Tag Archives: Exodus

The Seven Steps of Redemption

Posted on by
2

Exodus 6:1–9, YHVH redeems Israel. 

The stage is set for Israel’s redemption in Exodus 5:22–23. Yet Moses’ first venture to Pharaoh was a disaster. The plight of the children of Israel had deteriorated instead of improved. Discouraged, Moses almost takes on an accusative tone toward YHVH (Exod 5:22–23). Graciously, YHVH doesn’t rebuke Moses, but as a loving Father encourages him to refocus on his word and the veracity and surety of his promises (Exod 6:2–5).

YHVH encouraged Moses upward and onward despite his discouraging first attempt at gaining the release of the ­children of Israel. Is it possible that YHVH allowed immediate success to elude Moses at his first encounter with Pharaoh to bring Moses “to the end of himself” with regard to any tendency he might have had to rely primarily on himself and on his own wisdom to accomplish Elohim’s plans? After all, Moses, as either Pharaoh’s adopted grandson or his nephew (depending on whether this was the Pharaoh of Moses’ childhood or his son), had an “in” with the monarch that could have been exploited for the benefit of securing the release of Israel. As YHVH wanted Moses to rely on him alone for Israel’s deliverance, even so YHVH wants us to rely on him alone to accomplish his purposes in our lives and not primarily on any human abilities that we may possess. We have to be totally emptied of ourselves before we’re ready for the Master’s use. This doesn’t mean he won’t use our natural abilities or what he have gained through life’s experiences, but we must learn to submit all that we have and are to his sovereign will. In this way, YHVH, not man, gets the glory when success occurs (Jer 9:22–23).

Additionally, YHVH reaffirmed his covenant promises to Moses using his covenant name, YHVH, three times (Exod 6:6, 7, 8). Here are some other examples of how Scripture uses Continue reading →

 

The Importance of Using the Biblical Names of Elohim

Posted on by
4

Exodus 3:14–15, I AM THAT I AM. The name YHVH is Elohim’s memorial name forever. It reflects that fact that he is; that he is undefinable in human terms, and that he has always existed. This is the name by which he is to be remembered (not forgotten as is the case with the ineffable name concept of the rabbinic Jews whereby the names of deity are forbidden to be used).

The Scriptures clearly teach us that YHVH wants his people to use his Hebrew names and titles (e.g. YHVH, Yah, El, Elohim, Adonai and Yeshua). If not, than why is “YHVH,” the personal name of the biblical deity, found in the Tanakh (or Old Testament) almost 7000 times?

Despite the proliferation of the name YHVH in the Bible, men are not to use his name carelessly as the third commandments teaches us (Exod 20:7).

The problem is that YHVH’s people have forgotten YHVH’s Hebrew names and worshipped pagan gods instead (Ps 44:20; Jer 23:27). Interesting, it’s a fact that most of our common English substitutes for the Hebrew names of Elohim derive from the names of pagan deities (e.g. God, Lord, Holy, Christ, Jesus). At the same time, the Scriptures prophesy that YHVH’s name will be restored and used again (Jer 23:6; 31:23; Ezek 39:7).

Interestingly, Satan’s name has never been changed down through the millennia from one language to another. The names of significant Hebrew biblical personalities along with Greek and Roman notable historical figures remain essentially unchanged to our day. However, the Hebrew names of Elohim and his Messiah not only have been changed, but often masked under the names of pre-exisiting pagan deities. Doesn’t this sound like a Continue reading →

 

Overview of the Book of Exodus (Main Themes)

Posted on by
3

Exodus (Heb. Shemot) is the book whose principle theme is redemption—Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Here we learn how YHVH saves his people and we are shown that his people are redeemed in order to worship him.

The Theme of Redemption

Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, “I am YHVH, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your Elohim; and you shall know that I am YHVH your Elohim, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am YHVH.” (Exod 6:6–8, emphasis added)

Worship

And he said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be a token unto you, that I have sent you, when you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve Elohim upon this mountain.” (Exod 3:12, emphasis added)

And I say unto you, “Let my son go, that he may serve me, and if you refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay your son, even your firstborn.” (Exod 4:23, emphasis added)

And you shall say unto him, “YHVH Elohim of the Hebrews has sent me to you, saying, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness, and, behold, until now you would not hear.’” (Exod 7:16, emphasis added)

The Basic Outline of Exodus

Chapters 1–6 show us the need for redemption.

