled and probably went East then South to get to the land of Midian. If he took that direct route (no one knows for sure) it would have been a 250-mile hike. We don’t know how many supplies he took with him, how much water, etc, since he was on the run, the pharaoh threatened to kill him. But he arrived might thirsty.

A well was a meeting point in those days, so he knew that people would be coming to get water. Sure enough, came Yitro’s daughters to get water and he was there to help and defend the damsels. Yet we need also to look at this from a Derashic and symbolic standpoint. Moshe has made contact with the “well”. A water well represents life. Moshe hangs on to life. One of Yeshua’s titles is “The Living Water”. We might look at that well symbolically as “Yeshua, the Well of Living Water (Yeshua, HaBeer Mayim Chayim)

Adonai had grace upon grace to Moshe, since he would be his instrument of redeeming Israel from Egyptian bondage. The word for “grace” is “Rachem” and “Rachamim” is the plural form; “a large and plentiful amount of grace” There is “Mayim” in “Rachamim” (spelled with the Hebrew letters) so grace is like plentiful water, and since Yeshua is the “Living Water” He is the author of “grace”. Moshe would be a “Messiah type” who would “take his people out” and that is the meaning of the name “Moshe” (taken out of) so he would live up to his name.

He is something else interesting. How does Moshe represent The Messiah? The word “HaMashiach” is spelled in Hebrew; “Hey, Mem, Sheen, Yod, Chet” and the words “Moshe Chai” (Moses lives) have the “Same Letters!” “Mem, Sheen, Hey, Chet, Yod”

Matthew 2:15 states; “Out of Egypt I have called my son” Yeshua went down to Egypt with his parents to escape Herod, they spent some years there and then returned to Israel. Yet also Israel is the son, as he went to Egypt when he was old, and his bones were “carried out” yet Moshe also represents Israel as a nation, and Moshe went out with Israel, and since Moshe symbolizes Mashiach, then, the verse fits both parties (yet primarily, it fits Yeshua first).

This Parashah has so much that I wish to concentrate on the “Calling of Moshe” in chapter three of Shemot God calls to Moshe while he is taking care of Yitro's sheep near Mt. Sinai. A note to mention is that God prepares his servants beforehand, before sending them out on the mission fields, “Midian and the flocks of sheep” were the training grounds and subjects of his training, before leading out “Human sheep” to the land of Midian that “he now knew and was familiar with”

God calls him saying; “Anochi Elohei Aviyha” (I am the God of your father) so the name “Elohei” is used, then he uses a more personal name in verse 14; “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” if you can call it a name, it is translated as I AM that or who I AM, which is not a name at all. So, what is God trying to convey to Moshe? In a way, he is saying, “Is a proper name so important Moe? Just understand that I EXIST! I have existed in the past, and the present, and will exist in the future” The word “Ehyeh” is a form of “Haya” or “Havayah” meaning “to exist” or “the essence of being” from this we get the most sacred name of God: YHVH.

HaVaYaH (re-arrange the letters and we get YHVH) Modern translators put in vowels to get YeHoVaH and have changed the Y to J to become JEHOVAH, but that is not the original name, there exists no “J” in Hebrew.

The other name used in chapter 3 is “Elohim” “Elohim” said to Moshe....Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh...” “Elohim” is the “all power God of Creation, the Triune God (im) who we know, as Messianic believers, as being EL (father) BEN-YESHUA, (Yeshua the Son) RUACH-HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit).

Elohim has revealed himself to us in human form through YESHUA, and as Moshe leads his people out of the slavery of physical bondage, YESHUA leads us out of the bondage of spiritual slavery of sin, leading us to a new life, in a personal relationship with HIM, as the Israelites entered into a renewed relationship with Elohei starting at Sinai, our relationship starts at Calvary. We are now joined to “His chosen people” through adoption, both native-born in Israel, and those who are from the diaspora, we are all ONE (ECHAD) in Messiah Yeshua Ben David, Ben Adam, and Ben YHVH.

We continue to read and we find in chapter 4 that YHVH sends Moshe back to Egypt to lead his people out. We find that God works through people, some very special, others very ordinary. Yet before sending back Moshe, He prepares him in the desert as a shepherd. One can divide the life of Moshe into three parts, the first 40 years as prince and general in Egypt, the second 40 years as an outcast, yet an instrument in the hands of YHVH, and the last 40 years as leader of Israel.

Before sending him back, there are three signs that YHVH gives Moshe, as “authority”. When we look at these three signs of authority, we see “Yeshua” in these signs. The first was the “Mateh” (The staff). It was common for every household leader to carry a staff, a little more than just a “walking stick”. The “Mateh” was a sign of leadership and authority. But this one would be changed into a serpent when Moshe threw it down before Pharaoh. The serpent was a sign of “kingly authority” in Egypt, as it was a part of the royal headdress that the pharaohs wore.

Shepherds carried a “rod” and a “staff” when leading sheep. The “rod” was a short, heavy club that was used as a weapon, and the “staff” to lead. Yeshua is the “good shepherd” who leads us, who, “crushed the head of the serpent” at Calvary.

The second sign was the sign of “disease and healing of said disease” namely “Tza-arat” (leprosy). We see in the Prophets that Elisha healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, and Yeshua also healed the sick, including lepers. Even in the desert, those who were bitten by “serpents” were healed by a “bronze serpent on a staff” (again, returning to the staff and serpent). Yeshua is our healer and heals us of the curse of sin and death.

The third sign was the “water turned to blood” on dry land (4:9). This reminds us of our Messiah Yeshua, who when on the cross, was pierced by a Roman spear, and out of his side came “blood and water” and this mixture of “blood and water” fell from the cross on dry land. By his shed blood, we are saved, by Yeshua who is the “living Water”. So, we also see in these three signs, the “Torah” the “Prophets” and the “Brit HaDashah”(The New Testament)

The blood of Messiah Jesus/Yeshua cleansed us from all sin, from the curse of sin. Payment fulfilled on the Cross of Calvary. Have you accepted His sacrifice for sin?

Israelites in Egypt  (Wall painting or Papyrus) 

PARASHA: “Shemot” (Names) EXODUS 1:1-6:1


We enter into a new era, Jacob/Israel and Joseph are now in the past, yet their legacy continues, in “Am Yisrael” (The People of Israel).

”70 souls” entered Mitzraim (Egypt). It is interesting that the Hebrew word “Nefesh” is used for “souls” yet the word is in singular, but why? Is there a symbolism here? If we were to read this in English, we would read; “70 soul entered Egypt”.

One could say that the word “Nefesh” (Soul) could refer to the whole “Family” of Israel as ONE (Echad) family unit, as we are ONE with Elohim, then all of Israel was ONE as well.

hundreds of years later, we have a few million Hebrews. There is a list at the beginning of Exodus of the “b'nei Israel” (the sons of Israel) and they had their children, and their children had children, etc. They remained in the area of “Goshen” along the Nile Delta, farming, and raising cattle, probably a few became merchants, they adapted to life in Egypt, got used to seeing Egyptian deities, and probably understood spoken Egyptian. Who knows if many became “Egyptianized” did they bow down to the deities?

How much did they retain about Adonai? El Shaddai? We don't know, but I am sure that the story of Joseph and how he brought his family to Egypt from Canaan was passed down from family to family. The story of the famine, and how Yosef preserved life during the famine. So “b'nei Israel” multiplied, and the land was filled with the “b'nei Israel”, and now the Egyptians started to get nervous. In verse 8, problems start;

” And there arose a new king over Egypt who knew not Joseph” This new king had overthrown the Hyksos rulers, and did not personally know Yosef nor knew of his accomplishments to save Egypt. The new pharaoh might have heard of Yosef, but thought "That's ancient history." Some tradition says that in part, the Hebrews had become “Egyptianized” and failed to keep the memory of Yosef alive and what he did.

There are a few ideas of who it might have been. Some believe it might have been “Pharaoh Ahmose” The title “Pharaoh” is not the name, it is only a title which means “ruler”. It might have been “Ahmose” or even “Rameses II”. A little on Egyptian words and etymology, the Egyptian word “meses” or “mose” means “born of” so the name “Moshe” or “Moses” is similar to “meses” (born of) or (Taken from).

Since Moses was “Taken from the water, or the river (The Nile). We ask what might have been the Egyptian name Moses used? The Egyptian word for “river” is “iteru” so, his name might have been “Iterumose” or “Iterumeses” (given ancient Egyptian entomology) There were many “Rameses” it means “Born of the god RA” “Ahmose” probably (born of “Ah”) “Thutmose” (born of the god Thut) and so on. So many pharaohs took on those names.

Also, the title “Pharaoh” is exactly that, a title, not a name. It comes from two Egyptian words; “per” and “o” “Per” = house, and “O” = great. So the title “pharaoh” means “of the Great House” It would be like saying; “I am going to Washington D.C. to see the White House” What you are saying is that you are going to see the president, who “lives” in the White House.

The pharaoh of verse 8 is paranoid and thinks that the Israelites will join, perhaps with the Hittites, to overthrow Egypt. The pharaoh that gave Joseph power to be co-ruler was a foreign king, a “Semite” known as a “Hyksos king”, perhaps that was why he felt some kinship with Joseph. Now slavery starts and the Hebrews (the Egyptian word is “Hapiru”) are made slaves, and the good times are over.

