Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח ("When He Sent")
Portion Summary:
The portion of Beshalach recounts Israel's journey out of Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. After their deliverance, the Israelites experience the challenges of the wilderness, including hunger and thirst, and witness YHVH's provision through manna and water from the rock. This portion highlights Israel's reliance on YHVH and His ongoing guidance and protection.
In this sixteenth Torah portion is named Beshalach, meaning "When He sent." The title is drawn from the first verse of the reading: "And it happened when Pharaoh sent out the people." This portion recounts the adventures of the Israelites after they leave Egypt, including the crossing of the Red Sea, receiving miraculous provision in the wilderness, and facing their first battle.
Torah:
Exodus 13:17–17:16: The Israelites leave Egypt and experience miraculous events like the parting of the Red Sea, YHVH's guidance through a pillar of cloud and fire, provision of manna and quail, and water from the rock.
Numbers 11:4-8: Israel's complaints about manna and their desire for other food, highlighting their struggle with gratitude.
Deuteronomy 8:1-3: YHVH's reminder to Israel that He led them through the wilderness to humble them and test their reliance on Him.
Targum:
Exodus 13:20-21; 14:2; 14:3; 15:18; 17:1; 17:13-16: Expansions on YHVH's guidance of Israel, their journey, and the battle with Amalek.
Septuagint:
Zephaniah 1:14-18; 2:1-13: Prophecy of YHVH's judgment against nations and a call for humility.
Jeremiah 23:29: YHVH's word as a fire and hammer, symbolizing His powerful guidance and justice.
Nevi'im:
Judges 4:4–5:31: The story of Deborah and Barak, showcasing YHVH's deliverance in battle, similar to the defeat of Egypt.
Zechariah 2:4-5: A promise of YHVH's protection, being a wall of fire around His people.
Isaiah 4:2-6; 33:1-14; 66: YHVH's protection and glory in times of trial; the ultimate restoration of His people.
Ezekiel 22:15-24; 7: Warnings of judgment and the call to purification.
Writings:
Psalms 79: A plea for YHVH's deliverance amidst national hardship.
Psalm 119:105: YHVH's word as a light and guide, reflecting His guidance through the wilderness.
Gospels and Epistles:
Matthew 14:22-33: Y'shua walking on water, a miracle that reassures His disciples of His authority and presence.
John 4:14; 6:47-58; 7:38: Y'shua as the living water and bread of life, mirroring YHVH's provision of manna and water from the rock.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12: Paul's reflection on Israel's wilderness journey as a lesson on faith and obedience for believers.
Jude 1:5: A reminder of Israel's history as a warning to the faithful.
Revelation 14; 15:1-4; 17:13-14; 19:11-21: Depictions of YHVH's ultimate victory over evil, echoing themes of deliverance and judgment.
Apocrypha:
Jasher 75:19; 81:1-62: The additional accounts of Israel's time in Egypt and miraculous deliverance.
2 Esdras 1:7-23; 13:1-58: YHVH's promises of deliverance and a future kingdom.
2 Baruch 29:1-4, 8: A prophecy of restoration and abundance for YHVH's people.Major Themes and Reflections:
YHVH's Deliverance and Protection:
The Red Sea crossing is a dramatic symbol of YHVH's power and His ability to save His people from impossible situations. Through miracles, He demonstrates His faithfulness to Israel.
Reflection: How do we recognize YHVH's deliverance in our lives? In times of uncertainty, do we trust Him to make a way, even when there seems to be none?
Provision and Testing in the Wilderness:
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness teaches them to rely on YHVH for daily provision, like manna, quail, and water from the rock. Their struggles with gratitude and faith reveal the tension between trust and doubt.
Reflection: Are we content with what YHVH provides? Do we lean on Him in times of need, or do we fall into the trap of dissatisfaction and complaints?
Guidance and Light:
YHVH's presence as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night signifies His constant guidance. Similarly, His Word is a lamp to our feet, illuminating the path we are to walk.
Reflection: How do we allow YHVH's Word and Spirit to guide us daily? Are we sensitive to His leading, trusting Him even when the way forward isn't clear?
The Battle Against Amalek:
The Israelites' battle with Amalek represents the need for vigilance and reliance on YHVH for victory. Moses' raised hands, with Aaron and Hur's support, highlight the power of unity and prayer.
Reflection: In our own spiritual battles, do we lean on prayer and community support? How can we better uphold each other in times of struggle?
Symbolism of Living Water and Bread:
The provision of manna and water foreshadows Y'shua as the Bread of Life and the Living Water, offering sustenance that goes beyond physical needs.
Reflection: How does Y'shua's role as our spiritual sustenance shape our relationship with Him? Are we seeking Him as our source of life and strength?
Judgment and Purification:
The Septuagint and prophetic readings emphasize YHVH's judgment on nations and the call to repentance. Just as Israel was tested, we are called to walk faithfully, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and disobedience.
Reflection: Are we living lives that are purified and set apart? How do we respond to YHVH's call for repentance and transformation?
Faith and Miracles in the New Testament:
Y'shua's miracles, such as walking on water, parallel the Red Sea crossing, underscoring that He embodies YHVH's power and authority over creation.
Reflection: How does our faith in Y'shua encourage us to step out into the unknown? Are we willing to trust His ability to calm the storms in our lives?
Application for Today:
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt through the wilderness is a profound metaphor for our spiritual walk. As they learned dependence on YHVH and faced tests of faith, so we are called to trust, rely on His provision, and remain steadfast in our journey. Y'shua's life and teachings further illuminate this walk, as He embodies the Living Water and Bread of Life, fulfilling YHVH's promise of sustenance and salvation.
Let this portion inspire us to deepen our trust, practice gratitude, and rely on YHVH's guidance and provision in every situation. Like the Israelites, we are on a journey that may have challenges, but YHVH's presence is constant, leading us forward in faith, sustaining us in every trial, and ultimately guiding us toward His promises.
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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