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SHEMOT “Names”

TORAH: Exodus 1:1-6:1HAFTARAH: Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23; Jeremiah 1:1–2:3

B’RIT CHADASHAH: 1 Corinthians 14:18–25

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Gen 2:15 And YAHWEH Elohim took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it.

PREPARING FOR THE SHEMITAH MARCH 10 2016

FULFILLMENTHAPPINESSPRACTICING LEARNING TO PLANT CULTIVATELAND.

ANNOUNCENT TO ALL CONCERN

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THE FF PERSONs: GERALDIN & LYN MARAMBAPLS REFRAIN FROM DEALING WITH THEM

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Sh'mot has also been interpreted as "the going out" or "departure." It is the book of redemption. It covers 215 years, from the settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt to the giving of the Torah and the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, and the erection of the Tabernacle.

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ANCIENT EXODUSONGOING GREATER EXODUS OF GOD’S PEOPLE FROM THE WORLD

SYSTEM (EGYPT ) – BABYLON – MIXED RELIGION NOT SOLIDLY FOUNDED IN TORAH

Rev 14:8 And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."

UNTIL THE GREAT TRIBULATIONA REFININF PROCESS

FINAL TESTING FOR THE WORLDBEFORE ENTERING THE NEW WORLD

MESSIAH WILL REIGNAS MASHIYACH BEN DAVIDKINGLY WARRIOR MESSIAH 8

It is time for us to get out of slavery and return to YHVH!

DON’T UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF ASSIMILATION IN OTHER CULTURE

OTHER THAN THE CULTURE AND TRUE TEACHINGS OF THE TORAH.

THE WAYS OF THE TORAH ARE THE WISDOM OF GODTO LIVE INPEACE WITH HIM AND WITH ONE ANOTHER

.THIS IS THE TRUE RELIGION OF PEACE

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It is time for us to get out of slavery (worldly system) & RETURN to YHVH (REPENT/TESHUVAH) !

THE END TIME GREAT EXODUS FROM THE WORLD /SYSTEM (EGYPT)

In the FULLNESS OF TIMES OF THE NATIONS (GOYIM)

Galatian 6:16 “ And as many as shall follow this path, peace and mercy be on them and on the Israel of Elohim.”

BELIEVERS ARE CALLED BY APOSTLE PAULTHE ISRAEL OF GOD

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It is time for us to get out of slavery (worldly system) &

RETURN to YHVH (REPENT/TESHUVAH) !THE END TIME GREAT EXODUS FROM THE

WORLD /SYSTEM (EGYPT)Exo 20:1 And Elohim spoke all these words, saying,2 “ I am YAHWEH your Elohim, who has brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”

PROPHETIC END TIME MESSAGE 12

Exo 20:1 And Elohim spoke all these words, saying,Exo 20:2 I am YAHWEH your Elohim, who has brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.Exo 20:3 You shall not have any other Elohim before My face.Exo 20:4 You shall not make a graven image for yourself, or any likeness in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth;Exo 20:5 you shall not bow to them, and you shall not serve them; for I am YAHWEH your Elohim, a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons, on the third and on the fourth generation, to those that hate Me;Exo 20:6 and doing kindness to thousands, to those loving Me, and to those keeping My commandments.

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Mat 2:13 And they having departed, a Cherub of YAHWEH appeared to Joseph by a dream, saying, Rise up! Take the child and His mother with you, and flee into Egypt. And be there until I shall tell you. For Herod is about to look for the child in order to destroy Him.Mat 2:14 And rising up, Joseph took along the child and His mother by night and withdrew into Egypt.Mat 2:15 And he was there until the end of Herod, that might be fulfilled that spoken by YAHWEH through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I have called My Son." (Hos. 11:1)Hos 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt, I called My Son.

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18THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME IM JUST A PASSING THRU

19THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME IM JUST A PASSING THRU

20THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME IM JUST A PASSING THRU

21THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME IM JUST A PASSING THRU

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GENERATION – hebraic mindsetExo 1:5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy-five souls, Joseph being in Egypt. 6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.Exo 1:7 And the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased very much, and multiplied, and became very strong; and the land was filled with them.Exo 1:8 And a new king arose over Egypt, who had not known Joseph.***THE ENSLAVEMENT of the ISRAELITES occurred in three STAGES. 1. JOSEPH died, the Israelites lost their power.And then the brothers died.- As long as even one of the brothers were alive, the Egyptians would honor

them. Even afterwards as long as the members of that FIRST GENERATION were alive, the Egyptians considered them important and were not able to treat them as slaves.

dor From H1752; properly a revolution - דור

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Lessons of GENERATIONAL CONTINUITY ( PRINCIPLE) Shemot/Exodus 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.

dor From H1752; properly a revolution - דורScience: /agriculture/any technological field etc. Had developed all the wonderful innovations that make our lives easier and more productive only because “Information uncovered by one GENERATION was carefully preserved and passed on the generations that followed.Principle: Its not possible to progress without building on earlier discoveries.

- Why is it very important for the torah to be RE- DISCOVERED by the bible believers?- What could be the role of torah in changing the LAWS of the Land?- Why is it important to producs more torah teachers - nowadays?

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Lessons of GENERATIONAL CONTINUITY ( PRINCIPLE) Shemot/Exodus 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.

dor From H1752; properly a revolution - דורYour’re Either Growing or Shrinking?

to decline – regress – going backward – דרPRINCIPLE:- Each GENERATION must be able to draw on the accumulated

wisdom and experience of the previous GENERATION. - ( ex. Supreme court decisions. Etc)- This principle applies to personal development and also on

personal marriage.- we are either nurturing and growing our marriages or they are deteriorating.

- THE TEACHINGS OF THE TORAH MUST CONTINUE FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION - & we are just starting in PH

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GENERATIONAL INIQUITYExodus 20:55 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, YHVH your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.*** To hate YHVH means not to choose Him, so those who hate Him are those who choose not to live for YHVH. *** Exodus 34:77 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Leviticus 26:3939 ‘So those of you who may be left will rot away because of their iniquity in the lands of your enemies; and also because of the iniquities of their forefathers they will rot away with them.( HOLOCAUST in NAZI is classic example)

This phrase is also repeated in various other passages: 1 Kin 21:29; Jer 32:18; Is 14:21; Jer 14:20Lamentations 5:77 Our fathers sinned, and are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities.Lam 5:7 Ang aming mga magulang ay nagkasala at wala na; At aming pinasan ang kanilang mga kasamaan.

Two Greek words are used to convey the idea of iniquity. One is translated as lawlessness and the other as evildoers or workers of unrighteousness.Matthew 7:2323 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Lawlessness, Greek anomia, “absence of law, absence of Torah.” Hence you workers of lawlessness means “you who act as if there were no Torah”; it confirms Yeshua’s teaching on the permanence of the Torah (5:17–20&NN). - The Greek word “anomia” can be rendered “wickedness,” but doing so here skirts the Jewish context. 3

Luke 13:2727 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’*** Both of these words confirm that iniquity is covenantal unfaithfulness or disobedience to YHVH’s instructions. There are many examples in Scripture of how the sins of the fathers were visited upon the children. The first king of the divided kingdom, Jeroboam is a good example. His sin of idolatry did not only lead the whole nation astray, but it was evident in the lives of each of his descendants up to the Assyrian exile.***- It also led to the exile and we as Israelites are still scattered in the nations as a result of this. ( individual & corporate)

Demons and generational cursesTo understand this we need to go back a few steps. - When we don’t obey YHVH, we actually obey ha satan. - It may sound strange to you, but it is true. When we sin, we

give ground to satan and we cause YHVH’s protective hedge to be removed from around us. This will allow demons to enter or afflict us. ( Job & HaSatan)

*** For example, when we dabble in the occult, we allow unclean spirits to enter us. Some of the manifestations of the curse in our lives may thus be as a result of these demons. -This is key to understanding why we still may see manifestations of the curse even after repenting. These manifestations will only go away after the demon has been cast out.- We can cast the demon out in the name of Y’shua and if it

doesn’t seem to work, we need to fast and pray. - Some demons only come out by prayer and fasting.Matthew 17:19–21

We now understand more about generational curses or the iniquity of the fathers and will through repentance and with YHVH’s help be able to get free from this.The role of the father in the home. Have you not wondered why it is referred to as the iniquity of the fathers? The authority of the father- It is because of the authority of the father. - The mother is also of vital importance, she has a specific

role and much influence, but the spiritual truth here is that - YHVH has an authority structure in place.

- The father has a tremendously important role as he is the spiritual authority of the family. YHVH has given him the spiritual responsibility for his family and he, when fulfilling his proper role, gives spiritual protection to the family. ( important for a righteous woman to marry godly man)

-*** If he doesn’t stand in this role, his family is vulnerable. Also, a father who walks in iniquity opens up his wife and children to temptation and attack by the enemy.

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* At Passover (Pesach) we remember and re-enact the Exodus Epic, the awesome and mighty event of our redemption. *** We should recognize, however, that the Exodus from Egypt was never meant to be an end unto itself, but the beginning of a journey - a walk with God to a place of promise. - It helps us see an overview--the 'big picture'--of Israel's redemption journey, as well as to understand its destination."Why did God redeem the Israelite slaves?" From the Divine point of view, what was the reason for the Exodus, and what was its goal or end? - Examining the answers to this question should occasion a new appreciation of an extraordinary truth: *** that the Creator of the heavens and the earth wants to come down, dwell near and enter into an intimate, on-going relationship with His beloved bride--to enter into a partnership with His elect people. Why did God save the Israelite slaves?

Why did God save the Israelite slaves?A deeply entrenched Protestant dogma is that Jews attempt to earn their salvation by 'works of the Law,' whereas believers in Jesus receive the gift of salvation by faith through God's grace. **** Yet, what 'works' did Israel do for 430 years in Egypt to earn their salvation by the hand of Adonai? It doesn't take long to answer: They did nothing to deserve their redemption. - God saved them at His gracious initiative, not in response to

their merits. - Centuries before, He had made a covenantal promise to

Abraham, and God is loyal. He is faithful to keep His word.The Apostle Paul declares that Israel is beloved for the sake of the Patriarchs. (Romans 11:28) Further, the God of Israel abounds in chesed--grace, covenant loyalty and redemptive initiative. *** God is in pursuit of His people; He seeks out His children. Because of His great love for them, the Lord wants to remove His beloved Israel from the clutches of slavery and Pharaoh's dominion. His motive for doing so is to bring them into a personal and direct relationship with Him, under His kingship and care.

So the first reason the Lord redeems Israel (and by way of application, the reason He redeems us) is to take them out of bondage simply to bring them to Himself. *** (applies to you & me)- God is passionate for His people. He will go to extraordinary

lengths to bring them nigh to Himself. The Passover event reminds us of this. God brought Israel out of slavery and took them from Egypt in order to bring them to Himself." (Exodus 19:4)

- In other words, the Exodus was not an end. It was a beginning. Coming out of Egypt was the beginning of a journey, a sacred journey. It was the beginning of a relationship, an intimate covenantal relationship. It was the beginning of a marriage. ***

That I May Dwell Among YouWhat was to be the end of the Exodus? When we view the journey from God's perspective, we see a progressive, unfolding revelation, leading to a destined culmination. The first stage (leaving Egypt) was intended to bring Israel to Himself. The second stage was to enter into a covenant relationship with Israel--to be their God, and they, His people. This occurred at Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), seven weeks or 50 days after leaving Egypt.

