TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 13 SHEMOT

13 - Torah Portion: Shemot ("Names") שְׁמוֹת

Portion Summary
The book of Exodus opens with Parashat Shemot, meaning "Names," a title taken from the first verse where the names of Jacob's sons are listed. This portion recounts the rise of a new Pharaoh who oppresses Israel, the birth and calling of Moses, and the first signs of YHVH's intention to deliver Israel from slavery. The story of Moses' early life, his encounter with YHVH at the burning bush, and his initial demand to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go are central to this reading.

In this thirteenth week of our Torah reading. Shemot is both the title of the second book in the Torah and the first portion within it. The word Shemot means "names," taken from the book's opening phrase: "Now these are the names (shemot) of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob" (Exodus 1:1).

In English, this book is called Exodus, which derives from the Greek title Exodus Aigyptou ("Departure from Egypt"), referring to the Israelites' departure from Egyptian bondage.

Exodus tells the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their miraculous redemption through YHVH's chosen prophet, Moses, the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and the construction of both the golden calf and the Tabernacle.

As we begin Exodus, Israel appears to be in a state of suffering and oppression. Yet YHVH remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sending a Redeemer to deliver their descendants for the sake of His name and love.

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Opening Prayer:
Hebrew:
ברוךאתה אדונאי יהוה אבינו ריבון הבריאה אשרנתן לנו את תורת האמת שלך,משתילבתוכנו חיי נצח באמצעות ישוע משיחנו,ברוךאתה ה'אלוקינואדונאי מלך הבריאה.

broch ata adonai yahva avinu ribon habri'a asher natan lenu et toret ha'amet shlach, mishtil betuchnu hay nitzch be'amtza'ot yeshua mesichanu, broch ata h' elokinu adonai melech habri'a.

English:
Blessed are you Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has given us your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life through Y'shua our Messiah, Blessed are you YHVH Eloheinu Adonai, King of Creation.

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Torah
Exodus 1:1–6:1: This main section details Israel's suffering under Pharaoh's harsh rule, Moses' birth and upbringing, his exile to Midian, and his calling at the burning bush. YHVH commissions Moses to deliver Israel, marking the beginning of their redemption story.
Deuteronomy 32:13: A reflection on YHVH's past provision for Israel, paralleling His continued care and deliverance.
Numbers 12:1-2: Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, foreshadowing the challenges Moses would face, even from within his own people.

Targum
Exodus 1:1–6:1: Expansions on Moses' encounters and dialogues with Pharaoh. The Targum adds depth to Moses' hesitation and YHVH's encouragement.
Exodus 3:14: YHVH reveals His name as "I Am Who I Am," highlighting His eternal and self-sustaining nature.

Nevi'em
Isaiah 13: This chapter contains a prophetic oracle against Babylon, predicting its destruction as a result of divine judgment, illustrating the fall of the proud and the catastrophic consequences of Babylon's sins by the will of YHVH.
Isaiah 26:17-20: In these verses, the prophet compares Israel's distress to a woman in labor and calls for YHVH's deliverance, urging them to trust in YHVH's protection, and encouraging the faithful to wait for YHVH's redemption.
Isaiah 27:6-28: This passage speaks of the future restoration of Israel, where YHVH will punish Israel's enemies and bring the people back from exile, describing the fruitful and peaceful future of the land as a result of YHVH's favor.
Isaiah 29:22-23: These verses promise the restoration of Israel, highlighting the reversal of their shame into honor, and the fulfillment of YHVH's plan when the people see the work of YHVH in their midst, bringing glory to His name.