Yet Elohim hears the cries of his people, and has selected the tribe of Levi, through a couple; Amran and Jochebed, to bring into the world, “Moshe” who would be a sort of “Mashiach” (like Yosef) to lead Israel OUT of Egypt, in God's appointed time. YHVH has a time for ALL THINGS, we cannot rush God's clock, it ticks slowly for us, yet it ticks out second by second and includes us all in the plan of things. The root meaning of the name "Yochebed" is from "Kavod" weight, and glory. "God's Glory" could be a meaning for the name "Yochebed" and for "Amram" (Exalted people) So, "Amram and Yochebed" could mean "God's glory is his Exalted people"

The throne of Egypt probably changed, and the pharaohs continued to be paranoid, one developed a plan to “curb” the birth rate by killing the baby boys, according to the historian 'Ted Stewart' in his book “solving the Exodus Mystery” the pharaoh who ordered the death of the male infants was “Sesostris III” we see that Moshe is adopted by the daughter of this pharaoh.

A little about this princess. According to Midrash (commentary from the rabbis) her name was "Bithyah" or "Batyah" A little strange for an Egyptian princess to have this name because in Hebrew it means "a daughter of God (Yah)" Could it be that the daughter of the pharaoh was a proselyte to the Hebrew God YHVH? Is that why she had compassion for the child Moshe? How did she recognize that the baby was Hebrew? Was she bathing at the edge of the Nile? or was it a Mikvah? We learn that the name "Bithyah or Batiyah" comes from 1 Chronicles 4:17-18. There it names some of the children of the Tribe of Judah, "Bithyah, the daughter of Pharoah" was married to "Mered" and they had children together.

One thing about the Nile River. It is a dangerous place to swim. It is home to crocodiles and hippos. Both are dangerous to humans. It makes sense that the princess had servants to accompany her, to be "look-outs" for those creatures. She sees the basket and sends her servant to go in and get it. The Midrash says that "Her arm extended far out to reach the basket " One could say that her "extended arm" was her handmaiden who retrieved it. When the basket was opened and she saw baby Moshe, his older sister Miriam was right there and suggested to the princess that a "wet nurse" could feed and raise Moses. It is believed that Miriam was one of the handmaidens of the princess, or that she worked there at the palace. God makes everything work out to good. Moses' own mother raised him and was paid for it.

Moshe grows up in the palace, and is raised as a “Prince of Egypt” yet all the time, “retaining (inside) his Hebrew identity”. We remember that he killed an Egyptian in defending one of his own, the Pharaoh that sought his death was “Amenemhet III”. When Moshe fled and spent 40 years in Madian, upon returning, he faced the Pharaoh “Amenemhet IV” who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus, who pursued the Israelites through the Red Sea, (and didn't quite make it, receiving a very fatal water baptism). (T. Stewart, Solving the Exodus Mystery, www.biblediscoveries.com).

When Moshe fled, there is an interesting verse, 2:15, which says that “Moshe fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian (which is now Saudi Arabia). “And he sat down by a well”

We can read scripture from a literal standpoint. Yes, Moshe fled and probably went East then South to get to the land of Midian. If he took that direct route (no one knows for sure) it would have been a 250-mile hike. We don’t know how many supplies he took with him, how much water, etc, since he was on the run, the pharaoh threatened to kill him. But he arrived might thirsty.

A well was a meeting point in those days, so he knew that people would be coming to get water. Sure enough, came Yitro’s daughters to get water and he was there to help and defend the damsels. Yet we need also to look at this from a Derashic and symbolic standpoint. Moshe has made contact with the “well”. A water well represents life. Moshe hangs on to life. One of Yeshua’s titles is “The Living Water”. We might look at that well symbolically as “Yeshua, the Well of Living Water (Yeshua, HaBeer Mayim Chayim)

Adonai had grace upon grace to Moshe, since he would be his instrument of redeeming Israel from Egyptian bondage. The word for “grace” is “Rachem” and “Rachamim” is the plural form; “a large and plentiful amount of grace” There is “Mayim” in “Rachamim” (spelled with the Hebrew letters) so grace is like plentiful water, and since Yeshua is the “Living Water” He is the author of “grace”. Moshe would be a “Messiah type” who would “take his people out” and that is the meaning of the name “Moshe” (taken out of) so he would live up to his name.

He is something else interesting. How does Moshe represent The Messiah? The word “HaMashiach” is spelled in Hebrew; “Hey, Mem, Sheen, Yod, Chet” and the words “Moshe Chai” (Moses lives) have the “Same Letters!” “Mem, Sheen, Hey, Chet, Yod”

Matthew 2:15 states; “Out of Egypt I have called my son” Yeshua went down to Egypt with his parents to escape Herod, they spent some years there and then returned to Israel. Yet also Israel is the son, as he went to Egypt when he was old, and his bones were “carried out” yet Moshe also represents Israel as a nation, and Moshe went out with Israel, and since Moshe symbolizes Mashiach, then, the verse fits both parties (yet primarily, it fits Yeshua first).

This Parashah has so much that I wish to concentrate on the “Calling of Moshe” in chapter three of Shemot God calls to Moshe while he is taking care of Yitro's sheep near Mt. Sinai. A note to mention is that God prepares his servants beforehand, before sending them out on the mission fields, “Midian and the flocks of sheep” were the training grounds and subjects of his training, before leading out “Human sheep” to the land of Midian that “he now knew and was familiar with”

God calls him saying; “Anochi Elohei Aviyha” (I am the God of your father) so the name “Elohei” is used, then he uses a more personal name in verse 14; “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” if you can call it a name, it is translated as I AM that or who I AM, which is not a name at all. So, what is God trying to convey to Moshe? In a way, he is saying, “Is a proper name so important Moe? Just understand that I EXIST! I have existed in the past, and the present, and will exist in the future” The word “Ehyeh” is a form of “Haya” or “Havayah” meaning “to exist” or “the essence of being” from this we get the most sacred name of God: YHVH.

HaVaYaH (re-arrange the letters and we get YHVH) Modern translators put in vowels to get YeHoVaH and have changed the Y to J to become JEHOVAH, but that is not the original name, there exists no “J” in Hebrew.

The other name used in chapter 3 is “Elohim” “Elohim” said to Moshe....Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh...” “Elohim” is the “all power God of Creation, the Triune God (im) who we know, as Messianic believers, as being EL (father) BEN-YESHUA, (Yeshua the Son) RUACH-HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit).

Elohim has revealed himself to us in human form through YESHUA, and as Moshe leads his people out of the slavery of physical bondage, YESHUA leads us out of the bondage of spiritual slavery of sin, leading us to a new life, in a personal relationship with HIM, as the Israelites entered into a renewed relationship with Elohei starting at Sinai, our relationship starts at Calvary. We are now joined to “His chosen people” through adoption, both native-born in Israel, and those who are from the diaspora, we are all ONE (ECHAD) in Messiah Yeshua Ben David, Ben Adam, and Ben YHVH.

We continue to read and we find in chapter 4 that YHVH sends Moshe back to Egypt to lead his people out. We find that God works through people, some very special, others very ordinary. Yet before sending back Moshe, He prepares him in the desert as a shepherd. One can divide the life of Moshe into three parts, the first 40 years as prince and general in Egypt, the second 40 years as an outcast, yet an instrument in the hands of YHVH, and the last 40 years as leader of Israel.

Before sending him back, there are three signs that YHVH gives Moshe, as “authority”. When we look at these three signs of authority, we see “Yeshua” in these signs. The first was the “Mateh” (The staff). It was common for every household leader to carry a staff, a little more than just a “walking stick”. The “Mateh” was a sign of leadership and authority. But this one would be changed into a serpent when Moshe threw it down before Pharaoh. The serpent was a sign of “kingly authority” in Egypt, as it was a part of the royal headdress that the pharaohs wore.

Shepherds carried a “rod” and a “staff” when leading sheep. The “rod” was a short, heavy club that was used as a weapon, and the “staff” to lead. Yeshua is the “good shepherd” who leads us, who, “crushed the head of the serpent” at Calvary.

The second sign was the sign of “disease and healing of said disease” namely “Tza-arat” (leprosy). We see in the Prophets that Elisha healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, and Yeshua also healed the sick, including lepers. Even in the desert, those who were bitten by “serpents” were healed by a “bronze serpent on a staff” (again, returning to the staff and serpent). Yeshua is our healer and heals us of the curse of sin and death.

The third sign was the “water turned to blood” on dry land (4:9). This reminds us of our Messiah Yeshua, who when on the cross, was pierced by a Roman spear, and out of his side came “blood and water” and this mixture of “blood and water” fell from the cross on dry land. By his shed blood, we are saved, by Yeshua who is the “living Water”. So, we also see in these three signs, the “Torah” the “Prophets” and the “Brit HaDashah”(The New Testament)

The blood of Messiah Jesus/Yeshua cleansed us from all sin, from the curse of sin. Payment fulfilled on the Cross of Calvary. Have you accepted His sacrifice for sin?

Israelites in Egypt    (Wall painting or Papyrus) 

1 KINGS 2:1-12 

     King David is on his deathbed and calls his son Solomon, and tells him “What it is to be a MAN!” so here's the truth to all “macho guys out there who just THINK they know what it is to be a real man.  Melech David tells the truth through the Holy Spirit who guides his words;

     ” Keep the charge of YHVH thy God, Walk in HIS ways, Keep HIS commandments as they are written in the Torah, SO THAT, you may prosper in ALL you do.  So, there you have it, what it is to be a man, (or a woman) of God, Trust in Yeshua as LORD and Savior, Depend on HIS righteousness through his blood and sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, which will lead us to a right relation with HIM and with his written word, to put into practice as our way of life.  But always remember that salvation is through FAITH, and by FAITH only, and never depending on works! (mitzvoth) the “works” are an “aftermath” of our faith experience. 