What was to be the end of the Exodus? The second stage was to enter into a covenant relationship with Israel--to be their God, and they, His people. Shavuot is called by the Sages of Israel the atzeret, or completion, of Passover. **** The Lord brought His bride to a mountain called Sinai, and there He presented Israel with a ketubah (marriage contract), His Torah. His agent, Moses, read the Ten Words and the betrothed Israel said, "We do!" (Exodus 24:7). The covenant relationship between God and Israel was sealed at Sinai. There, Y-H-V-H became King, and Israel, His bride.

*** Then God discloses yet another goal of the Exodus. It comes to light in Exodus 25:8, when God declares to Moses, "Let them construct for Me a sanctuary that I may dwell in the midst of them." *** To the redeemed children of Israel, the Lord entrusts the responsibility to build a Mikdash (sanctuary). (HOW?)*** Why? "So that I might dwell within you."

From Slavery to Sanctuary The Bridegroom desires a house, a holy habitation, where He and His beloved may meet in loving intimacy and covenantal blessing. - Adonai desires to be not only Israel's King, but her Husband; nothing satisfies like being face to face, in growing intimate relationship with the beloved! MESSIAH IN THE TORAH PORTION SHEMOTIn much the same way, the Exodus Epic foreshadows our calling out, our redemption and relationship with God through Messiah Yeshua. We can be assured that just as God called His redeemed Israel to Himself, so too does He call us to Himself! *** The high, holy and transcendent Elohim desires to draw nigh to His beloved. - His intention is to be in the midst of the Earth so His glory can fill it--so that the knowledge of God is available to everyone who seeks His face, who yearns to enter into the holy, covenant relationship of love with Him. ***

From Slavery to SanctuaryLet us take this revelation further by reading 1 Kings 6:1. There is one--and only one--reference in the whole Tanakh (Old Testament) that reckons an event specifically to the elapse of time from the Exodus. Surely this is auspicious, and says something to us about the ultimate goal of redemption. ***“ Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv which is the second month, that he began to build the House of the Lord. ”- The Passover from Egypt comes to its destined culmination

for the children of Israel in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem!

- That the Exodus is directly connected with Solomon's building of the house of God in this text is more than coincidence. It is the climax of the progressive revelation already unveiled in the book of Exodus. ***

The 'ends' of the Exodus are several. God redeems His people in order to:

1) deliver them from bondage; 2) get them out of Egypt; 3) bring them to Himself; 4) reveal His wisdom and will for them; 5) reign over them as King and love them as a Husband; and 6) dwell perpetually in their midst as their God and they, as His treasured people.* The Lord brings His people up, out of Egypt, so that He might come down and dwell among and within them in holy habitation and covenantal communion. He instructs them to raise up a Sanctuary so His glory might come down and take up residence in the earth.

The Exodus Epic teaches us that the God who is high and exalted is One who is passionate and purposeful about coming down and being near His people, dwelling in their midst. *** The reciprocal responsibility of the redeemed is to walk with the Redeemer in holiness (for sin separates), building for Him a dwelling place in the earth, one suitable for His Spirit. Israel's God and King desires to draw all nations to Himself that they too might know Him and learn of His ways.*** The Exodus Epic, then, comes to a climax 430 years later with the construction of the Temple by the man of peace, Melech Shlomo (King Solomon). - The Ark, containing the covenant tablets inscribed at Sinai,

is placed within the Holy Place, and the K'vod Adonai, the glory of God's dwelling fills the Sanctuary constructed for Him. (1 Kings 8:9-11)

- This is a holy habitation destined to become a House of Prayer for all the nations.

Isa 56:1 So says YAHWEH: Keep justice and do righteousness, for my Y'shua* is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed.Isa 56:2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it; keeping the Sabbath, from defiling it; and keeping his hand from doing every evil.Isa 56:3 And do not let the son of the foreigner speak, he who joins himself to YAHWEH, saying, surely, YAHWEH separates me from His people; and do not let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dried tree.Isa 56:4 For so says YAHWEH to the eunuchs who keep (Aleph/Tav) My Sabbaths and choose things I am pleased with, and take hold of My covenant:Isa 56:5 I, even I will give to them in My house and in My walls a hand and a name better than sons and than daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which shall not be cut off.

Isa 56:6 And the sons of the foreigner, who join themselves to YAHWEH to serve Him, and to love the name of YAHWEH, to be His servants, everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and takes hold of My covenant:Isa 56:7 even them I will bring to My holy mount and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on My altar, for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the peoples,

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SH’MOT - NAMES

The second book of the Torah is Exodus, or Sh'mot, which means "Names." Names are important to יהוה, Who considers Israel His family and thus remembers every person. "For lo, I will command and I will sift the house of Israel among the nations, like corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall [and become forgotten] upon the earth" (Amos 9:9).

In Exodus, יהושע, the Living Torah, is seen as: • Deliverer (Acts 5:31); • Mediator (Heb. 8:6); • Lawgiver-Moses (Heb. 8:10); • High Priest-Aaron (Heb. 2:17); • Passover Lamb (Ezek. 12; 1 Cor. 5:7); • Tabernacle of God with men (Ex. 25-40; Jn. 1:14).

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And these are the names of the children of Yisra’ĕl who came to Mitsrayim with Yaʽaqob, each one with his household: Re’ubĕn,

Shimʽon, Lĕwi, and Yehudah; Yissaskar, Zebulun, and Binyamin; Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Ashĕr. And all those who were descendants of

Yaʽaqob were seventy beings, as Yosĕph was already in Mitsrayim. And Yosĕph died, .. all his brothers, ..all that generation. (Exodus 1:1-6)

One may ask the question, “Since we have just read a full account of the names of Jacob’s sons in Genesis 46:8-28 and again in Genesis 49:1-28, when Jacob prophecies over them and blesses them; why do we read them again here?” And likewise, “Why are we told the number of them (70) again?” Is this just to refresh our memory? What we begin to see is that the Children of Israel are no longer a blessing to Egypt; and, they are no longer being blessed in Egypt. Here we’ll be reading of their enslavement, constriction and possible annihilation by the government of Mitzrayim. Elohim, in restating their names again, is reminding us that He knows the names of His children, His chosen ones. He sets them apart from all other peoples by giving them His Torah.

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The rabbinic sage, points out that Torah names these “Sons of Israel” (Exodus 4:22) here, after their deaths, to point out that He has not forgotten them, or ceased to love them. That He numbered them while they were alive, and also after their death. Why? • He names them to show that He loves the uniqueness of each

tribe (or name), because a person’s name reflects their inner nature and the attributes He placed within them. We ultimately serve יהוה through our inward nature and attributes as they are submitted to Him and through what we experience; and how we react to these experience, reflect our refining, i.e. working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

• further shows His love for them. By “knowing the יהוהnumber” of His children, His First-born, He is ever mindful of them. This is precisely why יהוה refers to the descendants (seed) of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob “stars”. Plus, יהושע reminds us further in Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7 that even the hairs on our heads have been numbered.

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The definition of “remember” (zakar). The fact that Elohim “remembered” does not mean that He ever truly “forgot.” Brad Scott’s definition of “zakar” which is “to act on behalf of.”

- So in Shemot 2:24, Elohim is going to once - again “act on behalf” of the covenant - and the children of Israel because He “knows” them.

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MOSES / JACOB (SIMILARITIES)

Comparisons between Moses and Jacob. Both men:• Flee from someone who wants to kill them• Sit at a well and meet shepherds there• Meet their future wife at the well• Help out the women at the well

o Jacob rolls the heavy rock off the mouth of the wello Moses helps the women against the shepherds

• Water the flock• Are invited to dwell in a father’s house where only afterwards

marriage is discussed• Shepherd the flocks of their respective fathers-in-law• Ask permission of his father-in-law to return to his land and at

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MOSES / JACOB (DIFERRENCES)

When Jacob met Rachel, she was mentioned by name in the story, and he immediately knew he wanted to marry her. Consequently, he was forced to live with Laban, and their relationship was not good. - The name of Moses future wife was not mentioned at the

well, and the story seems to emphasize the relationship Moses had with her father.

- Moses comes to the home of the seven daughters because Reu’el/Yitro invites him. The text does not indicate that it is for the purpose of marrying one of his daughters. A relationship is instead established between the men:

And he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why did you leave the man? Call him and let him eat bread.” And Mosheh

agreed to dwell with the man, and he gave Tsipporah his daughter to Mosheh. (Exodus 2:20-21) 58

And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gĕreshom, for he said, “I have become a sojourner in a foreign land.”(Exodus 2:22)The naming of Moshe’s first son gives us a brief glimpse into his thoughts at this point. He names him Gershom which means “foreigner.” Immediately after this naming, the Torah takes us back to the story of the Israelites. Is there a connection then between Moses naming of Gershom and Elohim’s decision to “remember” His covenant with His people?

And it came to be .. the sovereign of Mitsrayim died. And the children of Yisra’ĕl groaned because of the slavery, and they cried out. And their cry came up to Elohim because of the slavery. And

Elohim heard their groaning, and Elohim remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Yitshaq, and with Yaʽaqob. And

Elohim looked on the children of Yisra’ĕl, and Elohim knew! (Exodus 2:23-25)

The definition of “remember” (zakar). The fact that Elohim “remembered” does not mean that He ever truly “forgot.” Brad Scott’s definition of “zakar” which is “to act on behalf of.” So in Shemot 2:24, Elohim is going to once again “act on behalf” of the covenant and the children of Israel because He “knows” them.

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And He said to Abram, “Know for certain that your seed are to be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve

them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years. (Genesis 15:13)

To fulfil the terms of the covenant, the sons of Israel will have to endure three conditions. Two of these conditions have already been mentioned numerously in our Exodus text:• Enslaved - Exodus 1:13, 14; 2:23• Afflicted - Exodus 1:11, 12• Strangers/sojourners The Israelites had assimilated into the culture in many ways. It is not mentioned that they yet thought of themselves as “strangers.” They had to go through trials and tribulations to come to that understanding. David writes in the Psalms how he feels about this earth:I am a sojourner in the earth; Do not hide Your commands

from me. (Psalms 119:19)

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יהושע

When speaking to those receiving an inheritance, יהושע described Himself as a “stranger” who was served by the righteous:“Then the Sovereign shall say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the reign prepared for you from the foundation of the world – for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, ‘Master, when did we see You hungry and we fed You, or thirsty and gave You to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger and took You in, or naked and clothed You? ‘And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and we came to You?’ “And the Sovereign shall answer and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in so far as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40)

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The book of Hebrews notes that all of the patriarchs thought of themselves as “strangers” and looked forward to the heavenly city: ( STRANGE CULTURE not SOLIDLY BASED ON TORAH)In faith all these died, not having received the promises but seeing them from a distance, welcomed and embraced them, and confessed that they were aliens and strangers on the earth. For those who speak this way make it clear that they seek a fatherland. And yet, if they had indeed kept remembering that place from which they had come out, they would have had the chance to return. But now they long for a better place, that is, a heavenly. Therefore Elohim is not ashamed to be called their Elohim, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16)We are strangers and aliens to the land but not from the household of God .***So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the set-apart ones and members of the household of Elohim. (Ephesians 2:19)

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And the Messenger of יהוה appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. And he looked and saw the bush burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. (Exodus

3:2)Here, Moses speaks with Elohim. The verse says, the Messenger (malach) of Elohim. However this “Malach” says that He is Elohim יהוה speaks to Moshe from a “s‟neh” or “thorn bush” that burns but is not consumed. יהוה refers to Himself as a “consuming fire” four times in Scripture. Twice we see incidents where His fire consumes, but does not burn up. First, in our parsha and then when Moses shepherds Elohim’s flock back to this mountain in Shemot Exodus 24:15-18; And Moshe went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. And the esteem of יהוה dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moshe out of the midst of the cloud. And the appearance of the esteem of יהוה was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain, before the eyes of the children of Yisra‟el.. The appearance of the “Shekinah” or “Esteem of יהוה” is also the “consuming fire” that indeed burns up, as in the case of Nadab and Abihu and/or when He judges our works.

