January 24-30th

Parashat B'Shelach, "When he sent"
Torah: Exodus 13:17-17:16
Haftarah:Judges 4:4-5:31
NT: Mark 6

In this portion, we see evidence of a see-saw faith that the Israelites have in G-d's provisions. There several sources that refer to this time of Israel's exodus as a time of testing:
First, they travel out of Egypt, but rather than going the most direct route out, G-d brings them to the sea, where they would be trapped. Furthermore, he strengthens Pharaoh's heart one final time to pursue the Israelites, causing them even more distress. The Israelites naturally panic. However, with great drama, the L-rd "saves" them by taking them through the Reed Sea. In Ex. 14:23 we read the words, "Stand fast and see the salvtion of the L-rd..." In Hebrew, this includes the phrase, "Yehuat Adonai." While it might be stretching it to say that they "saw Yeshua," but certainly their coming to "know" the L-rd is described here as "salvation." We can literally say that the Israelites were "saved." For them, the process of being saved even included immersion into the Reed Sea. The Scripture is fairly clear that they did not become wet; nevertheless, they were "in the sea."

Upon exiting the sea, the Israelites see their miraculous deliverance from Egyptians. Not only that, but Egypt as a political power has completely been destroyed. Without their army, they would be completely vulnerable. Yet not only was their security gone, but so was their wealth, as it was being carried away into the wilderness with the Israelites. Furthermore, their land had been severely decimated. Recovery for Egypt was going to take a very long time.

Upon witnessing this miracle, Israel breaks forth in praise and worship of the L-rd. For those who read from the Artscroll Chumash, there is a reference to the structure of this song (Shira) on page 375. The structure reflects the new understanding and realization that Israel has about herself--the reason for the Egyptian captivity as well as the fear of the L-rd that the rest of the nations would have in regards to the people of G-d. The miracles in Egypt were awesome, and no one on Earth could deny them. Even today, people fear of the time when those plagues might reoccur The Israelites were (are) a living testimony to a loving G-d. Their deliverance demonstrates the lengths by which He goes to protect His people. The reaction of the Caananite nations would be fear. At the sea, Israel knew WHERE they were going. They understood their past, they praised G-d in the present, and they knew where they were going. (If any of us in our personal lives can accomplish this level of clarity, we too would praise G-d the way the Israelites did by the sea.)

Yet, Israel did not remain by the sea. Instead, we read about them only three days later grumbling about food and water. Of course, if any of us were in this situation, we'd complain for water, too. Unlike the later complaints that we read about in Numbers, these initial complaints are deemed reasonable by G-d, though He is disappointed in their grumbling. He provides them with sweet water and manna without causing the death of any of the people. In later episodes where the people complain, there comes with these grumblings loss of life by the grumblers.

Embedded within the story about the giving of manna are instructions about the Sabbath. While they were all alloted their heavenly food alotments (unlike our government food assistance programs), there was a certain amount of work expected to be done for this free allotment. They were required to actually go outside and collect it. It is interesting that they learn about the Sabbath while learning how to collect the manna. For 6 days, the people were expected to work. Even if this work was provided by heavenly assistance, they were expected to DO something. Not only that, but they had to prepare in regards to the Sabbath. No allotments were coming for the Sabbath. If you wanted to eat on the Sabbath, you'd better collect double the amount on Friday. What is interesting is that the Sabbath was not just one of the ten commandments. The Sabbath was given to man on the seventh day of creation and has been in force every since. The Israelites kept the Sabbath before the Torah was given. I wonder why it is that many believe that Yeshua's coming has somehow "changed" the Sabbath. The Sabbath was there even before Torah.

Finally, the last part of this Torah portion deals with the battle against the Amalekites. Ex. 17:8 simply states, "Amalek came and battled Israel in Rephidim." There are plently of questions as to why Amalek would come out of its territory into the wilderness just to battle against the Israelites. This is serious hatred. The Amalekites are descendants of the grandson of Esau, Amalek. Rabbi's of many generations simply refer to Amalek as the embodiment of evil, while Israel is the embodiment for good. Thus, the whole raising of the hands by Moses can be seen as a testimony of Torah throughout history. When the Israelites uphold the Torah, than the Amalekites are being defeated; however, when Moses arms are let down, the Amalekites are gaining ground. In our near and present history, we have seen evidence of Jewish people's love for Torah, and the resurrection of Israel; to times when Jewish people disdain or dismiss Torah, following which there are often serious troubles in the world and in Israel.
As believers in Messiah, not only do we need to be supportive of G-d's people, but we also need to be engaged in our level of Torah study and sharing of Torah knowledge throughout the world.

Even now, rather than sleeping after a long week, I stay up to write this short summary of the Torah portion, because I truly believe that we need to be like Aaron and Hur, upholding the legacy of Torah, not because we just like to sit around and eat Shabbat meals and needlessly study, but because the upholding of the Torah brings about the defeat of the Amalekites, or the defeat of evil. One day soon, this war will end, and only the good will remain. Until then, continue studying! Shabbat Shalom.