Chapters 7–11 show us the power or might of the Redeemer as the ten plagues are poured out upon Egypt.

Chapters 12–18 show us the character of redemption; purchased by blood and emancipated by power.

Chapters 19–24 teaches us the duty of the redeemed.

Chapters 25–40 instructs us about the restoration of the redeemed—provisions are made for the failures of the redeemed when they fall spiritually.

The Metaphors in Exodus

Egypt is a metaphor for the world, the place of sin and bondage where one is held captive before being delivered or redeemed by the power of YHVH and the blood of Yeshua, the Lamb of Elohim. It is interesting to note that ­although Egypt was the land of science and art, it was simultaneously the land of death in that their religion that is was morbidly fixated with death.

Pharaoh is a metaphor for Satan, a merciless taskmaster who opposes the people of YHVH every step of the way.

Pharaoh’s magicians represents demonic spirits that are active in the world and are doing Pharaoh’s (Satan’s) bidding in opposing Israel, the people of Elohim, and Elohim’s plans.

Moses is a prophetic metaphor for Yeshua (his first coming), the Deliverer of his people from the bondage and power of sin, death and hell, which is the power of the enemy, Satan.

The blood of the lamb on the door posts is a metaphor for Yeshua, the Redeemer, whose death on the cross atoned for man’s sins causing YHVH’s judgment against sin to pass over his people.

The crossing of the Red Sea is a metaphor the saint’s union with Messiah Yeshua in his death and resurrection via the ritual of tevilah (immersion or baptism) at a mikvah (a gathering of waters).

The journey through the wilderness is a metaphor for the trials and testing that occur during the redeemed believer’s spiritual walk through this life with YHVH’s provision to meet every need and his protection from every attack of the adversary.

The giving of the Torah represents one’s spiritual walk after having exited spiritual Egypt, and teaches YHVH’s people the importance of obedience and submission that they owe him for freeing them from Satan and the world. He is now their new Master.

The Tabernacle of Moses with its furnishings is a picture, layout or blueprint of the steps in YHVH’s plan of redemption (salvation) for mankind and the steps in man’s spiritual maturation into intimacy with the Father through Yeshua the Messiah. It is like a giant gospel tract!

 

Parashat Pekudei Exodus 38:21-40:38

Posted on by
Reply

 

Exodus 38:21-40:38

Haftorah Reading

1 Kings 7:51–8:21

Testimony of Yeshua

  • On the ark of the testimony: cts 7:44; Revelation 11:19
  • On the priestly, wedding garments of the saints: atthew 22:12; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 3:4–5, 18; 19:7–8
  • On the golden band or belt worn by the glorified Yeshua: evelation 1:13
  • On Yeshua, Our Great High Priest, carrying our burdens on his shoulders: atthew 11:28–30; Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:24–25; 9:11–10:21; 1 John 2:1
  • On the saints’ breastplate of righteousness: phesians 6:14
  • On the 12 tribes of Israel represented in the New Jerusalem: evelation 21:12,19–21
  • On the saints receiving crowns:  Corinthians 9:25; Phil 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; 3:11 cp. 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
  • On the saints having the name of YHVH written on their foreheads: evelation 14:1, 22:4–5
  • On the saints being holy: omans 6:19, 22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7; Hebrews 12:14
  • On the saints being spiritual menorahs for YHVH: atthew 5:14–16; Philippians 2:15; Revelation 1:12–13; 2:1
  • On the prayers of the saints being as sweet incense before YHVH’s throne: evelation 5:8; 8:3
  • On the temple of Elohim in heaven: ebrews 9:23–24; Revelation 11:19; 15:5, 8
  • On Yeshua’s sacrifice on the altar for our sins: ebrews 13:10–13; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 13:8
  • On the priesthood: ebrews 5:1–11; 7:1–8:6
  • On YHVH’s glory cloud:  Corinthians 10:1; Revelation 15:8