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And יהוה said, …“And now, see, the cry of the children of Yisra’ĕl has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Mitsrites oppress them. “And now, come, I am sending you to Pharaoh, to bring My people, the children of Yisra’ĕl, out of Mitsrayim.” And Mosheh said to Elohim, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Yisra’ĕl out of Mitsrayim?” And He said, “Because I am with you. And this is to you the sign that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Mitsrayim, you are to serve Elohim on this mountain.” And Mosheh said to Elohim, “See, when I come to the children of Yisra’ĕl and say to them, ‘The Elohim of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His Name?’ what shall I say to them?” And Elohim said to Mosheh, “I am that which I am.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” And Elohim said further to Mosheh, “Thus you are to say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘יהוה Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Yitshaq, and the Elohim of Yaʽaqob, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance to all generations.’ (Exodus 3:7-15) 65

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the Burning סנה seneh Bush, similar to סיני seenai Sinai1,500 years later, when asked in John 8.48-59 how He could see Abraham, ישוע answers, “ Before Abraham was born, I Am ! ”

The Jews understood clearly. They thought that by calling Himself God’s Name He commits blasphemy and they attempt to stone him immediately. says He is God. Is He telling the truth or is ישועHe lying?

YESHUA SAID “Before Abraham was born, I Am ! ” John 8:58Lord, Liar, or Lunatic? C.S. Lewis described the claims of ישוע to be God as a trilemma. There are three choices, and only three: told the truth: He is Lord, and worthy of our ישוע .1worship. lied and knew He was lying: He is a Liar, the greatest ישוע .2liar who ever lived. lied but didn’t know He was lying: He is a Lunatic ישוע .3(C.S. Lewis adds: a lunatic on a level with the man who says that he is a poached egg).“Good Man” or “Great Prophet” are not logical choices. Each person must decide for himself or herself who ישוע really is. It’s a choice that matters for eternity. ***(lashon hara on Yeshua)

Israel had not forgotten Elohim’s name as they have been crying out to Him. But, Moses supposed that the people would be sarcastic in their respons. provides Moses the words of gentile correction; “hayah יהוהasher hayah”, “I shall be as I shall be”. Tell the people, “I shall be as sent me”. In other words, “Don’t question Me in that manner. I will be as I will be. That’s all you need to know. I will be.” (reveal?)But then, Elohim tells Moses; .. יהוה Elohim of your fathers ..So, .His remembrance Name יהוהThe Hebrew word here is “zeker” which means “memorial” or “remembrance”. Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee lexicon states that it is “a name by which one is remembered”. One day, when Mashiach returns to Yerushalayim, and at the time of the “Great Redemption”, we will know Him by another name, as we read in . (MESSIANIC PROPHECY)“See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall raise

for David a Branch of righteousness, and a Sovereign shall reign and act wisely, and shall do right-ruling and

righteousness in the earth. “In His days Yehudah shall be saved, and Yisra’ĕl dwell safely. And this is His Name whereby He shall

be called: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’ ..(Jeremiah 23:5-8)68

His name reveals that His attributes* are limitless. It appears to be the composite of:• He was• He is• He will be We find this same description of יהושע “I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Taw’, Beginning and End,” says יהוה

“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

YESHUA IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREEVER

*A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished An abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity 69

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HIDDEN MESSAGE

The opening verses of this week’s parsha, gives these names in a different order than in Genesis. Exodus 1:2-5 lists them as; Re‟uben, Shim‟on, Levi and Yehudah, Yissaskar, Zebulun and Binyamin; Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. With this slightly different order, we see some group together, yet separated with “and” from the other groups of names. As these names represent what is inside these men (their nature and attributes), and how according to Jacob that these would play out in the fullness of time we can surmise the following:Group 1: Re‟uben means “behold a son” or “first-born”, Shim‟on means “hearing and obeying”, Levi means “joined to”. And, Yehudah means “praise”, or specifically “praiser of Yah”. So in the meanings of this first group of names, יהוה says about Israel; “Behold my son, my first-born, he hears and obeys and is joined to me in praise.”

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Group 2: Yissaskar means “recompense”, Zebulun means “habitation” or “house” and Binyamin means “son of the right hand”. So, here Yah says regarding Israel, “The recompense (wages) of those in my house is to be the son of my right hand.” Group 3: Dan means “judge” and “ruler” and Naphtali means “strife” or “wrestling”. We further read that in Israel, “Yah judges and rules in strife or wrestling”. Remember how Jacob was given the name Israel, “he who strives (wrestles) with El and man and prevails”. Group 4: Gad means “good fortune” or “blessing” and Asher means “happy”. Israel, “with Yah‟s blessings, or good fortune, is made happy.” And, we read in verse 5, that Joseph, whose name means “Yah who adds” was already there in Mitzrayim. Remember that יהוה told Jacob/ Israel in “I Myself am going down with you to Mitsrayim and I Myself shall certainly bring you up again. And let Joseph put his hand on your eyes.” (Genesis 46:4)But, here we see that Yah’s provision was already there to provide for Israel.

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Twelve is the number [3X4] symbolizing the presence of God with the human family; the divine presence upon/among men. Three is the number of divinity. Four is the number of the world. Hence, twelve tribes, twelve showbreads, twelve apostles, twelve gates, and so on. Heredity occurs in both natural/physical and spiritual descents. The temperament (make-up, constitution, complexion, essence, personality) characteristics of the 12 patriarchs were distinctly impressed upon their tribal descendants. Reuben's instability, Judah's ability to rule wisely, Levis' zeal, Benjamin's fierceness, Dan's agility, Ephraim's and Manasseh's tendency to adventurism and spiritual mixture, and Zebulun's seafaring merchandising are examples of this truth. The appearance of ancestral characteristics is common and can be only partly explained as coming through family customs, ideas, traditions, and inherited habits, values, and organization. - With this in mind, a question arises. Will Ten-Tribe believers who return to their ancient Hebraic heritage--the apostolic faith, practices, and values of the early Ecclesia--exhibit some temperament characteristics of their tribal origins?

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And the children of Yisra’ĕl bore fruit and increased very much, multiplied and became very strong, and the land was filled with them. Then a new sovereign arose over Mitsrayim, who did not know Yosĕph, and he said to his people, “See, the people of the children of Yisra’ĕl are more and stronger than we, come, let us act wisely towards them, lest they increase, and it shall be when fighting befalls us, that they shall join our enemies and fight against us, and shall go up out of the land.” So they set slave-masters over them to afflict them with their burdens, and they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raʽamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they increased and grew, and they were in dread of the children of Yisra’ĕl. And the Mitsrites made the children of Yisra’ĕl serve with harshness, and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all kinds of work in the field, all their work which they made them do was with harshness. .. And Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Throw every son who is born into the river, and keep alive every daughter.” (Exodus 1:7-22)

PHAROAH’S PLANThe Israelites were a flourishing, fruitful and self-sufficient people in their own right, and they had blessed Egypt through their economy and many other ways. In their enslavement, the Israelites were forced to build the two cites of Pithom and Rameses. Pharaoh’s plan to enslave יהוה’s people unfolded as follows: • First as recruitment for public service (Exodus 1:11). • Second the enslavement under hard labor by making bricks with

mortar, along with all kinds of field work that made their lives bitter (Exodus 1:13-14).

• Thirdly by changing names from Hebrew to Egyptian to cause them to lose their identity (Exodus 1:15-16).

• And lastly was the final solution by killing all male babies (Exodus 1:22).

The enemies of Israel have used these tactics throughout history. We have seen this in the pogroms*, Inquisitions and the holocaust that have attempted to thwart יהוה’s plans.*Organized persecution of an ethnic group (especially Jews)

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Temple of Rameses II

PHAROAH’S PLANThe Israelites were a flourishing, fruitful and self-sufficient people in their own right, and they had blessed Egypt through their economy and many other ways. -In their enslavement, the Israelites were forced to build the two cites of Pithom and Rameses. Pharaoh’s plan to enslave יהוה’s people unfolded as follows: • First as recruitment for public service (Exodus 1:11). • Second the enslavement under hard labor by making bricks

with mortar, along with all kinds of field work that made their lives bitter (Exodus 1:13-14).

• Thirdly by changing names from Hebrew to Egyptian to cause them to lose their identity (Exodus 1:15-16). Shifrah & Puah

• And lastly was the final solution by killing all male babies (Exodus 1:22).

The enemies of Israel have used these tactics throughout history. We have seen this in the pogroms*, Inquisitions and the holocaust that have attempted to thwart יהוה’s plans.*Organized persecution of an ethnic group (especially Jews)

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It is time for us to get out of slavery (worldly system) & RETURN to YHVH (REPENT/TESHUVAH) !

THE END TIME GREAT EXODUS FROM THE WORLD /SYSTEM (EGYPT)*The Passover commemorates YHVH’s redemption of His people from slavery in Egypt. Every year when we tell the story of the Exodus, we tell our own story as well; * a story of redemption from sin, through the blood of our Passover, Y’shua our Messiah. * Do you have such a redemption story to tell? If not, read on and we will show you that you too can choose freedom and life. You also can become free from the burden of sin and experience your own personal exodus. **** Some of us may have experienced this freedom but have slipped back and became part of the “nations” again. YHVH calls us to be set apart, for He is set apart. We are to return to Him…Did you know that you as a believer in the God of Israel are to celebrate this feast? Do you know that if you call yourself a child of God, a believer in the Messiah Y’shua (Jesus) that you are to celebrate ALL the Biblical feasts? Did you know that you are a part of Israel, YHVH’s chosen people? To understand why YOU are also part of Israel, please read “Who is Israel and why you would want to be a part of Israel” 77

It is time for us to get out of slavery (worldly system) & RETURN to YHVH (REPENT/TESHUVAH) !

