TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 14 VA'ERA

14 - Torah Portion: Va'era ("And I Appeared") וָאֵרָא

Portion Summary:
Va'eira, the portion from (Exodus 6:1–9:35), recounts the initial plagues YHVH sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The name Va'eira means "I appeared," referring to YHVH's statement in (Exodus 6:3) "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as Aravat Almighty, but by My name YHVH, was not known to them." 

This portion highlights YHVH's covenant faithfulness, His power over creation, and His judgment on Egypt's mighty ones. YHVH sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to demand the release of His people, resulting in the first seven plagues: blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, and hail. Despite these judgments, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened.

In this fourteenth reading from the Book of Exodus and fourteenth reading from the Torah is named Va'era, meaning "And I Appeared." The title is taken from the second verse, where YHVH says, "And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as Aravat Almighty" (Exodus 6:3).

This portion begins with four expressions of redemption, where YHVH promises to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. The narrative includes the first seven of the ten plagues that YHVH unleashed on Egypt.

Torah:
Exodus 6:1–9:35: YHVH reaffirms His covenant with Israel and initiates the plagues on Egypt. The sequence of the plagues demonstrates YHVH's sovereignty over creation and His determination to free Israel from bondage.
Deuteronomy 4:1-10; 28:15; 28:21-22: Warnings about obedience and the consequences of disobedience, paralleling Pharaoh's refusal to heed YHVH's commands and the resulting plagues.

Targum:
Exodus 6:16; 7:9-11; 9:7; 9:19-21: Expanded commentary on the genealogies, the signs performed by Moses and Aaron, and the reactions of Pharaoh and his advisors.

Writings:
Ecclesiastes 1: A reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the futility of human endeavors apart from YHVH's purpose, resonating with Pharaoh's futile resistance to YHVH.
Psalms 19:7-17: Praises for YHVH's law, emphasizing its perfection, righteousness, and ability to enlighten, which contrasts with the stubbornness of Pharaoh.
Proverbs 16:1-3: Encouragement to commit one's plans to YHVH, a sharp contrast to Pharaoh's self-centered plans.

Nevi'im:
Ezekiel 28:25; 29:21; 37:28: Prophecies of YHVH's deliverance of Israel and His sanctification among the nations, echoing the purpose of the plagues to reveal YHVH's power.
Isaiah 65:1-25: YHVH's promise of new creation and justice, reinforcing His identity as a just ruler who rescues and restores His people.

Gospels and Epistles:
Luke 11:14-22: Y'shua's power over unclean spirits, symbolizing His authority over all spiritual forces and reflecting the power displayed through the plagues in Egypt.
John 20:28-29: Thomas' confession of Y'shua as Mashiach and Son of Yah, affirming Y'shua's divine authority.
James 1:25: Blessing in obedience, contrasting with the curses of disobedience seen in Pharaoh.
Revelation 8:5-7; 8:8-11; 11; 14:6-13; 16:2,11; 16:3-4; 16:13-14; 16:19-21: Apocalyptic visions of plagues and judgment, paralleling the plagues of Exodus and reminding readers of YHVH's ultimate justice.

Apocrypha:
2 Esdras 1:33-37; 15:10-19; 15:24-28: Themes of YHVH's judgment against rebellion and His call for repentance.
Jasher 2:3-9; 6:11-12; 79; 80: Historical accounts related to creation, authority, and the Exodus.
2 Baruch 27:1-15: Warnings about judgment and calls for righteousness.
Apocrypha of Abraham 30-31: Reflection on idolatry and divine justice.

Major Themes and Reflections

YHVH's Sovereignty and Judgment:
YHVH demonstrates His ultimate power over nature, human rulers, and false gods through the plagues. These acts reveal that He is the one true God, deserving of reverence and obedience.