MATT 22:1-23:39  

     Yeshua tells the story of a king who invited guests to his son’s wedding feast.  Yet those who were invited did not show up, so he called others, who DID attend the wedding feast.  He says that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is similar to that situation.  He ends by saying;  “Many are called yet few are chosen. 

     How do we relate that to ourselves?  We are part of the human race.  The perfect will of Adonai is that ALL come to repentance and accept the gift of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) which was provided through “Yeshua” (no play on words).  The gospel message has gone out to all, which means ALL people on this planet called Earth.  The great Wedding Feast of the “Son” is in the making.  His bride is in the making.  Yet many do not heed the calling, they are those who love the world and love darkness, these are the lost and unsaved people of humanity.  We ask how can one refuse such an invitation.  Perhaps because the things and enjoyments of this world are too appetizing, and they would rather live for the moment, instead of eternity’s bliss.

     Then there are those who DO accept the wedding invitation.  Those of us who accept will be part of the wedding feast.  We are part of the bride, the “Kehilah” the “Adat” (Congregation of the redeemed).  No matter what name a church is called by, we are all part of “One Assembly” We are all part of “B’nei Elohim” (sons of God) including women too. 

     There is mention of one who was not properly dressed for the wedding, yet in ancient times, those who did not come with wedding attire were usually provided clothing by the bridegroom, so there is no excuse for not being in proper attire. 

     Yeshua also talks about our relationship with others in heaven.  Specifically, our marriage partners. Unlike on earth, where we relate with our partners both emotionally, sexually, and spiritually, in heaven, it will not be so.  Of course, we will recognize each other, but we will be like “brothers and sisters” since our “Husband” will be “Yeshua.”

      There is the question; “What is the greatest commandment?” and Yeshua quotes Deut 6;  “You shall love Adonai your God with all of your heart, soul, and strength” and He adds “and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is interesting.  The word “Torah” in gematria adds up to 611.  (Tav, vav, resh, Hey) and when we add this Commandment in Deut 6, and “love your neighbor” these are “2”, when we add “2” to “611” we get “613” which are the total amount of commandments in the entire Torah (first 5 books).

     To make it very simple, the whole Torah is condensed to “loving God” and “loving your neighbor” That is the gist of ALL the commandments.  Our love and devotion to our God, and our love and respect towards our fellow man.  Guess that includes animals. He made the animals and we need to respect and treat them also with loving kindness because they are part of Elohim’s creation. (you may want to exclude cockroaches) Yes, they were created, but to serve as a curse, not a blessing. 

1 KINGS 2:1-12 

     King David is on his deathbed and calls his son Solomon, and tells him “What it is to be a MAN!” so here's the truth to all “macho guys out there who just THINK they know what it is to be a real man.  Melech David tells the truth through the Holy Spirit who guides his words;

     ” Keep the charge of YHVH thy God, Walk in HIS ways, Keep HIS commandments as they are written in the Torah, SO THAT, you may prosper in ALL you do.  So, there you have it, what it is to be a man, (or a woman) of God, Trust in Yeshua as LORD and Savior, Depend on HIS righteousness through his blood and sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, which will lead us to a right relation with HIM and with his written word, to put into practice as our way of life.  But always remember that salvation is through FAITH, and by FAITH only, and never depending on works! (mitzvoth) the “works” are an “aftermath” of our faith experience. 

MATT 22:1-23:39  

     Yeshua tells the story of a king who invited guests to his son’s wedding feast.  Yet those who were invited did not show up, so he called others, who DID attend the wedding feast.  He says that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is similar to that situation.  He ends by saying;  “Many are called yet few are chosen. 

     How do we relate that to ourselves?  We are part of the human race.  The perfect will of Adonai is that ALL come to repentance and accept the gift of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) which was provided through “Yeshua” (no play on words).  The gospel message has gone out to all, which means ALL people on this planet called Earth.  The great Wedding Feast of the “Son” is in the making.  His bride is in the making.  Yet many do not heed the calling, they are those who love the world and love darkness, these are the lost and unsaved people of humanity.  We ask how can one refuse such an invitation.  Perhaps because the things and enjoyments of this world are too appetizing, and they would rather live for the moment, instead of eternity’s bliss.

     Then there are those who DO accept the wedding invitation.  Those of us who accept will be part of the wedding feast.  We are part of the bride, the “Kehilah” the “Adat” (Congregation of the redeemed).  No matter what name a church is called by, we are all part of “One Assembly” We are all part of “B’nei Elohim” (sons of God) including women too. 

     There is mention of one who was not properly dressed for the wedding, yet in ancient times, those who did not come with wedding attire were usually provided clothing by the bridegroom, so there is no excuse for not being in proper attire. 

     Yeshua also talks about our relationship with others in heaven.  Specifically, our marriage partners. Unlike on earth, where we relate with our partners both emotionally, sexually, and spiritually, in heaven, it will not be so.  Of course, we will recognize each other, but we will be like “brothers and sisters” since our “Husband” will be “Yeshua.”

      There is the question; “What is the greatest commandment?” and Yeshua quotes Deut 6;  “You shall love Adonai your God with all of your heart, soul, and strength” and He adds “and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is interesting.  The word “Torah” in gematria adds up to 611.  (Tav, vav, resh, Hey) and when we add this Commandment in Deut 6, and “love your neighbor” these are “2”, when we add “2” to “611” we get “613” which are the total amount of commandments in the entire Torah (first 5 books).

     To make it very simple, the whole Torah is condensed to “loving God” and “loving your neighbor” That is the gist of ALL the commandments.  Our love and devotion to our God, and our love and respect towards our fellow man.  Guess that includes animals. He made the animals and we need to respect and treat them also with loving kindness because they are part of Elohim’s creation. (you may want to exclude cockroaches) Yes, they were created, but to serve as a curse, not a blessing. 

Hello and Shalom to all readers, thank you all for your support in 2023. Hope the LORD will keep me on this earth during this new year as well.

We have said our goodbye to 2023, with all of its adventures, problems, trials, and blessings. We should approach this new year of 2024 with anticipation as well, knowing that there will also be blessings, trials, and problems to face, yet God is in control of all things.

Perhaps we can picture God on a mountaintop and has 2024 in plain sight, and he turns his head back to look at 2023. He knows everything that happened in 2023 and he knows everything that WILL happen in 2024. He has you and me in plain sight as well, walking the path of 2024, day by day, week by week, month by month. He will guide us every step of the way. Like Joseph in Egypt, we will just have to trust HIM and leave the outcome in HIS hands.

Many people spend New Year's Eve with relatives. Some relatives come over on the 24th of December and stay until January 6th. Some just come over on December 25 and then return on January 1st. Families are different. Some are close, others are distant (both geographically and/or socially)

Some will have roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, egg nog, hot apple pie. Some (perhaps in England I hear) will have roast geese or mutton, while the Grinch will be carving the roast Beast in Whoville for little Cindy LouWho and family. Others will just have Raman noodles and chicken nuggets, maybe wash them down with a Coke. Who can forget the Honey baked ham with brown sugar and cloves, unfortunately, it isn't kosher, but it tastes good.

So how about those "New Year's Resolutions?" Those "so-called" promises that you and I know won't be kept? How do you know you will keep them? Maybe you won't be alive on this earth to keep them! Something to think about. We are a heartbeat away from eternity. But...Maybe the LORD will keep us around on this planet for this new year. We can surely petition that request. So, how do we or should we approach 2024? Maybe something like the following?

"Heavenly Father. We come to you and thank you for the past year of 2023, with all of those problems, trials, and blessings. We thank you in advance for the problems, trials, and blessings you will have in store for us in 2024. We ask you to help us with our spiritual maturity, to grow more in our faith, and in trusting you. Help us to know your written Word better and walk with your Living WORD. Help us to be a blessing to those around us, our families and neighbors, help us to love our neighbors as our own selves. Help us to put Deuteronomy 6 into practice. We ask you to keep our souls and spirit within our bodies for one more year. Help us to follow your perfect will in our lives in 2024. In Yeshua/Jesus' name...Amen"

There are no promises in this approach, just requests. I think this is the best way to approach 2024.


Blessings to all of you,

Rabbi and Mrs. Ben Avraham

Hello and Shalom to all readers, thank you all for your support in 2023. Hope the LORD will keep me on this earth during this new year as well.

We have said our goodbye to 2023, with all of its adventures, problems, trials, and blessings. We should approach this new year of 2024 with anticipation as well, knowing that there will also be blessings, trials, and problems to face, yet God is in control of all things.

Perhaps we can picture God on a mountaintop and has 2024 in plain sight, and he turns his head back to look at 2023. He knows everything that happened in 2023 and he knows everything that WILL happen in 2024. He has you and me in plain sight as well, walking the path of 2024, day by day, week by week, month by month. He will guide us every step of the way. Like Joseph in Egypt, we will just have to trust HIM and leave the outcome in HIS hands.

Many people spend New Year's Eve with relatives. Some relatives come over on the 24th of December and stay until January 6th. Some just come over on December 25 and then return on January 1st. Families are different. Some are close, others are distant (both geographically and/or socially)

Some will have roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, egg nog, hot apple pie. Some (perhaps in England I hear) will have roast geese or mutton, while the Grinch will be carving the roast Beast in Whoville for little Cindy LouWho and family. Others will just have Raman noodles and chicken nuggets, maybe wash them down with a Coke. Who can forget the Honey baked ham with brown sugar and cloves, unfortunately, it isn't kosher, but it tastes good.