THE END TIME GREAT EXODUS FROM THE WORLD /SYSTEM (EGYPT)We have emphasized the prophecy that was given through Moses just before he died. We have learned that this prophecy is applicable to us too because we are, as believers in Y’shua Messiah part of YHVH’s chosen people Israel. However, as it was prophesied, we have lost our way and have fallen into idolatry. Many things have become more important than YHVH, money, status, convenience, and ourselves to name but a few. That is idolatry! We have been scattered all over the world as a result of this, and we have become as the nations. We have lost our way and our identity. We are living lives of lawlessness.Nevertheless, YHVH warns us that if we turn away from Him, He will put measures in place to get us to return to Him; this is the cycle of curses described in Leviticus 26. We are currently living under these curses. YHVH also said that we would, when we are in this sad state remember the covenant with Him and return to Him. He will then restore us to Him. We will choose obedience to Him and live according to His instructions. * This is a spiritual return and when this happens, the curses would be broken and we will eventually be a part of Israel being gathered back to the land.However, if we choose to reject YHVH, He will remove our name from the book of life, and we will be a part of the nations being judged at the end.Luke 13:24–29

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24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 “Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Master, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 “Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; 27 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers LAWLESSNESS.’ 28 “In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of Elohim, but yourselves being thrown out. 29 “And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of Elohim. Luke 13:24–29The choice is yours, you can return to YHVH and be obedient to Him or you can choose to continue your life in lawlessness. It really is that easy…Please be encouraged, it is not too late to return to YHVH, there is still time…Isaiah 55:66 Seek YHVH while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.Make your own personal exodus from slavery this Passover and return to the God of Israel and experience His blessings. May you be blessed as you read this!

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It is time for us to get out of slavery and return to YHVH!

DON’T UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF ASSIMILATION IN OTHER CULTURE

OTHER THAN THE CULTURE AND TRUE TEACHINGS OF THE TORAH.

THE WAYS OF THE TORAH ARE THE WISDOM OF GODTO LIVE INPEACE WITH HIM AND WITH ONE ANOTHER

.THIS IS THE TRUE RELIGION OF PEACE

SEE MOSES ARK NEXT SLIDE

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MIDWIVESThen the sovereign of Mitsrayim spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of

whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puʽah, and he said, “When you deliver the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared Elohim, and did not do as the sovereign of Mitsrayim commanded them, and kept

the male children alive. (Exodus 1:15-17)Here we see Egyptian names being applied to the attending Hebrew midwives. The rabbis believe that the two midwives Shiphrah and Puah are Jochebed and Miriam, the mother and sister of Moses.Legends of the Jews: The two Hebrew midwives were Jochebed, the mother of Moses, and Miriam, his sister. When they appeared before Pharaoh, Miriam exclaimed: "Woe be to this man when God visits retribution upon him for his evil deeds." The king would have killed her for these audacious words, had not Jochebed allayed his wrath by saying: "Why dost thou pay heed to her words? She is but a child, and knows not what she speaks.“ Miriam was but five years old at the time, she nevertheless accompanied her mother, and helped her the Hebrew women. 81

SHIPHRAH AND PU’AH“Shiphrah” (Shin-fey-reish-hey). Shin = El Shaddai, fey = mouth, reish = beginning and hey = revelation. So we read, “El Shaddai‟s Mouth is the beginning of revelation”. With this spelling, her name is “shofar” with an added “hey” at the end. So, we have the connotation of the “shofar of revelation”. Her name literally means “brightness” or “to adorn” or “to make beautiful”. The numeric value of the letters in “Shiphrah” is 585 which equals from the Torah “ha shofar”, “the ram‟s horn” or “mouth of El Shaddai” and “seraphah” or “burning” like “seraphim” (burning ones) or like “suns” or “stars”. “Pu‟ah” (Pey-yud-ayin-hey). Pey = mouth or speak, yud = hand or make, ayin = eye or to know and hey = revelation. So we read “By speaking, He makes known the revelation”. “Pu‟ah” literally means “splendid” or “to glitter”, or “twinkle”. The numeric value of the letters in “Pu‟ah” is 165 which equals from Torah “le‟kahal” or “a congregation”, “a company” and “ha ami‟ im” or “the peoples”. 165 also equals “ha nephil” or “the one who falls”. This company of peoples that would come forth because of the midwives would indeed one day fall.

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JOB - SHIPHRAHThe word “Shiphrah” is used one other time in Scripture; in Job 26:13:• ISR Scriptures reads; By His Spirit He adorned the heavens. His hand

whirled the fleeing serpent. • KJV reads; By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath

formed the crooked serpent. • Stone Edition TaNaK reads; By His breath the heavens were spread;

His hand fashioned the (earth) girdling serpent. • DHV (Dyslexic Hebrew Version) reads; By His Ruach (breath) He

adorned with beauty and brightness (stars) the heavens; by His hand He formed the crooked serpent (Leviathan) that encircles.

This verse refers to the formation of the stars and constellations. The “crooked serpent” that encircles or girdles describes the constellation Dracos (Dragon) in the Milky Way galaxy, which we can see from earth, and is also a picture of “ha satan” depicted in the heavens encircling the earth.

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HEAVENLY LIGHTSHIPHRAH and PU’AH are references to the heavens and the stars that populate them.

“Remember Abraham, Yitshaq, and Yisra’ĕl, Your servants, to whom You swore by Yourself, and said to them, ‘I increase your seed like the stars of the heavens. And all this land that I have spoken of I give to

your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ”(Exodus 32:13)And Elohim made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, and the stars. And Elohim set them in

the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, (Genesis 1:16-17)These women, named for the stars in heaven, helped fulfil יהוה’s promise by helping the mothers of Israel bring forth heavenly light into the world. Just as Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah 49:6 “For so the Master has commanded us, ‘I have set you to be a light to the gentiles, that you should be for deliverance to the ends of the earth.’ ” (Acts 13:47) we are to bring the light into the world.

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COMPANY OF PEOPLEIn Pu’ah’s name we also see “a company of peoples” or “an assembly of peoples”.

And Elohim said to him, “I am Ěl Shaddai. Bear fruit and increase, a nation and a company of nations shall be from you, and sovereigns

come from your body. (Genesis 35:11)“And Ěl Shaddai bless you, and make you bear fruit and increase you,

and you shall become an assembly of peoples, and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and your seed with you, so that you inherit

the land of your sojournings, which Elohim gave to Abraham.” (Genesis 28:3-4)

Once again we see somebody raised up whose names says what they are called to do. In Pu’ah’s case we somebody that brings into life a “company of people”, Isreal

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FOUNDERSSo Elohim was good to the midwives, and the people increased and became very

numerous. And it came to be, because the midwives feared Elohim, that He provided households for them. (Exodus 1:20-21)

Because these two women feared Elohim, that He provided “households” for them. The KJV says that He made them “houses”. The word for “provided” or “made” here is “va‟ya‟ahs” which is from the root “asah” and means to “make”, “fashion” or “prepare” and the word for “houses” here is “beit‟im”, the plural of “beit” which means “house”, “household”, “family” or “descendants”. Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon associates the meanings regarding “descendants” with the verses where Boaz redeems Ruth before the people: And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “Witnesses! יהוה make the woman who is coming to your house as Rahĕl and as Lĕ’ah, the two who built the house of Yisra’ĕl. And prove your worth in Ephrathah and proclaim the Name in Bĕyth Lehem. (Ruth 4:11)Bo’az did indeed marry Ruth and they had a son, Obed, who would be the grandfather of King David. So, as Rachel and Le’ah before them and Ruth after them; Shiphrah and Pu‟ah literally helped build up the “House of Yisra‟el”, both houses.

HOLOCASTIn our parsha this week, we see the makings of a “holocaust”. Pharaoh orders the death of all male children. But, with the protection of Elohim, through the midwives, it was averted. But then, Pharaoh commands that the newborn males be cast into the “river”, “ye‟or” or “Nile”. Now, we’re not told just how long this went on or how many babies were killed in this manner. However, we do need to remember that יהוה increased B’nei Israel from seventy people to over 600,000 men over the age of 20.And the children of Yisra’ĕl set out from Raʽmeses to Sukkoth, about six

hundred thousand men on foot, besides the little ones. And a mixed multitude went up with them too, also flocks and herds, very much

livestock. (Exodus 12:37-38)

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AMRAM & JOCHEBEDAnd a man of the house of Lĕwi went and married a daughter of Lĕwi. And the woman conceived and bore a son. And she saw that he was a

lovely child, and she hid him three months. (Exodus 2:1-2)Legends of the Jews: The first child of the union between Amram and Jochebed, his wife, who was one hundred and twenty-six years old at the time of her marriage, was a girl, and the mother called her Miriam, "Bitterness," for it was at the time of her birth that the Egyptians began to envenom the life of the Hebrews. The second child was a boy, called Aaron, which means, "Woe unto this pregnancy!" because Pharaoh's instructions to the midwives, to kill the male children of the Hebrews, was proclaimed during the months before Aaron's birth. .. Jochebed gave birth to the child (Moses) six months after conception. The Egyptian bailiffs, who kept strict watch over all pregnant women in order to be on the spot in time to carry off their new-born boys, had not expected her delivery for three months more.

BASKETAnd when she could hide him no longer, she took an ark of wicker for

him, and coated it with tar and pitch, and put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the edge of the river. (Exodus 2:3)

She wove a basket to house him, using pitch inside and out to keep the little ark afloat. The word for pitch is the same Hebrew word used for atonement, karph, meaning covering, and specifically, a covering for sins. She placed the child in the ark and put him among the reeds, along the bank of the Nile River.The Hebrew male babies were to be thrown into the Nile to drown, but this child was placed on the water of judgment to be led by the wind, representing the Spirit of Yahweh. Send your resources out over the seas; eventually you will reap a return. (Ecclesiastes 11:1 CJB). The waters of judgment brought this child deliverance.As with Noah, Moses and with us we will be above the judgment when the time comes. 89

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Generational curses and curses spoken over usA curse with a cause

YHVH can use it to test us, to build character in us, or to bring us back to Him. - When we sin, we break the hedge of protection we have around us. There is a verse in Proverbs that confirms this. Proverbs 26:22 …” So a curse without cause does not alight.Pro 26:2 …ang sumpa na walang kadahilanan ay hindi tumatalab. - We provide the cause when we compromise or sin. - Compromise is always the first step to sin. (I ME MINE) (self-inflicted curse not cause by Satan – Law of sowing & Reaping)- Every time we compromise, we are drawn away from YHVH and His ways, a little at a time. - We don’t even notice it when it happens and then one day we wake up and realize how far away from YHVH we are.

Generational curses and curses spoken over usA curse with a cause

We are to guard against this by living righteously. - YHVH has given us His instructions to help us to live

righteously. It is almost as if YHVH built in protection for us in His commandments. When we do His commandments, we will be where we ought to be at the right time.

- We will not eat or do what is harmful to our bodies. - When we sin, we provide the cause for the curse to have

an effect. - This includes the curses YHVH promised for covenantal

unfaithfulness (Lev 26, Deut 28) as well as any other curses, whether spoken over us by believers, unbelievers, ourselves or curses having any other cause like for example defiled land.

The question is if curses were directed our way, what do we do about it?How to get free from a curse ?

How to get free from a curse ?We would first want to know if it was indeed a curse. - Not every negative thing that comes across our path is a curse. It could be, but it could also be a trial from YHVH to test us.- Our first step is to go to YHVH in prayer, He will reveal the truth

to us and give us wisdom to know if there are any curses over us and how to deal with this.

- We have learned in the previous article how easy it is for people to speak negative things over others.