Outline of This Week’s Parashah

  • —38:21 The Accounting or Sum of the Materials (Gold, Silver and Brass) Used in Constructing the Tabernacle
  • —39:1 Aaron’s Priestly Robes
  • —39:2 The Ephod
  • —39:8 The Breastplate
  • —39:22 The Robe of the Ephod
  • —39:27 Tunics of Linen
  • —39:30 The Golden Head-Plate or Crown
  • —39:33 Moses Inspects the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings and Blesses Them
  • —40:1 YHVH Issues the Command to Set Up the Tabernacle on the First Day of the First Month of the Second Year After the Exodus From Egypt
  • —40:17 The Tabernacle Is Erected
  • —40:35 The Kavod or Glory of YHVH Fills the Tabernacle; The Glory Cloud Leads Israel Through the Wilderness

Study Questions for This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion)

1— 38:21, This is the sum of the Tabernacle. Compared to the gold and silver used in the Temples of Solomon and Herod, the amounts listed here in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) of Moses are insignificant. Both temples fell into enemy hands and were looted and destroyed. Not so with the mishkan. Additionally, the mishkan surpassed both temples in sanctity showing that YHVH places his presence not where there is wealth (or power, prestige, knowledge, acclaim, accolades, credentials), but where there is set-apartness and righteousness. What are your heart motives, priorities and orientation for serving YHVH—for wanting to be a spiritual temple or tabernacle for him to dwell in? Are you seeking to be set-apart and righteous out of a sincere and humble heart or out of a desire for power, prestige, wealth and acclaim in your life and using “sanctification” as an outward facade to look good to others? In 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 we read,

For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but Elohim has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Elohim has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has Elohim chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.

 2— 39:1, The holy garments for Aaron. The vestments of the high priest (kohen hagadol) are symbolic of the robes of righteousness that saints should be wearing in preparation for the return of the Messiah. Gold symbolizes purity of heart. Blue symbolizes heaven and spirituality. White linen pictures robes of righteousness. White symbolizes purity and Continue reading →

 

Parashah Vayakhel — Exodus 35:1-38:20

Posted on by
Reply

Exodus 35:1-38:20

Haftorah Reading

1 Kings 7:13–26, 40–50

Testimony of Yeshua

  • On violating YHVH commands: ebrews 10:26–31
  • On giving to YHVH’s work:  Corinthians 9:1–15
  • On YHVH’s spiritual temple:  Corinthians 3:9–17
  • On spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the spiritual house of Elohim:  Corinthians 12:4–11; James 1:17
  • On the ministry of the Tabernacle: ebrews 8:1–5; 9:1–28

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion)

  • —35:1 The Sabbath: No Work, No Fires
  • —35:4 The People to Contribute Materials for the Building of the Tabernacle
  • —35:10 The Israelites Invited to Participate in the Construction of the Tabernacle
  • —35:30 The Master Craftsmen Are Selected: Bezalel (of Judah) and Aholiab (of Dan)
  • —36:1 More Than Enough Workers and Materials Pour In
  • —36:8 The Work of Building the Tabernacle Begins: Making the Curtains
  • —36:19 Making the Cover
  • —36:20 Making the Planks (Walls) of the Tabernacle and Their Components
  • —36:35 Making the Partitions for the Interior
  • —36:37 Making the Screen for the Entrance to the Tabernacle
  • —37:1 Making the Ark of the Covenant
  • —37:6 Making the Cover (Mercy Seat) for the Ark
  • —37:10 Making the Table of Showbread
  • —37:17 Making the Menorah
  • —37:25 Making the Altar of Incense
  • —38:1 Making the Elevation Offering Altar
  • —38:8 Making the Bronze Laver
  • —38:9 Making the Linen Fence Around the Outer Courtyard
  • —38:18 The Screen of the Gate of the Courtyard

Study Questions for This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion)

1— 35:2, The seventh day … shall be … a set-apart day. In our journey through the Torah, the subject of the seventh day Sabbath keeps popping up. When YHVH said in Exodus 20:8 to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it set-apart (Heb. kadosh),” he keeps reminding them of it so that they won’t forget it! What does this tell us about the importance YHVH places on the weekly Sabbath? With each reminder, he gives additional instructions about how to keep the Sabbath. (Quickly review YHVH’s instructions in the Torah up to this point pertaining to the Sabbath: Gen 2:2–3; Exod 16:23–30; 20:8–11.)

