15 - Torah Portion: Bo ("Come") בֹּא
Portion Summary:
The portion of Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:22) details the final three plagues on Egypt, leading up to the pivotal event of the Exodus. YHVH sends locusts, darkness, and, finally, the death of the firstborn, which compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This portion includes the institution of Passover (Pesach) and instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Israelites leave Egypt in haste, marking the beginning of their journey to freedom and their covenantal relationship with YHVH.
In this fifteenth reading from the Torah is named Bo, meaning "Come." This title comes from the opening verse where YHVH says to Moses, "Come to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart" (Exodus 10:1).
This portion concludes the narrative of the ten plagues, with the final plague being the death of the firstborn. To avoid this plague, the Israelites receive instructions for the Passover sacrifice and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Pharaoh eventually consents to let Israel go, allowing them to depart from Egypt.
Torah:
Exodus 10:1-29; 11:1-10; 12:1-51; 13:1-22: YHVH sends the final plagues, instructs Moses and Aaron about the Passover lamb, and leads Israel out of Egypt. The significance of the blood on the doorposts, the unleavened bread, and the Passover ceremony is established as a lasting ordinance.
Genesis 1:1-5; 15:13-14: Parallels between creation and redemption; the foretelling of Israel's bondage and deliverance.
Deuteronomy 6:1-25; 30:1-20: Emphasis on teaching the commandments to future generations and choosing life through obedience to YHVH.
Exodus 31:1-18: Restating the Sabbath as a sign between YHVH and His people, underscoring the importance of obedience.
Targum:
Exodus 10:1; 10:19-20; 10:22; 12:2; 12:6; 12:8; 12:13; 12:43: Expanded details on the plagues, the sanctification of the month of Passover, and instructions for the sacrifice.
Septuagint:
Jeremiah 38:8: Reference to YHVH's deliverance, aligning with the theme of protection and freedom in the Exodus.
Writings:
Psalms 27:5; 34:20-22; 119:105: These psalms emphasize YHVH's protection, deliverance, and the guidance of His Word as a lamp.
Proverbs 3:27; 6:23: The wisdom of following YHVH's guidance, associating it with light and life.
Joshua 2:9-11: Rahab's recognition of YHVH's power, similar to Egypt's acknowledgment of YHVH during the plagues.
Nevi'im:Jeremiah 23:7-8; 31:8; 46:13-28: Prophecies of Israel's return from exile and restoration, paralleling the Exodus from Egypt.
Isaiah 4:5-6; 8:13-22; 55; 59:7-10: YHVH's protection over His people, and the call for repentance and reliance on Him.
Joel 2:1-32: A call to repentance in light of the Day of YHVH, similar to the plagues' message to Egypt.
Micah 4:1-13; 5:1-16: Future peace and redemption for Israel, a vision of YHVH's ultimate deliverance.
Ezekiel 3:1-5; 9; 20: Themes of judgment, obedience, and restoration for Israel.
Gospels and Epistles:
John 6:50-58; 15:1-11; 19:30-37: Y'shua as the Bread of Life and the fulfillment of Passover symbolism through His sacrificial death.
Matthew 15:1-10; 16:6; 16:11-12; 28:5-6: Warnings against hypocrisy and the call to purity, as well as the resurrection's significance.
Luke 22:19: The Last Supper, connecting Passover with Y'shua's sacrificial role.
Romans 9:17-22: Reference to Pharaoh's hardened heart, demonstrating YHVH's sovereignty.
2 Timothy 2:19-21: A call for purity and being set apart, echoing the sanctification of Israel during Passover.
1 Peter 1:18-19: Y'shua as the Passover Lamb, redeeming believers through His precious blood.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8: Purging leaven, a call for purity as believers celebrate the fulfillment of Passover.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5: Encouragement to live as children of light, with alertness and purity.
Revelation 5:6-13; 7; 9:1-11; 9:15; 13:16-17; 16:10-11; 18:4: Themes of ultimate redemption, judgment, and YHVH's wrath, echoing the plagues and deliverance in Exodus.
Apocrypha:
Jasher 80:33-35; 80:36-40; 80:41-63; 81:1-5: Expanded accounts of the plagues and Israel's exodus from Egypt.
Jubilees 49:1: Details on the observance of Passover.
Sirach 43:6-8: Reflection on the power of YHVH in controlling times and seasons, resonating with the setting apart of the Passover festival.
Major Themes and Reflections
Deliverance and Redemption:
The climax of Israel's bondage ends with a miraculous deliverance, underscoring YHVH's power over rulers and nations. The Exodus is a foundational story of redemption, revealing YHVH's compassion for His people.
Reflection: How do we recognize YHVH's acts of deliverance in our lives? Are we mindful of His hand guiding us out of places of bondage?
The Passover as a Lasting Ordinance:
The institution of Passover, with the sacrifice of the lamb and the application of blood on the doorposts, is a foreshadowing of Y'shua's sacrifice as the Lamb of YHVH. Passover serves as an eternal reminder of YHVH's salvation and faithfulness.
Reflection: Do we remember and honor the ways YHVH has redeemed us? In what ways can we live out our gratitude for His deliverance?
Judgment and Mercy:
The plagues demonstrate YHVH's judgment on Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's hard heart. At the same time, YHVH's mercy is evident in sparing Israel and providing a way of salvation through the Passover lamb.
Reflection: How do we respond to YHVH's mercy in our lives? Are we quick to acknowledge His judgment and repent?
Sanctification and Being Set Apart:
The Passover instructions emphasize the need for purity, represented by the removal of leaven. Israel is called to be distinct, living in obedience as YHVH's chosen people.
Reflection: Are we actively pursuing lives that reflect YHVH's holiness? Do we rid ourselves of things that defile or distract us from our calling?
The Role of Faith and Obedience:
Israel's deliverance required faith—trusting in YHVH's instructions, applying the blood of the lamb, and leaving Egypt despite uncertainty. Faith and obedience were essential for their salvation.
Reflection: In what areas of our lives do we need to apply faith and obedience? Are we willing to follow YHVH's guidance, even when the future seems uncertain?
The Bread of Life and Living Water:
The provision of manna and water for Israel parallels Y'shua's role as the Bread of Life and Living Water. He is our sustenance and source of life.
Reflection: How do we seek sustenance from Y'shua daily? Do we rely on Him as our source of spiritual nourishment?
The Hardening of Hearts:
Pharaoh's hardened heart highlights the dangers of pride and resistance to YHVH's will. This theme serves as a warning against stubbornness and unyielding hearts.
Reflection: Do we allow pride or stubbornness to block our relationship with YHVH? Are we willing to surrender our hearts and follow His ways?Application for Today
The story of the Exodus and the institution of Passover are central to understanding YHVH's redemptive plan. Just as Israel was delivered from Egypt, we are delivered from the bondage of sin through Y'shua, the Passover Lamb. Our response to His grace should be a life of obedience, gratitude, and a commitment to holiness.
Let this portion remind us of the importance of faith, the need for purity, and the power of redemption. YHVH's deliverance is both an act of love and a call to live set-apart lives, reflecting His holiness and purpose. As we consider the Passover and the significance of Y'shua's sacrifice, may we deepen our devotion to YHVH and renew our commitment to walk faithfully in His ways.
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?
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