Some introspection won’t do any harm either. As we said, sin can break that hedge of protection around us. *** If the curse was from YHVH, it can only be broken through repentance and only YHVH can revoke it, we can’t.If YHVH reveals to us that it was a curse pronounced by another person, we can use the authority we have in Y’shua and cancel or break it. It depends on the nature of the curse. In the article The Significance of the Blood of Y’shua we wrote about this authority we have in Y’shua. Matthew 28:18

YHVH will return the curseWe can cancel or break curses spoken over us by other people or even when we have spoken a curse over ourself. - In Y’shua we have the authority to do this. We are not to take vengeance like returning curses, but ask YHVH to turn every curse into a blessing.YHVH will deal with those who curse us appropriately in His time.Psalm 7:16 16 His mischief will return upon his own head, And his violence will descend upon his own pate. The mischief can refer to curses spoken…Psa 7:15 Siya'y gumawa ng balon, at hinukay, at nahulog sa hukay na kaniyang ginawa. Psa 7:16 Ang kaniyang gawang masama ay magbabalik sa kaniyang sariling ulo, at ang kaniyang pangdadahas ay babagsak sa kaniyang sariling bunbunan. Psa 7:17 Ako'y magpapasalamat sa Panginoon, ayon sa kaniyang katuwiran: at aawit ng pagpupuri sa pangalan ng Panginoon na Kataastaasan.

Let’s look at an example from Scripture.The man Shimei came and cursed David.2 Samuel 16:6–86 He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left. 7 Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! 8 “YHVH has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and YHVH has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!”*** David considered that this man was cursing him because YHVH may have told him to (2 Sam 16:10-11). He said that perhaps YHVH would see his affliction and return good to him instead.2 Samuel 16:1212 “Perhaps YHVH will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”

This whole account of Shimei cursing David is very interesting. David considered that the cursing might be from YHVH. He showed mercy to the one who pronounced it, and asked YHVH to return good to him instead of the curse. He didn’t return the curse, but asked YHVH to reverse it. Later, Solomon had to deal with Shimei when he transgressed the command of the king. He then told him that his evil shall be returned on his own head. Solomon also repeated YHVH’s blessing over him and his kingdom.We can do the same when we suspect we were cursed by somebody, whether it was with malicious intent or as a result of careless words – those of others or our own.*** We can first repent of any sin we may have done that has given a cause to the curse.- Then, we can cancel the curse in Y’shua’s name and ask YHVH to reverse it into a blessing.We can also repeat the promises YHVH has given us in Scripture.Curses can be very powerful and we are to be very careful not to curse others or ourselves.

Y’shua taught that we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us.Luke 6:2828 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.Paul later repeated Y’shua’s wordsRomans 12:1414 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.*** This means that Y’shua would rather have us pray for the salvation of our enemies than to curse them.

There is wisdom in this, for if we decide to curse our enemies and there is found any unrighteouness in us, we will suffer the same consequences. - What you sow, you will reap. - YHVH will take vengeance, we don’t have to. - We can ask YHVH to turn every curse into blessing, like

David did in the case of Shimei.

Generational Curses or the Iniquity of the FathersGenerational curses can affect every one of us. - You may have seen a family where the father has a problem with uncontrollable anger, his son may have the same and if you search a little you would find that his father or grandfather had the same problem. It seems to be handed down the family line. - I have read about a woman who “inherited” the ability to predict

people’s future using cards. This ability was operating in her mother as well. She taught the laying of cards to all her daughters, but only this one had the “gift.”

- This iniquity was passed down from one generation to the next.

Not only do we see similar sin patterns, but also similar chronic conditions. When you do a bit of research on the topic of depression, you find that this too can be “inherited”, it may even be a widespread family problem even to the extend of causing family members to commit suicide. - Alcoholism is another example and there are many more.

GENERATIONAL CURSES CAN AFFECT EACH ONE OF USThese are the manifestations of the iniquity of the fathers or generational curses. Not every ailment thou will be inherited, but we do see an increased incidence. Some would like to link genetics to this, but we don’t have to, it is enough to know that spiritual bondage can be transferred from one generation to the next.*** This spiritual bondage is in scripture referred to as the iniquity of the fathers. Let’s quickly look at this word iniquity.Iniquity˓avon עוןiniquity ; guilt; punishment.” - The first use of ˓awon comes from Cain’s lips, where the word

takes the special meaning of “punishment”: “And Cain said unto YHVH, My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Gen. 4:13).

- The most basic meaning of ˓awon is “iniquity.” - The word signifies an offense, intentional or not, against YHVH’s

law. 

This meaning is also most basic to the word chatta’t, “sin,” in the Tanach, and for this reason the words chatta˒t and ˓awon are virtually synonymous; “Lo, this [the live coal] hath touched thy [Isaiah’s] lips; and thine iniquity [˓awon] is taken away, and thy sin [chatta˒t] purged” (Isa. 6:7).* “Iniquity” as an offense to YHVH’s holiness is punishable.The usage of ˓awon includes the whole area of sin, judgment, and “punishment” for sin. The Tanach teaches that YHVH’s forgiveness of “iniquity” extends to the actual sin, the guilt of sin, YHVH’s judgment upon that sin, and YHVH’s punishment of the sin. “Blessed is the man unto whom YHVH imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Ps. 32:2).In the Septuagint the word has the following renderings: adikia (“wrongdoing; unrighteousness; wickedness”); hamartia (“sin; error”); and anomia (“lawlessness”). In the English versions the translation “iniquity” is fairly uniform.2

Let’s look at a few examples from scripture.Exodus 20:55 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, YHVH your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.*** To hate YHVH means not to choose Him, so those who hate Him are those who choose not to live for YHVH. *** Exodus 34:77 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Leviticus 26:3939 ‘So those of you who may be left will rot away because of their iniquity in the lands of your enemies; and also because of the iniquities of their forefathers they will rot away with them.( HOLOCAUST in NAZI is classic example)

This phrase is also repeated in various other passages: 1 Kin 21:29; Jer 32:18; Is 14:21; Jer 14:20Lamentations 5:77 Our fathers sinned, and are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities.Lam 5:7 Ang aming mga magulang ay nagkasala at wala na; At aming pinasan ang kanilang mga kasamaan.

Two Greek words are used to convey the idea of iniquity. One is translated as lawlessness and the other as evildoers or workers of unrighteousness.Matthew 7:2323 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Lawlessness, Greek anomia, “absence of law, absence of Torah.” Hence you workers of lawlessness means “you who act as if there were no Torah”; it confirms Yeshua’s teaching on the permanence of the Torah (5:17–20&NN). - The Greek word “anomia” can be rendered “wickedness,” but doing so here skirts the Jewish context. 3

Luke 13:2727 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’*** Both of these words confirm that iniquity is covenantal unfaithfulness or disobedience to YHVH’s instructions. There are many examples in Scripture of how the sins of the fathers were visited upon the children. The first king of the divided kingdom, Jeroboam is a good example. His sin of idolatry did not only lead the whole nation astray, but it was evident in the lives of each of his descendants up to the Assyrian exile.***- It also led to the exile and we as Israelites are still scattered in the nations as a result of this. ( individual & corporate)

Demons and generational cursesTo understand this we need to go back a few steps. - When we don’t obey YHVH, we actually obey ha satan. - It may sound strange to you, but it is true. When we sin, we

give ground to satan and we cause YHVH’s protective hedge to be removed from around us. This will allow demons to enter or afflict us. ( Job & HaSatan)

*** For example, when we dabble in the occult, we allow unclean spirits to enter us. Some of the manifestations of the curse in our lives may thus be as a result of these demons. -This is key to understanding why we still may see manifestations of the curse even after repenting. These manifestations will only go away after the demon has been cast out.- We can cast the demon out in the name of Y’shua and if it

doesn’t seem to work, we need to fast and pray. - Some demons only come out by prayer and fasting.Matthew 17:19–21

We now understand more about generational curses or the iniquity of the fathers and will through repentance and with YHVH’s help be able to get free from this.The role of the father in the home. Have you not wondered why it is referred to as the iniquity of the fathers? The authority of the father- It is because of the authority of the father. - The mother is also of vital importance, she has a specific

role and much influence, but the spiritual truth here is that - YHVH has an authority structure in place.

- The father has a tremendously important role as he is the spiritual authority of the family. YHVH has given him the spiritual responsibility for his family and he, when fulfilling his proper role, gives spiritual protection to the family. ( important for a righteous woman to marry godly man)

-*** If he doesn’t stand in this role, his family is vulnerable. Also, a father who walks in iniquity opens up his wife and children to temptation and attack by the enemy.

There are cases in scripture where a godly woman had spiritual authority. Deborah is one such example.Judges 4:44 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.- We do not know much about her husband, but she was a prophetess and was judging Israel at the time.- Esther is another example. As the wife of an unbelieving king, she took the spiritual authority of her people upon herself and with YHVH’s help delivered them from Haman’s evil schemes.- This may shed more light on the role of the wife of an

unbelieving husband, but this warrants further study. - Those of you who are in this situation, YHVH knows your

situation and your heart and He will protect you.

Conclusion

Disobedience is not a game, it could change the course of your lifeWhat if your next act of disobedience changes the course of your life? Have you ever considered this?YHVH is very patient with us; I don’t think we realize just how much. Will He always be? Or will His patience with us run out? - How often do we justify our disobedience; thinking it does

not really matter so much?- What if we could look back and see the consequences of

every act of disobedience. - Would that motivate us to be obedient? What if it’s too late?

You probably noticed that we talk about disobedience and rebellion interchangeably

Disobedience is rebellionThe reason is because it is the same. Did you know that disobedience is considered as rebellion by YHVH? Let’s look at the Hebrew word “meri” that is translated as rebellion.

Hebrew word “meri” that is translated as rebellion. n.masc.; ≡ Str 4805; TWOT 1242a—1. LN :(merî) מרי 530839.34–39.41 rebellion, revolt, i.e., an act. or state of disobedience, opposition, or resistance to one in authority,  (Dt 31:27; 1Sa 15:23; Ne 9:17; Job 23:2; Pr 17:11; nit: בן מרי bēn merî) rebel, formally, son of rebellion, i.e., one in a state of revolt, implying a guilty or sinful state or bitterness (Nu 17:25[EB 10]+)2

*** Look carefully at this definition. Rebellion is an act or state of disobedience, opposition or resistance to the one in authority. It is also bitterness; I didn’t know that bitterness is a form of rebellion. - So, rebellion is not only an act of disobedience, but also

opposition or resistance and bitterness against YHVH. - So, when things go wrong, and we grumble and become

bitter, we are being rebellious against YHVH.Rebellion is something YHVH really hates!

Rebellion is something YHVH really hates!1 Samuel 15:2323 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of YHVH, He has also rejected you from being king.”Keep this in mind as we now proceed to look at a few peoples lives, as described in the Bible , to gain some insight into this.The twelve spiesWe shall first look at the passage about the twelve spies in Deuteronomy 1. Have you ever really contemplated this? It is so profound! It is about how the lack of trust in YHVH, which caused them to rebel against YHVH, changed the direction of people’s lives. They had a choice, in front of them. They had a good report based on trust in YHVH, and they had a bad report, man’s interpretation of the situation, based on fear.