So how about those "New Year's Resolutions?" Those "so-called" promises that you and I know won't be kept? How do you know you will keep them? Maybe you won't be alive on this earth to keep them! Something to think about. We are a heartbeat away from eternity. But...Maybe the LORD will keep us around on this planet for this new year. We can surely petition that request. So, how do we or should we approach 2024? Maybe something like the following?

"Heavenly Father. We come to you and thank you for the past year of 2023, with all of those problems, trials, and blessings. We thank you in advance for the problems, trials, and blessings you will have in store for us in 2024. We ask you to help us with our spiritual maturity, to grow more in our faith, and in trusting you. Help us to know your written Word better and walk with your Living WORD. Help us to be a blessing to those around us, our families and neighbors, help us to love our neighbors as our own selves. Help us to put Deuteronomy 6 into practice. We ask you to keep our souls and spirit within our bodies for one more year. Help us to follow your perfect will in our lives in 2024. In Yeshua/Jesus' name...Amen"

There are no promises in this approach, just requests. I think this is the best way to approach 2024.


Blessings to all of you,

Rabbi and Mrs. Ben Avraham

     In this we see Jacob (Israel) in his last days, he prepares to “go the way of all men” (As King David put it), Jacob is getting ready to die.  He prepares himself and makes sure that his sons and grandsons are blessed and they know what is ahead of them.  A father's blessing to his children is very important.

     We see that he lived 17 years in Egypt, and strangely enough, Yosef came to Egypt at age 17! When we add up the two “17s” we get “34”, then adding 3+4 = 7, we are back to the number “7” which is God's number, Both Jacob and Joseph were in God's perfect will and HE fulfilled HIS perfect purpose through those men.  Jacob lived 147 years.  Those numbers and significant also.  Jacob has “12” sons all together, the “founding fathers” of what and who are the Israelis, Israelites, and Jewish people today.  When we add up the numbers 1 +4+7 in the number 147, we get 1+4+7= “12”.  To write the number 147 using Hebrew letters we would use a “Qoph” (Q or K) “mem” (M) and a “Zayin” (z) Qoph = 100, Mem = 40, Zayin = 7, how do these numbers tell us about Jacob/Israel?

     Jacob/Israel was set side “Kadosh” for YHVH's special purpose, to bring forth a “multitude of people “mem” and this people, the Jewish people would have to “fight” (Zayin) for survival, “zayin = weapon”,” mem” = “multitude, water, or chaos”

     Before he dies, Jacob blesses his 12 children and his 2 grandkids and tells them about their futures, some are bleak, and not so nice (one reaps what one sows).  Each name of “b'nei Israel” (children of Israel) has a symbolic meaning, what do these names mean to us as “born-again believers in Yeshua HaMashiach?” well, let's see;

     RUEBEN (Re'eh) is “to see”, SIMEON (Sh'ma) is “to hear”, LEVI (lev=heart) is “united, joined together” Y'HUDAH (contains the most sacred name of God, YHVH) “praise”, DAN “judge”, NAPHTALI “wrestling” GAD “a troop comes”, ASHER “blessed”, ISSACHAR “wages”, ZEBULUN “dwelling with husband”, YOSEF “YHVH will add a son”, BENJAMIN “son of the right hand” MANASSEH  “forget my toil and my father's house”  (pray 4 Zion, the significance of the twelve tribes of Israel). 

     Who is “Shiloh?” We can pretty much agree that it is Messiah Yeshua.  Even Rashi and Onkelos render: “until the Messiah comes to whom the kingdom belongs.” 

      All nations of the world will be gathered unto Messiah Yeshua when he returns to reign 1000 years, we can also see that in gematria, the name “Shiloh” (Sheen, Yod, Lamed, Hey) sum 345.  The words HaShem (a title for YHVH) also sums 345, and also “Moshe” sums the same.  Of course, it does, since HaShem and Moshe contain the same letters.  Moshe was a type of Mashiach who redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery, as Messiah Yeshua redeemed us all from slavery to sin.  Also, with the name “Shiloh” we see “Yah” (Yod, Hey) which of course is the shortened form of YHVH.      

     In the basic Hebrew dictionary, I found two meanings for the word; Ayin, Lamed, Yod (Alei) one is “On” and the other is “Pestle” which is part of the flower.  The word “Ayin” is “eye” What could we understand with this phrase? Perhaps something like “a bough that bears fruit on the eye, that goes “on” the wall, and then “over the wall” being watered by a spring.  Here is one idea, we have to say; “an idea” because one can never be 100% certain of some meanings.  What does the “eye” have to do with a plant? a bough? Tree? A pestle which is part of a flower which is part of a tree?

     Yosef will be “porat” fruitful, because of him bringing his family to Egypt, they “multiplied” in population in four hundred years.  The family began with 70 persons, and left Egypt four hundred and some years later with perhaps two million! Now THAT is what I call being FRUITFUL (porat) The verse also says; “Ben Porat” or “son of fruitfulness” This is mentioned TWICE, before and after the name YOSEF.  Could this mean a “double portion of fruitfulness?” again, we see 70 persons become two million.  Take even the sons of Yosef; Manasseh and Efraim, they became many and it is believed that the descendants of Efraim spread out to many nations, yet Israel claims his grandsons as “his own” meaning they are part of the 12 tribes, which is “Adat Yisrael” (Community of Israel).

     But what is a possible meaning of “Alei-Ayin?” perhaps we could say that the flowers that bloom on many trees have pestles, and the leaves, well, many are shaped like “eyes” and if the tree is connected to a spring/well of water, it will flourish.  The letter “Ayin” in Hebrew symbolizes “sight” or “insight” If we take the two words “Alei-Ayin” and look at the meaning of the words from an ancient Hebrew perspective, we can see the following; “insight through instruction/direction is a done thing! (Alei) and “insight accomplished leads to life” (ayin). 

     What were the names of the two trees in the Garden of Eden?  The Tree of Knowledge, and the Tree of Life! Is there a connection?  If we adhere to the instruction of the Torah, we will be blessed with life, and life in abundance and we will be fruitful, not so much biologically, but in bringing “spiritual fruit” bringing others close to Messiah, through witness and teaching others HIS Word.  We are then “B’nei Porat” (sons of fruitfulness) This is just an idea.  We can think on this.

     What do we see when we apply the name meanings of the sons of Israel to our lives as “born-again believers?” We can all SEE the changed lives, and the miracles that have been done in believers' lives, and we HEAR of the faith of others who have been challenged by oppressive governments, we HEAR God's Word through SEEING the words in the Torah, and take them into our HEART, so that the words of Torah are JOINED TOGETHER to our lives, so that we may PRAISE the name of YHVH.  We must all look at our lives and JUDGE ourselves in light of the scriptures, are we living the way YHVH wants us to live? We must judge ourselves, lest we be judged, yet we will ALL incur JUDGEMENT at the “Judgment seat of Messiah.  Every day is a kind of “WRESTLING” match between our old nature and our renewed nature, the sinful flesh against our new “born again” selves. 

     We are Adonai's TROOPS, we are at war against HaSatan, and his unholy fallen angels, it is spiritual warfare, and our weapons are the WORD of God, His Holy Spirit, and HIS holy angels, and our prayers, we have been BLESSED with a new relationship with our creator and redeemer, and we will receive WAGES for our good works, (mitzvoth) in form of rewards in heaven, as “gold, silver, precious stones” 

     Our future hope is one day, to DWELL WITH OUR HUSBAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who loves us as his “bride”.  Every time a lost person is “born again” a SON IS ADDED, to God's redeemed family of believers. We are sons of Adonai's RIGHT HAND, who is Messiah Yeshua, who stretched out his HANDS to receive the nails.  We can forget our TOILS, rest from them on the Sabbath, Every Sabbath day is our time to rest from our TOILS and to be in OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.  Someday, we will have our permanent “Sabbath rest”.

     We must not forget that one of the blessings of Judah is the coming forth of SHILOH, who is Yeshua, who will have the ruler's scepter, who will be “king over all the earth” to him and will gather ALL nations.

A look at Isaiah 9:1-7; Let's take a look at these verses and see what they are saying to us. The Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) speaks through Yeshahayu (Isaiah) and says;


The people living in darkness have seen a great light!
upon those living in the land that lies
in the shadow of death, light has dawned.

2 (3) You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice in your presence
as if rejoicing at harvest time,
the way men rejoice
when dividing up the spoil.

3 (4) For the yoke that weighed them down,
the bar across their shoulders,
and their driver’s goad
you have broken as on the day of Midyan[’s defeat].

4 (5) For all the boots of soldiers marching
and every cloak rolled in blood
is destined for burning,
fuel for the fire.

5 (6) For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us;
dominion will rest on his shoulders,
and he will be given the name
Pele-Yo‘etz El Gibbor
Avi-‘Ad Sar-Shalom
[Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God,
Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace],

6 (7) in order to extend the dominion
and perpetuate the peace
of the throne and kingdom of David,
to secure it and sustain it
through justice and righteousness
henceforth and forever.
The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot
will accomplish this. (Complete Jewish Bible)

So, what is this "Great Light?" "What is this darkness?" "What is the yoke that has been a burden and laid them (Israel) down?"

We see some symbolism here. For many years, Israel has been under different "yokes" the "Yoke" of Babylon, the "Yoke" of Persia, the Greco-Syrian yoke during the time of the Maccabees. During the time of Yeshua, Israel was under the yoke of the Eagle of Rome. Yet also, and like us, were under the "Yoke of Sin" The "darkness" being without Torah in their heart. There can be "Torah" but unless the "Torah" is inside us, as a "living entity" we are in darkness.