2— Exodus 35:3, Kindle no fire…on the Sabbath day. There are several prevailing viewpoints on the exact meaning of this passage. Let’s explore them.

The Orthodox Jews take literally the Torah’s prohibition to kindle no fire on the Sabbath. As such, many do not turn on a light switch or start their cars (i.e., fire in the spark plugs) on the Sabbath for fear of violating this command. To counter balance this viewpoint, the Torah does indicate that the priest lit the menorah in the tabernacle each morning, the Sabbath not excluded (Exod 27:21–21; 30:7). So, for ministry purposes, lighting a fire seems not to be prohibited.

There is also the viewpoint that since the next verse (Exod 34:4) begins YHVH’s instructions to build the tabernacle, the immediate context of the Sabbath-fire passage has to do with not starting fires that pertain only to one’s trade or job—in Israel’s case, their job was the building of the mishkan. Fires would have been needed for tanning hides, working with metal, and possibly bending wood and dying cloth along with other activities.

This we know for certain. On the Sabbath, YHVH’s people are not to bake, cook or prepare food from scratch (Exod 16:23), but reheating food seems not to be prohibited—something that is even permitted in some Orthodox Jewish circles today. What is the bottom line issue here? We are to cease creating on the Sabbath, and cooking food from scratch (as opposed to reheating) changes the chemistry of the food which constitutes creating something (i.e., transforming something from its original state into another state). So fires for cooking would have been prohibited, to be sure. Food must be prepared ahead of time on the sixth day.

Is this Torah command forbidding the lighting of fires for heat and light? Some would say yes, since part of preparing for the Sabbath involves insuring that your heating fire and Continue reading →

 

Let our robes of righteousness speak louder than our words!

Posted on by
2

Exodus 39:1, The holy garments for Aaron. The vestments of the high priest (kohen hagadol) are symbolic of the robes of righteousness that saints should be wearing in preparation for the return of the Messiah.

Gold symbolizes purity of heart. Blue symbolizes heaven and spirituality. White linen pictures robes of righteousness. White symbolizes purity and sinlessness. Red represents blood—the blood of Yeshua that cleanses from sin. The high priest wore a belt that represents truth, according to Paul (Eph 6:14). White linen pants represented sexual purity. The white turban represented purity of thought and humility (the opposite of conceit). He wore a gold crown inscribed with the words, “Kadosh l’YHVH” meaning “Set-Apart to YHVH.” The dangling pomegranates represented the fruits of the Spirit of Elohim, which should be manifesting in the life of the saint. The golden bells jingled when the priest walked. As we walk through life, people should hear and see our good spiritual fruits.

All of our actions speak loudly and clearly as to who we are and what we believe. Also, Yeshua said that our words reveal the true condition of our heart (Luke 6:45). How do people really view us? What are we really like when we are alone—our thought life and our words—our secret life? Is there a discrepancy between our secret and public lives? If so why? How set apart and righteous are we … in reality?

If we are called to be a set-apart priesthood then hadn’t we better get busy cleaning up our act and start acting like one?

Jewish tradition tells us that a rope was tied to the leg of the high priest in Second Temple times so that while ministering in the innermost sanctuary of the temple if he was impure and YHVH struck him dead (as happened to Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, when they offered up strange fire) the corpse could be dragged out by the rope. Doesn’t all this show us that we should take being righteous and set apart seriously? Remember Hebrews 12:14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man will see the Master.”

 

YHVH looks at the heart, not the heart’s “house”

Posted on by
Reply

Exodus 38:21, This is the sum of the Tabernacle. Compared to the gold and silver used in the temples of Solomon and Herod, the amounts listed here in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) of Moses are insignificant.

Both temples fell into enemy hands and were looted and destroyed. Not so with the mishkan. Additionally, the mishkan surpassed both temples in sanctity showing that YHVH places his presence not where there is wealth (or power, prestige, knowledge, acclaim, accolades, credentials), but where there is set-apartness and righteousness.

What are your heart motives, priorities and orientation for serving YHVH—for wanting to be a spiritual temple or tabernacle for him to dwell in? Are you seeking to be set-apart and righteous out of a sincere and humble heart or out of a desire for power, prestige, wealth and acclaim in your life and using “sanctification” as an outward facade to look good to others? In 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 we read,

For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but Elohim has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Elohim has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has Elohim chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.