What really happened at Kadesh Barnea was just one too many rebellions against YHVH. He was so patient with them. - By this time, they have miraculously been delivered from slavery in Egypt, they have been provided for with water, after murmuring about bitter water. They have been provided manna, after grumbling about not having food. YHVH provided quail, after they complained about not having meat. Then YHVH gave them His Torah, after they said they will obey. However, they broke their promise, made a golden calf and worshiped it. They really did have a stinking attitude, rebelling against YHVH constantly either by murmuring or disobedience.Up until this point, YHVH was extremely patient with them. However, this incident with the spies was the last straw; this act of rebellion changed their lives forever. The people chose to believe the bad report, and rebelled against YHVH. *** They knew from experience that YHVH can deliver them, yet they feared and rebelled. Interestingly, after YHVH told them that they would not enter the land, they realized that they sinned against YHVH and wanted to fix it by going up and fight. However, it was too late. YHVH told them He would not help them, yet they rebelled again and proceeded. This is what happened…Deuteronomy 1:44–45

Then their long journey of forty years in the wilderness began…We only have a fragmentDon’t we sometimes go through live grumbling about the things that go wrong instead of looking at the big picture? A spiritual picture of YHVH providing for our every need, a picture of His incredible patience and love. YHVH has a plan even if it seems to us that things are going wrong. Things that go wrong can turn out to be a blessing…“Maybe it’s a blessing or maybe it’s a curse.” This phrase is from an old Jewish Folktale. we have read to our kids many times. It’s about how something may seem a blessing, but isn’t or may seem a curse, but isn’t. A really cute, thought-provoking story. In the end what seemed to be a curse saved a boys life… This tale shows us that we have a partial perspective, a fragment of the whole, and often judge situations based on that.Whenever things don’t go according to our plans; it gives us a more realistic perspective, as we don’t know YHVH’s plans. YHVH’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.Paul also commented on this partial perspective, he said that we only know in part. 1 Corinthians 13:99 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;1 Corinthians 13:12 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.*** These things, we consider bad, might be tests that YHVH sends our way to see if we would continue to trust Him. Alternatively, sometimes we face difficulties to build our character. The question is, do we pass the test or fail? Do we build character or grumble? ***

Disobedience brings disasterDisobedience brings disaster…1 Samuel 12:1515 “If you will not listen to the voice of YHVH, but rebel against the command of YHVH, then the hand of YHVH will be against you, as it was against your fathers.Do you know what it means if the hand of YHVH is against us? ***We read about this in Leviticus 26 and also in Deuteronomy 28. We will be blessed when we obey, but cursed when we don’t obey.*** We are currently, as a believing nation, (Phils) being cursed for our disobedience. These cycles of curses as described in Leviticus 26 are being experienced by us. You can read more about this in the article “If you will not return to Me…

Disobedience brings disasterThese cycles of curses. We are currently in the cycle of plagues, which are running concurrently with the curse of terror and the curse of natural disasters. The next curse is war and then comes captivity…It is not too late yet, we can still repent and return to YHVH. This is serious! Don’t just wave this away as not applicable to you. Start obeying YHVH in everything, your life and the lives of your loved ones may depend on this! This includes the Sabbatical year of 2016. **** Sometimes we lose out on blessings due to our disobedience, and sometimes our entire life might be changed. Is it worth the risk? Every time sin comes knocking at our door, we have a choice. We can resist satan and choose to be obedient to YHVH, or we can go ahead after the lust of our flesh, sin and face the consequences. - Not obeying YHVH’s commandments is sin.

You can read What does YHVH require of us? to find out what we are to do.

Disobedience is not a game, it could change the course of your life

Please don’t take this lightly, who knows, maybe the next time you sin, your life will be changed completely, and you may regret it for the rest of your life. Turn to YHVH, He is our only hope! *** Repent and live an obedient life. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us!Philippians 4:1313 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

YHVH loved us first and He will help us in this. We do not stand alone. Ask Him for help and guidance, He is faithful. We started this journey feeling completely overwhelmed, and looking back, I see how YHVH has led us a little step at a time. YHVH wants us to be free, He sent Y’Shua to set the captives free. - Each of us is held captive by something, it could be a battle with sin, unforgiveness, the iniquity of our fathers, or words spoken over us. None of these are too difficult for YHVH, He will help us overcome.This doesn’t mean that we are to sit and wait for YHVH to do this. He will deliver us like He delivered the Israelites when they battled their enemies. The battle is real, but YHVH instructed us through His word as to what we are to do. 2 Timothy 4:1818YHVH will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 4

He will do this through our faith in Y’shua. YHVH has given us the authority in Y’shua to overcome. We are to walk in obedience as He walked and walk in this authority we have been given.May YHVH lead you and strengthen you in your battle.

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYNeh 13:15 In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So I admonished them on the day they sold food. Neh 13:16 Also men of Tyre were living there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem. Neh 13:17 Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day?

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYNeh 13:18 "Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath." Neh 13:19 It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them until after the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the sabbath day. Neh 13:20 Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.Neh 13:21 Then I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you." From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. Neh 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness. Neh 13:23 In those days I also saw that the Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. Neh 13:24 As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them was able to speak the language of Judah, but the language of his own people. Neh 13:25 So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take of their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.

CURSES FOR NOT KEEPING THE SHABBAT DAY HOLYJer 17:27 "But if you do not listen to Me to keep the sabbath day holy by not carrying a load and coming in through the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem and not be quenched."'" Jer 17:23 "Yet they did not listen or incline their ears, but stiffened their necks in order not to listen or take correction. Jer 17:24 "But it will come about, if you listen attentively to Me," declares the LORD, "to bring no load in through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but to keep the sabbath day holy by doing no work on it,

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DAUGHTER OF PHARAOHAnd the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river, and her young women were walking by the river-side. And when she

saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her female servant to get it, and opened it and saw the child, and see, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the children of the

Hebrews.” And his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”

And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” And the girl went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child

away and nurse him for me, then I shall pay your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she

brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Mosheh, saying, “Because I have drawn him out of the

water.” (Exodus 2:5-10)

BITHIAHAnd his wife Yehudiyah bore Yered the father of Gedor, and Heber the

father of Soko, and Yequthi’ĕl the father of Zanowah. And these were the sons of Bithyah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took. (1

Chronicles 4:18)Bithiah is the name of the woman who saved and named Moses. Her father was “god of the Nile” and she was the “daughter of god.” The Netziv (famous Russian Jew of the 1800’s) suggests that the name “Moses” comes from the ancient Egyptian word for “son”:

Shemot 2:10 … and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out (meshitihu) of the water.”

Other ancient Egyptian language sources also confirm that Moses means “son.” Bithiah knew the child had Hebrew parents, but in a way she was claiming that the Nile gave birth to her son. He was therefore declared “son” of the Nile. According to this reasoning, the word meshitihu is not related to the name Moses, but rather is the reason (because I drew him out) why she called him (son) Moses. This is a play on words so common to Hebrew.

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THE DAUGHTER OF GODLegends of the Jews: Pharaoh's daughter called him Moses, because she had "drawn" him out of the water, and because he would "draw" the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt in a day to come. And this was the only name whereby God called the son of Amram, the name conferred upon him by Pharaoh's daughter. He said to the princess: "Moses was not thy child, yet thou didst treat him as such. For this I will call thee My daughter, though thou art not My daughter," and therefore the princess, the daughter of Pharaoh, bears the name Bithiah, "the daughter of God." She married Caleb later on, and he was a suitable husband for her. As she stood up against her father's wicked counsels, so Caleb stood up against the counsel of his fellow-messengers sent to spy out the land of Canaan. For rescuing Moses and for her other pious deeds, she was permitted to enter Paradise alive.

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EGYPTION GODBy this name she was positioning him to become the next Pharaoh, or at least to take his place among the pantheon of Egyptian gods. The future saviour of Israel would be seen as an Egyptian god!

“And Mosheh was instructed in all the wisdom of the Mitsrites, and was mighty in words and works. (Acts 7:22)

And what was the “wisdom of the Egyptians”? It would have been a very secular education, including instruction on the Egyptian gods – Orisis, Hekt, Apis, and Ra. Moses himself would have been thought of by the Egyptian culture as one of these “gods.” Now after all these years in Egypt, the Israelites would not have been ignorant of this “god” Moses. Imagine their surprise when this “god of Egypt” turns out to be involved in the redemption of Israel!

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MOSES“Moshe” (Mem-shin-hey) in Hebrew. The name we know him by is of Egyptian origin. He was named by Pharaoh’s daughter. His name means “drawn out” or “brought out”. The numeric value of these letters is 345 which equals “haMitzri” or “the Egyptians”. Moshe lived 40 years in Pharaoh’s house. It also equals “Shiloh” which is “rest” or “place of rest” (as in the place so named where B’nei Yisra’el rested and the Mishkan stood for 369 years). The Messiah is referenced as the “One who brings rest or tranquillity”. If you “add” it all up; this all seems to be telling us that indeed Moses was “drawn” or “brought out” from B’nei Israel, the “people of the Most High”, the “esteemed of יהוה”; that he would “bear their spiritual well being” on his “shoulders” and lead them out of the bondage of “the Mitzri”, through “the 42 encampments” to their “place of rest and tranquillity”. What’s in a name? A calling, a destiny, a deliverer.

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DROWNING STOPPED Legends of the Jews

By exposing their son to danger, Amram and Jochebed had effected the withdrawal of Pharaoh's command enjoining the extermination of the Hebrew men children. The day Moses was set adrift in the little ark, the astrologers had come to Pharaoh and told him the glad tidings, that the danger threatening the Egyptians on account of one boy, whose doom lay in the water, had now been averted. Thereupon Pharaoh cried a halt to the drowning of the boys of his empire. The astrologers had seen something, but they knew not what, and they announced a message, the import of which they did not comprehend. Water was, indeed, the doom of Moses, but that did not mean that he would perish in the waters of the Nile. It had reference to the waters of Meribah, the waters of strife, and how they would cause his death in the desert, before he had completed his task of leading the people into the promised land.

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NAMES OF MOSESLegends of the Jews

For two years the child rescued by Pharaoh's daughter stayed with his parents and kindred. They gave him various names. His father called him Heber, because it was for this child's sake that he had been "reunited" with his wife. His mother's name for him was Jekuthiel, "because," she said, "I set my hope upon God, and He gave him back to me." To his sister Miriam he was Jered, because she had "descended" to the stream to ascertain his fate. His brother Aaron called him Abi Zanoah, because his father, who had "cast off" his mother, had taken her back for the sake of the child to be born. His grandfather Kohath knew him as Abi Gedor, because the Heavenly Father had "built up" the breach in Israel, when He rescued him, and thus restrained the Egyptians from throwing the Hebrew men children into the water. His nurse called him Abi Soco, because he had been kept concealed in a "tent" for three months, escaping the pursuit of the Egyptians. And Israel called him Shemaiah ben Nethanel, because in his day God would "hear" the sighs of the people, and deliver them from their oppressors, and through him would He "give" them His own law.