The yoke of sin indeed weighs us down, as the yoke of Rome was heavy on the shoulders of Israel. Yet "A great light" dawned upon Israel. They saw the "Great Light" that evening in the fields of Judeah, the angels lit up the heavens with "Good Tidings of Great Joy" and the shepherds came to the town of Beth-Lechem where the "Bread of Life" was born. It was fitting that the "Bread of Life" be born in the "House of Bread".

He was born; "Yeshua Ben Yosef" yet also "Yeshua Ben David." "The Lamb of God" yet also "The Lion of Judah". The first would come before the other. Our Messiah and LORD was born "Yeshua Ben Yosef, the Lamb of God" to teach, clarify, and intensify the teaching of the Torah as the "Wonderful Counselor" (since that is what a counselor, pastor, rabbi does). He came to heal the sick, raise the dead, and to die for our sins. "Mighty God, and Eternal Father" Our mighty God is from eternity past "Haya" and is in the present "Hoveh" and will exist in the future "Yiyah" from where we get the letters YHVH.

He is the "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom) who gives us internal peace when we are "born again" when we know that the "yoke of sin" has been lifted off our shoulders and has been taken by Yeshua, who "bore the burden of the curse of sin" Political and worldwide peace will come during the Second coming of Messiah Yeshua when He returns as the the "Lion of Judah" and as "Yeshua Ben David." He will sit on the throne of David. The "Government" will sit on his shoulders. Meaning He will rule planet Earth, a Millennial reign. We will all be part of that.

His rule will be for "evermore". Hard to fathom "forever" since we are infinite beings inside finite bodies, yet we will find out someday soon.
So, rejoice in the Birth of Messiah at this time of remembering. He has come and will come again as our sovereign, Our LORD, Our KING.

A look at Isaiah 9:1-7; Let's take a look at these verses and see what they are saying to us. The Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) speaks through Yeshahayu (Isaiah) and says;


The people living in darkness have seen a great light!
upon those living in the land that lies
in the shadow of death, light has dawned.

2 (3) You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice in your presence
as if rejoicing at harvest time,
the way men rejoice
when dividing up the spoil.

3 (4) For the yoke that weighed them down,
the bar across their shoulders,
and their driver’s goad
you have broken as on the day of Midyan[’s defeat].

4 (5) For all the boots of soldiers marching
and every cloak rolled in blood
is destined for burning,
fuel for the fire.

5 (6) For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us;
dominion will rest on his shoulders,
and he will be given the name
Pele-Yo‘etz El Gibbor
Avi-‘Ad Sar-Shalom
[Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God,
Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace],

6 (7) in order to extend the dominion
and perpetuate the peace
of the throne and kingdom of David,
to secure it and sustain it
through justice and righteousness
henceforth and forever.
The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot
will accomplish this. (Complete Jewish Bible)

So, what is this "Great Light?" "What is this darkness?" "What is the yoke that has been a burden and laid them (Israel) down?"

We see some symbolism here. For many years, Israel has been under different "yokes" the "Yoke" of Babylon, the "Yoke" of Persia, the Greco-Syrian yoke during the time of the Maccabees. During the time of Yeshua, Israel was under the yoke of the Eagle of Rome. Yet also, and like us, were under the "Yoke of Sin" The "darkness" being without Torah in their heart. There can be "Torah" but unless the "Torah" is inside us, as a "living entity" we are in darkness.

The yoke of sin indeed weighs us down, as the yoke of Rome was heavy on the shoulders of Israel. Yet "A great light" dawned upon Israel. They saw the "Great Light" that evening in the fields of Judeah, the angels lit up the heavens with "Good Tidings of Great Joy" and the shepherds came to the town of Beth-Lechem where the "Bread of Life" was born. It was fitting that the "Bread of Life" be born in the "House of Bread".

He was born; "Yeshua Ben Yosef" yet also "Yeshua Ben David." "The Lamb of God" yet also "The Lion of Judah". The first would come before the other. Our Messiah and LORD was born "Yeshua Ben Yosef, the Lamb of God" to teach, clarify, and intensify the teaching of the Torah as the "Wonderful Counselor" (since that is what a counselor, pastor, rabbi does). He came to heal the sick, raise the dead, and to die for our sins. "Mighty God, and Eternal Father" Our mighty God is from eternity past "Haya" and is in the present "Hoveh" and will exist in the future "Yiyah" from where we get the letters YHVH.

He is the "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom) who gives us internal peace when we are "born again" when we know that the "yoke of sin" has been lifted off our shoulders and has been taken by Yeshua, who "bore the burden of the curse of sin" Political and worldwide peace will come during the Second coming of Messiah Yeshua when He returns as the the "Lion of Judah" and as "Yeshua Ben David." He will sit on the throne of David. The "Government" will sit on his shoulders. Meaning He will rule planet Earth, a Millennial reign. We will all be part of that.

His rule will be for "evermore". Hard to fathom "forever" since we are infinite beings inside finite bodies, yet we will find out someday soon.
So, rejoice in the Birth of Messiah at this time of remembering. He has come and will come again as our sovereign, Our LORD, Our KING.

PARASHA: “VaYIGASH” (and he drew near) GENESIS 44:18-47:27


In this Parashah, we read that “he (Y'hudah) drew near” to Yosef, and shows himself as truly repentant for his past actions against Yosef, for selling him for the price of a common slave. And we see the reaction of Yosef once he hears Y'hudah, he then reveals himself as his TRUE self, their BROTHER. Before, Yosef stood in front of his brothers as “judge” now he stands before them with “open arms” as “Family” “Savior” and “Provider” Mashiach. But it took a repentant and contrite heart to bring about the “revelation”.

It is interesting that “Y’hudah” offers to exchange places with Benjamin. He would stay and be a slave to Yosef, and Benjamin would be set free. We can see the symbolism in our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. The name “Y’hudah” bears the most Holy name of Adonai, the letters YHVH. We see the complete spelling in Hebrew; Yod, Hey, Vav, Dalet, Hey. Y’HUDH. The letter “D’ (dalet) symbolizes a “door” and it is one of Yeshua’s titles; “I AM the Door” (John 10:9). Our relationship with our Heavenly Father must come through Yeshua, who is the “door”. As Y’hudah was willing to change places with Benjamin, Yeshua DID change places with us, He took our sins and gave us His righteousness, our sinfulness for His Holiness.

Before we come to Yeshua as a repentant sinner, He is our JUDGE, and as a Holy God, and Judge, he has the right to judge us guilty as lost sinners, yet all this changes when we come and accept him as Savior and LORD, THEN, our position changes, we become members of “Mishpochah Adonai” (Family of God) and Yeshua is our mediator to our Heavenly Father. Yeshua is no longer our “judge” but our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, (Yeshuah, Goel, Mashiach)

We see something similar. Pharaoh named Yosef his “right-hand man” or Viceroy” Prime Minister if you could call him that. Yosef had to get Pharaoh's permission for his family to go down to Egypt, and of course, permission was granted. For us to get right-standing before our Holy God, we go through Yeshua, who is GOD, in the flesh, as Yosef was “Pharaoh” in a sense, when Pharaoh could not leave the palace. Yosef spoke in the “Name of” Pharaoh, as Yeshua represents the Father who is in Heaven.

…..We see the words of Yosef in 45:3 “Ani Yosef!” powerful words, what do they symbolize in the ancient Hebrew letters, “Ani” (I) “Alef” (strong leader, God) “Nun” (who gives life) “Yod” (does mighty works) and the name “Yosef”: “Yod” (who does works) “Vav” (connects) “Samekh” (to lean on, to support, to uphold) “Pey” (mouth, to speak) so, the name “YOSEF” in certain words can mean “He who does might works, speaks to (us) (to his brothers) and connects them to him through support.

The words; “Ani Yosef” if spoken to others that were not his kin, would not have caused a reaction, the same way if we would say to someone who does not know us; “I am _______” (and you say your name), the other person would probably say; “so what?’ or “OK, I am ______” But these words, spoken to his brothers caused a sort of “mixed-emotion” reaction, troubled at these words, they could hardly believe their hears, and seeing their brother dressed as an Egyptian, but now, the family is reunited again. As family members, we often offend others and even God through our negative actions, yet once sins are confessed, and the wrong-doing understood and dealt with, the hurts are mended, and there is forgiveness, in this case, Yosef forgiving his brethren.

Yosef points out three things; 1) He told them what they did (sold him into slavery) 2) He told them that they are forgiven (As God forgives us all) 3) He told them that God had planned it all. (We are all part of God's plan)

The Bible teaches us that we disobeyed God, broke his commandments, and cast Him aside for the things of the world. Yet, as repentant sinners, we can come CLOSE to Him through Yeshua, and He will let us know that we are forgiven. Yosef is the model "Yeshua" who forgives his brethren. We must also do the same for those who have hurt us, as our "neighbor" is our "brother" or "sister" (a distant relative) YES! we are! Are we not all related to either Shem, Ham, or Japheth, the three sons of Noah?

He spoke words of comfort to his brothers, promising them “support” throughout the years of famine, they could “lean on him” and thus have that “connection” so we see that “Yosef” (I know, everyone is used to spelling it “Joseph” (the regular English spelling) but the Hebrew does not have a “J” so “Yosef” is the correct and original spelling. “Yosef” is related to our “Messiah Yeshua” in that “Both have spoken words of comfort to us, through His WORD, and we are connected to him through his blood and being “born again” and we can “Lean on Him” who has set captives free. Yosef, who once was a captive slave, went down to Egypt, sold for 20 pieces of silver, (the price of a slave back then), and became the “Savior” of many lives through the distribution of food in that time of famine.

