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.

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'im:
Isaiah 13; 26:17-20; 27:6-28; 29:22-23: Prophecies of judgment, deliverance, and hope. Isaiah's messages reflect themes of oppression, judgment, and eventual redemption, mirroring Israel's situation in Egypt.

Writings:
Psalms 119:71; 78:9-10: Acknowledgment of suffering as a means of spiritual growth, fitting the theme of Israel's trials in Egypt and their reliance on YHVH's covenant.

Gospels and Epistles:
Matthew 2:1-12: The birth of Y'shua and Herod's attempt to kill Him draws a parallel to Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew boys, showing both as figures who resist YHVH's plan.
Luke 5:12-39: Y'shua heals and calls disciples, which reflects Moses' mission to liberate and lead Israel in a time of need.
Acts 5:27-32; 7:17-36; 12-15; 22:1-22; 24:14-16: Apostolic accounts that highlight YHVH's faithfulness in delivering His people, drawing on the story of the Exodus to emphasize Y'shua's role in salvation.
Hebrews 12:5-8, 11; 11:23-26: The theme of enduring trials and YHVH's discipline, paralleling the testing and growth of Israel in Egypt.

Apocrypha:
Enoch 106:1-4: Reference to the birth of Noah and divine intervention, drawing a parallel to Moses as a chosen deliverer.
2 Esdras 14:1-3: YHVH's guidance to chosen servants, reflecting Moses' role in leading Israel.
Jasher 58-79: Additional background on Moses' life and the Israelites' oppression in Egypt.
Sirach 2: A call to trust YHVH in trials, fitting the experience of Israel under oppression.

Major Themes and Reflections

YHVH's Covenant Faithfulness:
Despite Israel's oppression, YHVH's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remains strong. He hears Israel's cries and initiates their deliverance.

Reflection: Do we trust in YHVH's covenant promises during difficult times? How do we see His faithfulness today?

The Power of a Calling:
Moses, despite his initial hesitation, is called to a pivotal role in YHVH's plan of redemption. His encounter with YHVH at the burning bush reveals a purpose greater than his own fears.

Reflection: What has YHVH called us to do? How can we respond with faith, even when we feel inadequate?

Opposition and Perseverance:
Pharaoh's resistance and oppression of Israel symbolize worldly powers opposing YHVH's plans. This section highlights the importance of perseverance and reliance on YHVH.

Reflection: How do we handle opposition?
Do we rely on our own strength or YHVH's?

The Revelation of YHVH's Name:
YHVH reveals Himself as "I Am Who I Am" (Exodus 3:14), emphasizing His eternal nature and unchanging power.

Reflection: How does the nature of YHVH as "I Am" shape our understanding of Him and our faith?

Divine Timing and Purpose:
YHVH waited for the right time to intervene, demonstrating that His timing is perfect. The story reminds us that YHVH works according to His plan, even when we do not understand the delay.

Reflection: Are we patient and trusting in YHVH's timing, even when it seems delayed?

Deliverance Foreshadowing Redemption:
Moses' mission to free Israel foreshadows the work of Y'shua, who ultimately delivers humanity from spiritual slavery. Both act under YHVH's authority to lead His people to freedom.

Reflection: How do we see Y'shua's role as Deliverer mirrored in the life and mission of Moses?

Suffering as a Means of Growth:
Israel's suffering in Egypt served a purpose, drawing them closer to YHVH and building their reliance on Him. In the same way, trials refine and deepen faith.

Reflection: How can we view our own hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper faith?

Application for Today
The opening chapters of Exodus reveal that YHVH's promises endure through time, even when circumstances appear bleak. YHVH's choice of Moses—a man who doubted his own abilities—underscores that YHVH equips those He calls, regardless of human limitations. This passage invites us to trust in YHVH's faithfulness, respond courageously to His calling, and view our hardships as avenues for growth.

The story of Moses also encourages us to act as agents of freedom and justice in the world, following YHVH's example of compassion for the oppressed. As YHVH delivered Israel, we are called to help others experience liberation in Y'shua, the ultimate Redeemer.

Let us remember that YHVH's timing is always perfect. The story of the Exodus challenges us to have patience in waiting and perseverance in hardship, trusting that YHVH hears, sees, and will act on behalf of His people. May we hold fast to His promises, trust His guidance, and remain steadfast in our faith journey.

Study Questions:
How does this week's Torah portion relate to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
Which readings did you find most interesting or impactful?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portion?
What is the general theme of this reading, and how does it apply to our lives today?