HE GREWAnd the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he

became her son. And she called his name Mosheh, saying, “Because I have drawn him out of the water.” And in those days it came to be,

when Mosheh was grown, that he went out to his brothers and looked at their burdens. And he saw a Mitsrite beating a Hebrew, one of his

brothers. (Exodus 2:10-11)In these two verses, the Torah uses the same Hebrew phrase “and he grew” twice. In 2:10, it describes the age when Moses was weaned. In 2:11 it points to Moses being elevated to a position of authority in Pharaoh’s house. The repeat of this verb in these two verses is meant to draw your attention to two different types of “growth.” Twice in verse 2:11, Moses refers to the Israelites as his “brethren”. This identification becomes part of his “growth” process. Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s house as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. In that house, the Egyptians were his “brethren.” Now, instead, his actions will be dictated by a deep identification with his Israelite “brethren.” 127

SEESThere is a another set of double verbs. Moses “sees” (ra’ah) their suffering and he “sees” (ra’ah) an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. The second “see” means to merely perceive with one’s eyes. The first “see,” however, means that he “saw into their suffering.” Rashi explains that the Torah is expressing that Moses is not only identifying with, but perceiving with his heart as well. He becomes one with the suffering slave. “In those days” (bayamim hahame), and “he went out” (vayatza) are other interesting phrases found in verse 11. In what days? Obviously, these are “the days” in which Moses “went out” to his real “brethren,” to those with whom he discovers his brotherhood. These are “the days” in which his heart begins to beat in sync with his “brethren.” This national identification is what causes Moses to react to the incident at hand.

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KINSMENAnd in those days it came to be, when Mosheh was grown, that he went out to his brothers and looked at their burdens. And he saw a Mitsrite beating a

Hebrew, one of his brothers. (Exodus 2:11)Legends of the Jews: Dathan had a wife, Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan, who was of extraordinary beauty, but inclined to be very loquacious. The beautiful Israelitish woman enkindled a mad passion in the breast of Dathan’s Egyptian Taskmaster. One day he ordered Datham to hurry to his detachment of men to their work. The husband scarcely out of sight, he executed the villainy he had planned, and dishonored the woman, and the fruit of this illicit relation was the blasphemer of the Name whom Moses ordered to execution on the march through the desert.Young Moses happened to visit the place at which the much-abused and tortured Hebrew was at work. Dathan hastened toward him, and complained of all the wrong and suffering the Egyptian had inflicted upon him.

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LOOKED THE WAY AND THATSo he turned this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he

smote the Mitsrite and hid him in the sand. (Exodus 2:12)Legends of the Jews: Moses wanted to see if someone would step forward, and, impelled by zeal for the cause of God and for God's law, would declare himself ready to avenge the outrage. He waited in vain. Then he determined to act himself. Naturally enough he hesitated to take the life of a human being. He did not know whether the evil-doer might not be brought to repentance, and then lead a life of pious endeavour. The holy spirit allayed all his doubts. He was made to see that not the slightest hope existed that good would come either from the malefactor himself or from any of his offspring.Neither physical strength nor a weapon was needed to carry out his purpose. He merely pronounced the Name of God, and the Egyptian was a corpse. To the bystanders, the Israelites,

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DATHAM AND ABIRAMAnd he went out the second day and saw two Hebrew men fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why do you smite your neighbour?” And he said,

“Who made you a head and a judge over us? Do you intend to slay me as you slew the Mitsrite?” And Mosheh feared and said, “Truly, the matter is known!”

And Pharaoh heard of this matter, and he sought to kill Mosheh. But Mosheh fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midyan. ..(Exodus 2:13-15)

Those who betrayed were Israelites, Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Pallu, of the tribe of Reuben, notorious for their effrontery and contentiousness. The day after, the two brothers began of malice aforethought to scuffle with each other, only in order to draw Moses into the quarrel and create an occasion for his betrayal. The plan succeeded admirably. .. Dathan replied: "Young man, who hath made thee to be a judge over us, thou that hast not yet attained to years of maturity? ..Or, peradventure, thou harborest the intention to slay us as thou didst slay him, by pronouncing the Name of God?”Not satisfied with these taunts, the noble pair of brothers betook themselves to Pharaoh, and spoke before him

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IN THE DESERT.. But Mosheh fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of

Midyan. ..(Exodus 2:15)Moses was forced to flee Mitzrayim and went to Midyan, which means “contention”. יהוה brings Moses to Midyan, in the wilderness of Sinai, to contend with him, to speak with him there, just as He would with B’nei Israel and will still do with us. We read in the meanings of the names “shemot” of two of the tribes; “Dan” = “judge and ruler”, and “Naphtali” = “strife”, “contention” or “wrestling”. יהוה does indeed judge and rule through striving and contending..

“And I shall punish her for the days of the Baʽals to which she burned incense and adorned herself with her rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, and forgot Me,” declares יהוה. “Therefore, see, I am alluring her, and shall lead her into the wilderness, and shall speak to her heart,

(Hosea 2:13-14)“And I shall bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and shall enter into judgment with you face to face there. “As I entered into

judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Mitsrayim, so I shall enter into judgment with you,” declares the Master יהוה.

(Ezekiel 20:35-36)

SIDE NOTEWhen Moshe fled Egypt, did he leave with a sense that there was no possibility of changing the situation of his brethren? And now that he is cut off from his Egyptian roots, he finds that he is not welcome by his Hebrew brethren either. This is a reoccurring cycle. Those early believers who kept Torah (Torah is synonymous with Moses) were soon rejected by both the unbelieving Jews and by the church who soon strayed from the commandments of יהוה. As will most people feel rejection by their former church family as they have pursued Torah (Moses), and it is a fact that most Jews are also not happy about the remnant of non-Jewish believers who are beginning to align their lives with Torah truths. This is an attitude that we are beginning to see change and there are many Jews who are recognizing their “brethren” and welcoming them into the house of Israel. This is the remnant which the evil one is seeking to harm:

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim

and possessing the witness of יהושע Messiah. (Revelation 12:17) 133

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DAUGHTERS OF ZION… And he sat down by a well. And the priest of Midyan had seven

daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock, but the shepherds came and drove them away. Then Mosheh stood up and came to their rescue, and watered

their flock. (Exodus 2:15-17)Moses sits down by a well or “be‟er”, where the water, or wisdom, from the deep places comes to the surface. And, someone had to labour and dig to bring it forth. Moses is seeking answers. The priest of Midyan, had seven daughters who came to draw water (wisdom) for their father’s flock, to “water” the “sheep”. But, the “shepherds” transgressed, or came and drove them away. It’s interesting that seven times in Scripture, Israel is referred to as the “Daughters of Zion”. The “Daughters of Zion” come to water the flock, the shepherds (a scriptural metaphor for the religious leaders) come and drive them off. Ezekiel 34:7-11 speaks of this: Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of יהוה: …“See, I am against the shepherds, and shall require My flock at their hand, … I shall deliver My flock from their mouths, and they shall no longer be food for them.” ‘..

MESSIANIC ROLEAs Moses plays the Messianic role, note that יהושע also said that He did not come initially to judge:“And if anyone hears My Words but does not watch over them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

(John 12:47) s words says that he came to “save” the world. What did Moses’יהושעdo for the daughters - “he stood up and helped them.” The Hebrew word for “stood up” is qum. It is a word that means “to rise up” or to “resurrect”! The Hebrew word for “helped” is “yasha” more commonly translated as “saved.” In fact it is the root of יהושע, Moses acts because he has developed a heart for the oppressed. Like יהושע, Moses’s help (salvation) is first, and then he takes them to the water (symbol of Torah) to drink.“For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only brought-forth Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but possess everlasting life. (John 3:16 ) 135

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DIRTY WATER (WORD)The seven daughters were shepherdesses and were attempting to water their father’s flock. They had filled the troughs with clean, clear water, but evil shepherds drove them away. The result was stirred up, muddied water for their flocks. יהוה made it clear how He feels about shepherds who muddy the water for His flock in Ezekiel:

“Is it not enough for you to have eaten up the good pasture, and the rest of your pasture you trample with your feet. Or that you should

drink of the clear waters, and the rest you muddy with your feet? “And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and

they drink what you have muddied with your feet.” ‘Therefore thus said the Master יהוה to them, “See, I Myself shall judge between fat and lean sheep. “Because you have pushed with flank and shoulder, and

thrust at all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad, therefore I shall save My flock, and let them no longer be a prey. And I shall judge between sheep and sheep. (Ezekiel 34:18-22)

RE’U’EL, TSIPPORAH,GERESHOMAnd they came to Reʽuw’ĕl their father, .. they said, “A Mitsrite rescued us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for

us and watered the flock.” … And Mosheh agreed to dwell with the man, and he gave Tsipporah his daughter to Mosheh. And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gĕreshom, for he said, “I have become a

sojourner in a foreign land.” (Exodus 2:18-22)These daughters of the priest, run and tell their father Re’uw’el of their rescue by the hand of Moses. The name we’re introduced to this “Priest of Midyan” by is “Re‟uw‟el”. This name literally means “friend of El”. We’ll learn more about Re’uw’el and his other name, Yithro. Re’uw’el offers Moses a place in the family, work and a wife, Tsipporah; whose name means “little bird” or “sparrow”. And, they have their first son, Gereshom. His name literally means “stranger” or “one expelled”.

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THREE TESTSThe rabbis tell us that Moses has now passed three very important tests that point him out as “the deliverer” of Israel. 1. Moses sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. The Hebrew word used

here for “beating” is “nakah” (nun-kaf-hey) and also means “kill” or “killing”. Moses intervenes. He would know the penalty for killing an Egyptian. But, Moses acts to protect his brother.

2. The next day Moses goes out and sees a Hebrew beating, or killing, another Hebrew. In order to promote peace and protect a brother Hebrew, Moses intervenes again.

3. Then, after he flees to Midyan, we read that he intervenes on behalf of Yithro’s seven daughters and the flock of sheep. Here, as a stranger, he had no way of knowing who these “shepherds” were, or the circumstances of what he was witnessing; but he comes to the rescue of the daughters of Yithro and waters the flock.

Three times he demonstrates his love and concern for people, Israel and also the “ger” or “foreigner”.

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BRING TO MINDAnd it came to be after these many days that the sovereign of

Mitsrayim died. And the children of Yisra’ĕl groaned because of the slavery, and they cried out. And their cry came up to Elohim because of the slavery. And Elohim heard their groaning, and Elohim remembered

His covenant with Abraham, with Yitshaq, and with Yaʽaqob. And Elohim looked on the children of Yisra’ĕl, and Elohim knew!

(Exodus 2:23-25) Now, one would think that when this Pharaoh, who was doing evil to the Children of Israel, died that they would be happy. But, we’re told they groaned because of the slavery and cried out. The Midrash teaches that the new Pharaoh was even harsher to them that his predecessor. But, Elohim heard their groanings and we’re told He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It’s not that Elohim forgot His covenant; the Hebrew word here is “zakar” which more perfectly means “bring to mind”. In other words, יהוה didn’t forget; He purposely brought “it” to mind. And, as יהוה looked upon the Children of Israel, He knew that it was time. 139

YITROAnd Mosheh was shepherding the flock of Yithro his father-in-law, the

priest of Midyan. And he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to Horĕb, the mountain of Elohim. (Exodus 3:1)

Moses is shepherding his father-in-law’s flock. But, his father-in-law’s name is now “Yithro”, or Jethro according to most English translations. Note: Moses rescues the “daughters” and waters the “flock”. Now, he’s elevated to shepherd, tending, feeding and watering that flock continually. His father-in-law has gone scripturally from being “Re‟uw‟el” (friend of Elohim) to “Yithro”, which means “abundant” or “that which exceeds measure” and “Yithro” also means “excellence”. Now, he’s still Re‟uw‟el, still the “Friend of El”, as he’s called by that name elsewhere. But now, he’s the “Friend of El” and he is “abundant”, he “exceeds measure” and he is “excellent”. This man, although a Midyanite (of Yishma’el), is a “Priest” whom יהוה has placed in the wilderness to meet, teach and advise His servant Moshe. He is not a pagan.