Yeshua, who went “down to Egypt” as a baby. Came “up out of Egypt” and was sold for “30 pieces of silver” (the price of a slave then in his times) and became the “Savior” of the world, and saved the world of “Spiritual death and spiritual famine”

We see in Chapter 47 that “Jacob” (who is ISRAEL now) goes down to Egypt, with his family of 70 (includes children, grandkids, servants, etc.) “Israel” and “Yosef” meet. Yosef's legal name is “Yosef Ben Israel” or “Ben Jacob” The name ISRAEL comes from “Yasher El” (straight to GOD) Yosef is happy to see “Abba” again and goes “straight to God” as we believers should be happy to go “straight to God” through Yeshua.

Jacob at the beginning does not believe his sons when they tell him that Yosef is alive. It took the evidence of the cartloads of food and goods from Egypt to convince him. He had to see to believe. The same thing was with Thomas, the Talmidim of Yeshua told him that Yeshua was there, that he was alive, be he didn’t believe them until Yeshua appeared to Thomas. He told him to put his hand on the nail wounds, and on the spear wound, and “believe” and not to “disbelieve”. Anyone can believe when confronted with the physical evidence, but “Blessed are those that believe and do not see” (the physical evidence). That is what faith is all about.

We further see that Yosef cares for his family, bringing them DOWN from Canaan to Egypt, which is now, considered "Food Land" the "Land of PLeanty" They come down as 66 souls. 70 in all being the whole family of Jacob. 66 who came down with Jacob and 4 already in Egypt (Yosef, his wife Asenath, his two children Manasseh and Ephraim) This is where the promise of making Abraham a nation comes into being. The "nation" starts with 70 souls, and leave Egypt under Moses with about 3,000,000 in 400 years. We are on this earth "Canaan" for a time being, yet Messiah will call for us and take us home in his timing, From "Canaan" to "Egypt" then back to "Canaan" for us, from our "Canaan" (earth) to the "New Jerusalem" .

This is the beginning of Israel's “sojourn” in the land of Egypt, interesting fact, “Yosef” in a way “Enslaved the Egyptians” by taking from them their land, cattle, and money, in exchange for food. Later on, the “worm turned” and the Egyptians, under the power of a different Pharaoh (who some think was “Ahmose”) enslaved ISRAEL, until the time of Moshe.

Israel is still enslaved to tradition, religiosity, and blind eyes that refuse to recognize Messiah Yeshua, as the promised “Mashiach” that the Torah speaks of. Yet many are coming to Mashiach, but there are still many more that need “Yeshuah” (Salvation)

Greetings to all and seasons greetings. Happy Holidays, as we remember the event of the birth of Messiah Yeshua at this time (not the date). He came into this world to teach the Torah, heal the sick, raise the dead, and die for our sins, as Yeshua, Messiah Ben Yosef. He brought LIGHT into the DARKNESS of this world. He will return to sit on the Throne of David, as "Yeshua, Messiah Ben David, the Lion of Judah.


Ben Avraham

9:30 pm, December 24th. At home in San Salvador, El Salvador

Our little city lit up for the holidays;  Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador 

PARASHA: “VaYIGASH” (and he drew near) GENESIS 44:18-47:27


In this Parashah, we read that “he (Y'hudah) drew near” to Yosef, and shows himself as truly repentant for his past actions against Yosef, for selling him for the price of a common slave. And we see the reaction of Yosef once he hears Y'hudah, he then reveals himself as his TRUE self, their BROTHER. Before, Yosef stood in front of his brothers as “judge” now he stands before them with “open arms” as “Family” “Savior” and “Provider” Mashiach. But it took a repentant and contrite heart to bring about the “revelation”.

It is interesting that “Y’hudah” offers to exchange places with Benjamin. He would stay and be a slave to Yosef, and Benjamin would be set free. We can see the symbolism in our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. The name “Y’hudah” bears the most Holy name of Adonai, the letters YHVH. We see the complete spelling in Hebrew; Yod, Hey, Vav, Dalet, Hey. Y’HUDH. The letter “D’ (dalet) symbolizes a “door” and it is one of Yeshua’s titles; “I AM the Door” (John 10:9). Our relationship with our Heavenly Father must come through Yeshua, who is the “door”. As Y’hudah was willing to change places with Benjamin, Yeshua DID change places with us, He took our sins and gave us His righteousness, our sinfulness for His Holiness.

Before we come to Yeshua as a repentant sinner, He is our JUDGE, and as a Holy God, and Judge, he has the right to judge us guilty as lost sinners, yet all this changes when we come and accept him as Savior and LORD, THEN, our position changes, we become members of “Mishpochah Adonai” (Family of God) and Yeshua is our mediator to our Heavenly Father. Yeshua is no longer our “judge” but our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, (Yeshuah, Goel, Mashiach)

We see something similar. Pharaoh named Yosef his “right-hand man” or Viceroy” Prime Minister if you could call him that. Yosef had to get Pharaoh's permission for his family to go down to Egypt, and of course, permission was granted. For us to get right-standing before our Holy God, we go through Yeshua, who is GOD, in the flesh, as Yosef was “Pharaoh” in a sense, when Pharaoh could not leave the palace. Yosef spoke in the “Name of” Pharaoh, as Yeshua represents the Father who is in Heaven.

…..We see the words of Yosef in 45:3 “Ani Yosef!” powerful words, what do they symbolize in the ancient Hebrew letters, “Ani” (I) “Alef” (strong leader, God) “Nun” (who gives life) “Yod” (does mighty works) and the name “Yosef”: “Yod” (who does works) “Vav” (connects) “Samekh” (to lean on, to support, to uphold) “Pey” (mouth, to speak) so, the name “YOSEF” in certain words can mean “He who does might works, speaks to (us) (to his brothers) and connects them to him through support.

The words; “Ani Yosef” if spoken to others that were not his kin, would not have caused a reaction, the same way if we would say to someone who does not know us; “I am _______” (and you say your name), the other person would probably say; “so what?’ or “OK, I am ______” But these words, spoken to his brothers caused a sort of “mixed-emotion” reaction, troubled at these words, they could hardly believe their hears, and seeing their brother dressed as an Egyptian, but now, the family is reunited again. As family members, we often offend others and even God through our negative actions, yet once sins are confessed, and the wrong-doing understood and dealt with, the hurts are mended, and there is forgiveness, in this case, Yosef forgiving his brethren.

Yosef points out three things; 1) He told them what they did (sold him into slavery) 2) He told them that they are forgiven (As God forgives us all) 3) He told them that God had planned it all. (We are all part of God's plan)

The Bible teaches us that we disobeyed God, broke his commandments, and cast Him aside for the things of the world. Yet, as repentant sinners, we can come CLOSE to Him through Yeshua, and He will let us know that we are forgiven. Yosef is the model "Yeshua" who forgives his brethren. We must also do the same for those who have hurt us, as our "neighbor" is our "brother" or "sister" (a distant relative) YES! we are! Are we not all related to either Shem, Ham, or Japheth, the three sons of Noah?

He spoke words of comfort to his brothers, promising them “support” throughout the years of famine, they could “lean on him” and thus have that “connection” so we see that “Yosef” (I know, everyone is used to spelling it “Joseph” (the regular English spelling) but the Hebrew does not have a “J” so “Yosef” is the correct and original spelling. “Yosef” is related to our “Messiah Yeshua” in that “Both have spoken words of comfort to us, through His WORD, and we are connected to him through his blood and being “born again” and we can “Lean on Him” who has set captives free. Yosef, who once was a captive slave, went down to Egypt, sold for 20 pieces of silver, (the price of a slave back then), and became the “Savior” of many lives through the distribution of food in that time of famine.

Yeshua, who went “down to Egypt” as a baby. Came “up out of Egypt” and was sold for “30 pieces of silver” (the price of a slave then in his times) and became the “Savior” of the world, and saved the world of “Spiritual death and spiritual famine”

We see in Chapter 47 that “Jacob” (who is ISRAEL now) goes down to Egypt, with his family of 70 (includes children, grandkids, servants, etc.) “Israel” and “Yosef” meet. Yosef's legal name is “Yosef Ben Israel” or “Ben Jacob” The name ISRAEL comes from “Yasher El” (straight to GOD) Yosef is happy to see “Abba” again and goes “straight to God” as we believers should be happy to go “straight to God” through Yeshua.

Jacob at the beginning does not believe his sons when they tell him that Yosef is alive. It took the evidence of the cartloads of food and goods from Egypt to convince him. He had to see to believe. The same thing was with Thomas, the Talmidim of Yeshua told him that Yeshua was there, that he was alive, be he didn’t believe them until Yeshua appeared to Thomas. He told him to put his hand on the nail wounds, and on the spear wound, and “believe” and not to “disbelieve”. Anyone can believe when confronted with the physical evidence, but “Blessed are those that believe and do not see” (the physical evidence). That is what faith is all about.

We further see that Yosef cares for his family, bringing them DOWN from Canaan to Egypt, which is now, considered "Food Land" the "Land of PLeanty" They come down as 66 souls. 70 in all being the whole family of Jacob. 66 who came down with Jacob and 4 already in Egypt (Yosef, his wife Asenath, his two children Manasseh and Ephraim) This is where the promise of making Abraham a nation comes into being. The "nation" starts with 70 souls, and leave Egypt under Moses with about 3,000,000 in 400 years. We are on this earth "Canaan" for a time being, yet Messiah will call for us and take us home in his timing, From "Canaan" to "Egypt" then back to "Canaan" for us, from our "Canaan" (earth) to the "New Jerusalem" .

This is the beginning of Israel's “sojourn” in the land of Egypt, interesting fact, “Yosef” in a way “Enslaved the Egyptians” by taking from them their land, cattle, and money, in exchange for food. Later on, the “worm turned” and the Egyptians, under the power of a different Pharaoh (who some think was “Ahmose”) enslaved ISRAEL, until the time of Moshe.

Israel is still enslaved to tradition, religiosity, and blind eyes that refuse to recognize Messiah Yeshua, as the promised “Mashiach” that the Torah speaks of. Yet many are coming to Mashiach, but there are still many more that need “Yeshuah” (Salvation)

Greetings to all and seasons greetings. Happy Holidays, as we remember the event of the birth of Messiah Yeshua at this time (not the date). He came into this world to teach the Torah, heal the sick, raise the dead, and die for our sins, as Yeshua, Messiah Ben Yosef. He brought LIGHT into the DARKNESS of this world. He will return to sit on the Throne of David, as "Yeshua, Messiah Ben David, the Lion of Judah.


Ben Avraham

9:30 pm, December 24th. At home in San Salvador, El Salvador

Our little part of the city lit up for the holidays;  Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador

1 KINGS 3:15-4:1 

     In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt offerings” and “peace-offerings” after also having “dreams” In his dream YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge these people” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for.

     This should be a guide for us when we wish for things.  I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ.  As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.  I think that God already knows what we wish for.  There are a lot of things I guess we could say that "we want".  However, do we really need them?  Sometimes, God will give us what we WANT, yet, when we get our wish answered, we don't WANT what we GET.  It proves to be a headache more than a blessing.  

    God listens to all prayers, and He answers all prayer requests.  There are needs and wants.  He always provides for our needs, and at times, even our "wants"  Yet be careful, we might "want" the wrong things.  The things that are not convenient to us.  If God asked you "What do you want me to do for you or give to you?"  How would you answer?   Many look at God as the "Upstairs Genie in the magic lamp" who will grant your every wish and desire.  Nothing doing!  He is our Heavenly Father who knows EXACTLY" what we need, and what we want.  To fulfill His plan for our lives here on earth, He will do accordingly.  Solomon asked for the right thing;  "wisdom to govern the people of Israel".  Maybe we could ask for "wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ, and wisdom to serve those around us.  How about, "Keep me from harm's way and protect my mind from carnal desires.  (I guess the list could go on)  

     ” Burnt offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience.  Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.  

MATT 16: 1-17:27 

     The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us of when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, and raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need?  What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up”the person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief.

     Kefa exhibits his faith when he says; “You are Messiah, the Living God” Faith is “believing what we cannot see” Yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!  

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5   

     Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth.  This was one of the churches that this Rav started.  I was in Corinth in 1999.  He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.” 

     When we tell others about Yeshua, we should do it not by force but by invitation.  Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice.  Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers.  Not our work, but HIS work.

Have a blessed week.  (Shavua Tov)  

Ben Avraham 

1 KINGS 3:15-4:1 

     In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt offerings” and “peace-offerings” after also having “dreams” In his dream YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge these people” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for.

     This should be a guide for us when we wish for things.  I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ.  As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.  I think that God already knows what we wish for.  There are a lot of things I guess we could say that "we want".  However, do we really need them?  Sometimes, God will give us what we WANT, yet, when we get our wish answered, we don't WANT what we GET.  It proves to be a headache more than a blessing.  

    God listens to all prayers, and He answers all prayer requests.  There are needs and wants.  He always provides for our needs, and at times, even our "wants"  Yet be careful, we might "want" the wrong things.  The things that are not convenient to us.  If God asked you "What do you want me to do for you or give to you?"  How would you answer?   Many look at God as the "Upstairs Genie in the magic lamp" who will grant your every wish and desire.  Nothing doing!  He is our Heavenly Father who knows EXACTLY" what we need, and what we want.  To fulfill His plan for our lives here on earth, He will do accordingly.  Solomon asked for the right thing;  "wisdom to govern the people of Israel".  Maybe we could ask for "wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ, and wisdom to serve those around us.  How about, "Keep me from harm's way and protect my mind from carnal desires.  (I guess the list could go on)  

     ” Burnt offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience.  Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.  

MATT 16: 1-17:27 

     The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us of when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, and raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need?  What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up”the person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief.

     Kefa exhibits his faith when he says; “You are Messiah, the Living God” Faith is “believing what we cannot see” Yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!  

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5   

     Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth.  This was one of the churches that this Rav started.  I was in Corinth in 1999.  He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.” 

     When we tell others about Yeshua, we should do it not by force but by invitation.  Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice.  Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers.  Not our work, but HIS work.

Have a blessed week.  (Shavua Tov)  

Ben Avraham 

(1970) Two young teens search for meaning in life.  26 years later, they found each other  (me and the Mrs.)   Who looks tougher, me or her?

Parashah: “Miketz” (at the end of)   GENESIS 41:1-44:17
 Gene

      When we look into this parashah study, we see Yosef, who was, in a way of speaking, in the “pit” He was cast into the prison for something he did not do, yet he continued to trust YHVH for his needs.  This reminds us of Melech David's words “You will not leave my soul in Sheol” This was a time of testing for Yosef. It was out of his hands.

     He came to Egypt as a slave, got a good position in Potiphar’s house, and went from a common slave to the comfort of a house, from house to the prison, and from prison to fame and fortune.  All in YHVH's perfect timing and planning.  We might ask ourselves, if Yosef could have managed an escape from the house of Potiphar, or even from prison, he probably would have headed straight back to his home in Canaan.  No one would have been in Egypt to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, and thus, save the world from starvation.

     Yet we see that Yosef did submit himself to the perfect will of HaShem, and he was finally taken out of prison via the “cupbearer” (Oh yes, now I realize my shortcomings, there IS a guy in prison that can interpret your dreams your majesty...)  Yet Yosef gives all glory to God, “God will give the interpretation” which is a positive witness to YHVH.  Pharaoh probably saw the shortcomings and weakness of the Egyptian priests who were “supposed” to get their wisdom from Egyptian gods, yet this foreign “Hebrew” gets his wisdom by interpreting dreams from an “invisible” God.

     Another thing we see is that Yosef not only gives the interpretation but also the “solution”.  For what good is an interpretation of a dream that speaks “calamity” if there is no solution to the problem? It is kind of like saying; “Hey king, your country is doomed, 7 years of famine, starvation, death...well OK.... nice meeting you Mr. King.” yet Yosef is faithful and brings a solution, through YHVH's wisdom and perhaps the experience he already had in agriculture and livestock when he was in Canaan as a teen.

     Now, he is elevated to “assistant in command” to Pharaoh, and goes from “rags to riches” He is now in a position to sort of “run the country” and we see that in time, Yosef's brothers come in search of food, of course they do not recognize him, in Egyptian clothing, some 20 years later, no beard, etc.  The brothers have to be tested to see if they are sorry for what they did to Yosef, Yosef needs to see “true repentance”.  Yosef is now in the position as “judge” yet when he tested them, using Benjamin, he sees true repentance through Y'hudah, now that he sees this, he reveals his true self,  “Ani Yosef!!” (I AM Yosef) He is no longer in the position of “judge” but “family”

     We can see the relationship between Pharoah and Yosef, like our Heaven Father and Yeshua.  Yeshua was in subjection to the Father as Yosef was under the command of Pharaoh, whose name was Sesostris I.  or Senwoset I.  (according to Egyptian archeology).  

     We can see Yosef as a type of Messiah, who saves Egypt and the countries nearby that are also suffering from famine, from physical starvation.  Yeshua has saved the repentant world of spiritual starvation.  He provided complete redemption through the "New Birth" yet we strive through life, through testing, falling down and getting up, maturing through the WORD,  and just "trusting the outcome" in God.   We all start with one light and then, life gets brighter as the other 7 lights are lit.  Keeping our eyes always on the "Servant" lamp.  The "Servant" has been "Lifted up, and is high" 

     The lamp of life was kind of dim for Joseph, being sold, being cast into prison, then the lamp got bright, as he became second in command, got married, had children, reconciled with his brothers, and saw his father once again. On the special Hanukkah Menorah lamp, we see 9 candle holders. and they can go from "Galut" (Exile) to "G'ulah (redemption) Joseph was "exiled" from his land in Canaan when he was sold by his brothers, and ended up in Egypt.  But as things got better for Joseph, we can see, as I mentioned, the "Lamps" getting brighter, and a bright and hopeful future is for Joseph and the whole world.  We see that "his brothers are redeemed" (in our next study) when they come before Joseph repentant of what they did. 
thus, we can see all 9 lamps are lit.  thus illustrating "from Galut to G'ulah.  (using the Menorah). 
  
     When we were lost sinners, Yeshua was in the position as our “judge” As many who will continue to reject the gift of salvation, they will be “judged” guilty by Messiah Yeshua at the Great White Throne Judgment, yet once we come to Yeshua and accept Him as our Savior and LORD, then, we come “Family” members, and we will be treated as “family”.  “Y'hudah” symbolizes “Israel” who, in the future, will recognize “HE who was pierced” and those in Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of YHVH” as Yosef then “Talked” with his brothers, so YHVH desires to “talk” with us, through prayer and fellowship.  As Yosef invited ALL his family to Egypt, so ALL who come to recognize Yeshua as Mashiach, are invited to join the “Heavenly family”

     Yosef is a “Messiah type” who saved the local world from physical famine, Yeshua saves the world from “spiritual famine” to all those who come to HIM and accept him as Savior and LORD! 