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JETHROLegends of the Jews

In the city of Midian, named thus for a son of Abraham by Keturah, the man Jethro had lived for many years, doing a priest's service before the idols. He grew more and more convinced of the vanity of idol worship. His priesthood became repugnant to him, and he resolved to give up his, charge. He stood before his townsmen, and said, "Until now I performed your service before the idols, but I have grown too old for the duties of the office. Choose, therefore, whomever you would choose in my place." ..Suspecting Jethro's hidden motives, the people put him under the ban, and none might venture to do him the slightest service. Not even would the shepherds pasture his flocks, and there was nothing for him to do but impose this work upon his seven daughters.Jethro's transformation from an idolatrous priest into a God-fearing man is conveyed by his seven names. Jether , because the Torah contains an "additional" section about him; Jethro, he "overflowed" with good deeds. Hobab, "the beloved son of God"; Reuel, "the friend of God"; Heber, "the associate of God"; Putiel, "he that hath renounced idolatry"; and Keni, he that was "zealous" for God, and "acquired" the Torah.

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MOSES / JACOB (SIMILARITIES)Comparisons between Moses and Jacob. Both men:• Flee from someone who wants to kill them• Sit at a well and meet shepherds there• Meet their future wife at the well• Help out the women at the well

o Jacob rolls the heavy rock off the mouth of the wello Moses helps the women against the shepherds

• Water the flock• Are invited to dwell in a father’s house where only afterwards

marriage is discussed• Shepherd the flocks of their respective fathers-in-law• Ask permission of his father-in-law to return to his land and at the

same time יהוה is revealed to them142

MOSES / JACOB (DIFERRENCES)When Jacob met Rachel, she was mentioned by name in the story, and he immediately knew he wanted to marry her. Consequently, he was forced to live with Laban, and their relationship was not good. The name of Moses future wife was not mentioned at the well, and the story seems to emphasize the relationship Moses had with her father. Moses comes to the home of the seven daughters because Reu’el invites him. The text does not indicate that it is for the purpose of marrying one of his daughters. A relationship is instead established between the men:And he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why did you leave the

man? Call him and let him eat bread.” And Mosheh agreed to dwell with the man, and he gave Tsipporah his daughter to Mosheh. (Exodus

2:20-21)

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GERSHOMAnd she bore him a son, and he called his name Gĕreshom, for he said, “I have become a sojourner in a foreign land.”(Exodus 2:22)The naming of Moshe’s first son gives us a brief glimpse into his thoughts at this point. He names him Gershom which means “foreigner.” Immediately after this naming, the Torah takes us back to the story of the Israelites. Is there a connection then between Moses naming of Gershom and Elohim’s decision to “remember” His covenant with His people?

And it came to be .. the sovereign of Mitsrayim died. And the children of Yisra’ĕl groaned because of the

slavery, and they cried out. And their cry came up to Elohim because of the slavery. And Elohim heard their groaning, and Elohim remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Yitshaq, and with Yaʽaqob. And Elohim

looked on the children of Yisra’ĕl, and Elohim knew! (Exodus 2:23-25)The definition of “remember” (zakar). The fact that Elohim “remembered” does not mean that He ever truly “forgot.” Brad Scott’s definition of “zakar” which is “to act on behalf of.” So in Shemot 2:24, Elohim is going to once again “act on behalf” of the covenant and the children of Israel because He “knows” them. 144

STRANGERSAnd He said to Abram, “Know for certain that your seed are to be

sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years. (Genesis 15:13)

To fulfil the terms of the covenant, the sons of Israel will have to endure three conditions. Two of these conditions have already been mentioned numerously in our Exodus text:• Enslaved - Exodus 1:13, 14; 2:23• Afflicted - Exodus 1:11, 12• Strangers/sojourners The Israelites had assimilated into the culture in many ways. It is not mentioned that they yet thought of themselves as “strangers.” They had to go through trials and tribulations to come to that understanding. David writes in the Psalms how he feels about this earth:

I am a sojourner in the earth; Do not hide Your commands from me. (Psalms 119:19)

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יהושעWhen speaking to those receiving an inheritance, יהושע described Himself as a “stranger” who was served by the righteous:

“Then the Sovereign shall say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the reign prepared for you from the

foundation of the world – for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me

in, was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous shall answer Him,

saying, ‘Master, when did we see You hungry and we fed You, or thirsty and gave You to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger and took You in, or naked and clothed You? ‘And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and we came to You?’ “And the Sovereign shall answer and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in so far as you did it to one of the least of

these My brothers, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40)146

PATRIARCHS & US The book of Hebrews notes that all of the patriarchs thought of themselves as “strangers” and looked forward to the heavenly city:

In belief all these died, not having received the promises but seeing them from a distance, welcomed and embraced them, and confessed

that they were aliens and strangers on the earth. For those who speak this way make it clear that they seek a fatherland. And yet, if they had indeed kept remembering that place from which they had come out, they would have had the chance to return. But now they long for a

better place, that is, a heavenly. Therefore Elohim is not ashamed to be called their Elohim, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews

11:13-16)We are strangers and aliens to the land but not from the household of God So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens

with the set-apart ones and members of the household of Elohim. (Ephesians 2:19)

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ADONAI APPEARSAnd the Messenger of יהוה appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. And he looked and saw the bush burning with fire, but

the bush was not consumed. (Exodus 3:2)Here, Moses speaks with Elohim. The verse says, the Messenger (malach) of Elohim. However this “Malach” says that He is Elohim יהוה speaks to Moshe from a “s‟neh” or “thorn bush” that burns but is not consumed. יהוה refers to Himself as a “consuming fire” four times in Scripture. Twice we see incidents where His fire consumes, but does not burn up. First, in our parsha and then when Moses shepherds Elohim’s flock back to this mountain in Shemot Exodus 24:15-18; And Moshe went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. And the esteem of יהוה dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moshe out of the midst of the cloud. And the appearance of the esteem of יהוה was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain, before the eyes of the children of Yisra‟el.. The appearance of the “Shekinah” or “Esteem of is also the “consuming fire” that indeed burns up, as in the case ”יהוהof Nadab and Abihu and/or when He judges our works.

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HIS NAMEAnd יהוה said, …“And now, see, the cry of the children of Yisra’ĕl has come to

Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Mitsrites oppress them. “And now, come, I am sending you to Pharaoh, to bring My people, the children of Yisra’ĕl, out of Mitsrayim.” And Mosheh said to Elohim, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Yisra’ĕl out

of Mitsrayim?” And He said, “Because I am with you. And this is to you the sign that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of

Mitsrayim, you are to serve Elohim on this mountain.” And Mosheh said to Elohim, “See, when I come to the children of Yisra’ĕl and say to them, ‘The

Elohim of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His Name?’ what shall I say to them?” And Elohim said to Mosheh, “I am that

which I am.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” And Elohim said further to Mosheh, “Thus you are to say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘יהוה Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham,

the Elohim of Yitshaq, and the Elohim of Yaʽaqob, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance to all generations.’ (Exodus

3:7-15)

NAME TO BE REMEMBERED BYIsrael had not forgotten Elohim’s name as they have been crying out to Him. But, Moses supposed that the people would be sarcastic in their respons. יהוה provides Moses the words of gentile correction; “hayah asher hayah”, “I shall be as I shall be”. Tell the people, “I shall be as sent me”. In other words, “Don’t question Me in that manner. I will be as I will be. That’s all you need to know. I will be.” But then, Elohim tells Moses; .. יהוה Elohim of your fathers ..So, יהוה His remembrance Name. The Hebrew word here is “zeker” which means “memorial” or “remembrance”. Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee lexicon states that it is “a name by which one is remembered”. One day, when Mashiach returns to Yerushalayim, and at the time of the “Great Redemption”, we will know Him by another name, as we read in “See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall raise for Dawid a Branch of righteousness, and a Sovereign shall reign and act wisely, and shall do right-ruling and righteousness in the earth. “In His days

Yehudah shall be saved, and Yisra’ĕl dwell safely. And this is His Name whereby He shall be called: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’ ..(Jeremiah 23:5-

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ATTRIBUTESHis name reveals that His attributes* are limitless. It appears to be the composite of:• He was• He is• He will be We find this same description of יהושע “I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Taw’, Beginning and End,” says יהוה “who is

and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

*A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguishedAn abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity

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THE STAFFAnd Mosheh answered and said, “And if they do not believe me, nor listen to my voice, and say, ‘יהוה has not appeared to you?’ ” And יהוה said to him, “What is

that in your hand?” And he said, “A rod.” And He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent. And Mosheh

fled from it. And יהוה said to Mosheh, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” – so he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand

– (Exodus 4:1-4)The shepherd’s rod represents a leader’s calling and work. It’s what he uses to lead the sheep. When we let it “loose” or “out of control”, it can easily become a serpent, a tool of the “enemy” doing what it was not intended to do, misleading the flock along with the shepherd. The Hebrew word here for “rod” is “matteh” which is also “branch” or “tribe”. If a tribe, or tribes, are let loose, they too can become as a serpent, doing evil against themselves and their brothers. When Moshe came down from the mountain after the first forty days on Sinai and saw the Children of Israel celebrating and worshipping the golden calf, he asked Aaron, “What have you done? The people are let loose.” They were out of control.

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LEPROCYAnd יהוה said to him again, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, and see, his hand was leprous, like

snow. And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and see, it was restored like his other

flesh. (Exodus 4:6-7) tells Moses to place his hand in his bosom and when he takes it out, it’s as יהוהleprous as snow. The word used here for “bosom” is “cheyq” which refers to the “inner person” or one’s “heart”; not “heart” as in “lev”, but “cheyq” as in “seat of emotions”. Torah tells us that man’s heart is evil continually. Our heart tends to be at the very least “self-serving”. Moses’s “hand”, like our hand represents “works” and “callings” in Scripture. We must not let any leprosy grow in our heart, as it will infect our works and callings. It eventually kills; but, only after much disfigurement, pain and suffering. That’s why Torah, in Leviticus, tells us how leprosy is healed. That first, we are to be separated (set-apart), then cleansed (repentance and washing) and then we give thanks (make an offering). Even, when יהושע healed the leper, in Matthew 8, He told him to present himself to the priest and make his offering, as a witness of his healing.

BLOOD“And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. And the water which you take from the river shall become

blood on the dry land.” (Exodus 4:9)There is a voice that is the loudest voice of all. Genesis 4:9-10.. The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. There’s another who would come and His blood would be poured out as a witness in fulfilment of the scriptures. This is the “sign” of the Redeemer; “water”, the “Word” turning to “Blood”, “the “Covering”. While these words would be said of הושע many hundreds of years later in 1 John 5:6-9; these words certainly applied to Moses, a picture of יהושע :HaMashiach; This is the One that came by water and blood הושעMessiah, not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is the Truth. Because there are three who bear witness: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood. And the three are in agreement. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of Elohim is greater, because this is the witness of Elohim which He has witnessed concerning His Son. 154