Shalom, have a blessed week. 

Last day at VBS (Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador)  "Our group" Teens and teachers" 

Parashah: “Miketz” (at the end of)   GENESIS 41:1-44:17
 Gene

      When we look into this parashah study, we see Yosef, who was, in a way of speaking, in the “pit” He was cast into the prison for something he did not do, yet he continued to trust YHVH for his needs.  This reminds us of Melech David's words “You will not leave my soul in Sheol” This was a time of testing for Yosef. It was out of his hands.

     He came to Egypt as a slave, got a good position in Potiphar’s house, and went from a common slave to the comfort of a house, from house to the prison, and from prison to fame and fortune.  All in YHVH's perfect timing and planning.  We might ask ourselves, if Yosef could have managed an escape from the house of Potiphar, or even from prison, he probably would have headed straight back to his home in Canaan.  No one would have been in Egypt to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, and thus, save the world from starvation.

     Yet we see that Yosef did submit himself to the perfect will of HaShem, and he was finally taken out of prison via the “cupbearer” (Oh yes, now I realize my shortcomings, there IS a guy in prison that can interpret your dreams your majesty...)  Yet Yosef gives all glory to God, “God will give the interpretation” which is a positive witness to YHVH.  Pharaoh probably saw the shortcomings and weakness of the Egyptian priests who were “supposed” to get their wisdom from Egyptian gods, yet this foreign “Hebrew” gets his wisdom by interpreting dreams from an “invisible” God.

     Another thing we see is that Yosef not only gives the interpretation but also the “solution”.  For what good is an interpretation of a dream that speaks “calamity” if there is no solution to the problem? It is kind of like saying; “Hey king, your country is doomed, 7 years of famine, starvation, death...well OK.... nice meeting you Mr. King.” yet Yosef is faithful and brings a solution, through YHVH's wisdom and perhaps the experience he already had in agriculture and livestock when he was in Canaan as a teen.

     Now, he is elevated to “assistant in command” to Pharaoh, and goes from “rags to riches” He is now in a position to sort of “run the country” and we see that in time, Yosef's brothers come in search of food, of course they do not recognize him, in Egyptian clothing, some 20 years later, no beard, etc.  The brothers have to be tested to see if they are sorry for what they did to Yosef, Yosef needs to see “true repentance”.  Yosef is now in the position as “judge” yet when he tested them, using Benjamin, he sees true repentance through Y'hudah, now that he sees this, he reveals his true self,  “Ani Yosef!!” (I AM Yosef) He is no longer in the position of “judge” but “family”

     We can see the relationship between Pharoah and Yosef, like our Heaven Father and Yeshua.  Yeshua was in subjection to the Father as Yosef was under the command of Pharaoh, whose name was Sesostris I.  or Senwoset I.  (according to Egyptian archeology).  

     We can see Yosef as a type of Messiah, who saves Egypt and the countries nearby that are also suffering from famine, from physical starvation.  Yeshua has saved the repentant world of spiritual starvation.  He provided complete redemption through the "New Birth" yet we strive through life, through testing, falling down and getting up, maturing through the WORD,  and just "trusting the outcome" in God.   We all start with one light and then, life gets brighter as the other 7 lights are lit.  Keeping our eyes always on the "Servant" lamp.  The "Servant" has been "Lifted up, and is high" 

     The lamp of life was kind of dim for Joseph, being sold, being cast into prison, then the lamp got bright, as he became second in command, got married, had children, reconciled with his brothers, and saw his father once again. On the special Hanukkah Menorah lamp, we see 9 candle holders. and they can go from "Galut" (Exile) to "G'ulah (redemption) Joseph was "exiled" from his land in Canaan when he was sold by his brothers, and ended up in Egypt.  But as things got better for Joseph, we can see, as I mentioned, the "Lamps" getting brighter, and a bright and hopeful future is for Joseph and the whole world.  We see that "his brothers are redeemed" (in our next study) when they come before Joseph repentant of what they did. thus, we can see all 9 lamps are lit,  thus illustrating "from Galut to G'ulah.  (using the Menorah). 
  
     When we were lost sinners, Yeshua was in the position as our “judge” As many who will continue to reject the gift of salvation, they will be “judged” guilty by Messiah Yeshua at the Great White Throne Judgment, yet once we come to Yeshua and accept Him as our Savior and LORD, then, we come “Family” members, and we will be treated as “family”.  “Y'hudah” symbolizes “Israel” who, in the future, will recognize “HE who was pierced” and those in Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of YHVH” as Yosef then “Talked” with his brothers, so YHVH desires to “talk” with us, through prayer and fellowship.  As Yosef invited ALL his family to Egypt, so ALL who come to recognize Yeshua as Mashiach, are invited to join the “Heavenly family”

     Yosef is a “Messiah type” who saved the local world from physical famine, Yeshua saves the world from “spiritual famine” to all those who come to HIM and accept him as Savior and LORD! 

Shalom, have a blessed week. 

VBS (Vacation Bible School) last day, "our Group" me in the middle.  Iglesia Salem en Ciudad Delgado, El Salvador. 

AMOS 2:6-3:8   

The prophet preaches “judgment on Israel” (because they sell the righteous for silver), and for many more evil deeds, they have turned away from God and are behaving like the heathen, that know not the LORD.  Yosef was righteous, and he sold for 20 pieces of silver, Yeshua was/is righteous, and was sold for 30 pieces of silver.  Israel has traded a “Torah” (30-20=10) walk for an “unrighteous” walk and lifestyle, trouble is ahead, judgment is coming, and it came, God used Babylon, Greece, Antiochus, and Rome, as instruments of judgment, yet Israel prevailed, through YHVH's grace, goodness, righteousness, and through a “few gallant men” who fought the fight of freedom.   

MATT 14:1-15:39 , JOHN 10:22-23 , ACTS 7:9-16 
 

“Yeshua blesses the crowd” We see that Yeshua went to a place alone, perhaps to mourn the death of his cousin, Yochanan the Baptist, yet the crowd found him, he had compassion and healed the sick, and he fed them when he multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fish.  Interestingly enough, when we add 5 and 2 we get “7” the perfect number, the number of Holiness, we have the “Bread (loaves) of Life” and he who makes “fishers of men” (fish). Also, the symbol of the “fish” was used in early messianic believers.   

     In John, we see that Yeshua attends the Feast of Hanukkah, the “dedication.” The root word for “Hanukkah” is “Chanakh” which, in Hebrew letters is;  Chet, Nun, Kaf.  It means to “initiate, discipline, dedicate, train up, habituate (being accustomed to doing something).

     So, “Hanukkah” is “re-dedication of the temple”.  It was in the temple where the Jews gathered on the Sabbaths to be “trained up” and “disciplined in the teaching/learning of the Torah”.  Today, our bodies are the Temple where the Holy Spirit reigns, to teach us, discipline us in the ways of the Torah, getting us accustomed to serving our Savior and Redeemer.

     Yeshua, at this time of Hanukkah, takes this opportunity to tell the Jews, “I AM the Messiah....yet you do not believe” The choice to believe, is always OURS.  

     In Acts 7:9-16, we read the account told by Stephen, the first martyr, of Yosef who was sold into slavery by his brothers, went down to Egypt, yet with “Adonai “ was made to be elevated, thus saving Egypt and close by nations from starvation.

     When we look at this account from the Hanukkah perspective, we might see Israel as a type of Yosef, who was oppressed and enslaved by “Antiochus” (Egypt), yet as Adonai was with Judah Ben Mattityahu (The Maccabee) He triumphed over Antiochus and brought deliverance to Israel and restored the Temple again

     Adonai likewise, was with Yosef, who was transformed from slave to “associate King” bringing a blessing to Egypt and other nations when starvation and famine were at the door.   Israel received a Spiritual blessing when Antiochus was defeated. 

    One last item.  During the 8 days of Hanukkah, we use the 8 branch menorah, the "Hannukiah"   The middle candle is the "servant" candle, or the "Shamash"  It is a bit more elevated than the other candles or candle holders.  Why? when we read Isaiah 52:13, we read;   

"Behold!  My servant will prosper.  He will be HIGH and LIFTED UP and greatly EXALTED"   

The middle candle/candle holder symbolizes Yeshua, who is the Servant who has been lifted up and exalted.  The other candles are lit from the servant candle.  We receive our light from Yeshua.  Another symbolism is when we start to light the candles, there is little light, but on the 8th day, the last candle is lit and now there is "full light and illumination".  It can be compared with "Exile to Redemption" (Galut to G'ulah)  

Before trusting in Yeshua, we are "exiled" from fellowship and unity with God, when we trust in the LORD as our personal savior, we experience "Redemption" We are "born again" in that moment, yet we need to grow in faith, and that takes a lifetime, so we go through all 8 lights, and finally, at death, we experience complete and full redemption, we are no longer tied to the physical body which is sinful in nature.  

Another example is the "Children of Israel" who were in "exile" in Egypt.  Moses came and showed, "the first light" hopes of redemption. The lights of redemption grew brighter and brighter as God threw plague after plague down to the Egyptians.  Finally, they were led out of Egypt and experienced their redemption at Sinai.  

Judah the Maccabee offered the "first light" towards redemption from Greek-Syrian exile. (exiled in their own land, exiled from the freedom of worship the true GOD).  The three-year war brought redemption to Israel and the temple re-dedicated on the 25th of Kislev.  So, we honor the tradition of lighting 8 lights on the special Menorah.