Parsha Page

  Shalom
  to you,

Wellsprings of Torah,  www.TorahWellsprings.org
Rick Wills - Messianic Elder,  Mishareth@TorahWellsprings.org

---

Sidra Overview

The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 49 Wa'era, I Appeared 

 

Torah, Exodus 6:2 - 7:13

    Chapter 6 verse 2 "God spoke to Moses and said to him, "I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as El Shaddai, but I did not make Myself known to them by My name Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh (Adonai). I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant."

    This is a continuation of several Torah portions that tell of the meetings between Moses and Pharaoh. This begins with Adonai speaking harshly to Moshe in response to Moshe's complaint at the end of the last Sidra. He had complained that Adonai's' plan had resulted only in more harsh treatment of the people at the hand of Pharaoh. HaShem reassures Moshe, and in verses 6 through 8, we read four promises from Adonai that are the basis of the four cups at the Passover Seder; I shall take you out - Sanctification; I shall rescue you - Salvation; I shall redeem you - Redemption; I shall take you to me - Acceptance.

    In verses 14 through 27, we see a short genealogy that established Moshe and Aharon as descendants of Levi. It is interesting to also see some of the wives identified, and they all substantiate that their ancestry is from a distinguished lineage. Then in the confrontation with Pharaoh, Adonai begins to demonstrate His power - greater than the best magicians of Egypt.  He turns the staff of Moses into a snake, and when the magicians duplicate that feat, the snake from Adonai devours the snake that the magicians produce. 

Qeriath, Isaiah 42:8-21

    In verses 1-4 Gods' Servant has been introduced. This Servant has been interpreted by various sages to be Isaiah, the Nation of Isra'el, or Messiah. Adonai describes a bright future for Isra’el, as His covenant people. And through them, the nations of the world will know God. Verse 8 starts this reading with  "I am the Lord; that is my Name. I will not yield My glory to another, nor my renown to idols." We hear a new song that describes Isra’el’s restoration through the Mighty Hand of God. The end of the reading shows the extent of Gods mercy, even in the face of the people's sins.

Da'ath, Luke 1:67-80

    Z'kharyah (Zechariah), the father of Yochanan (John the Baptizer), has just regained his speech. His first words are a prophecy given him by the Ruach HaKodesh. He begins praising God for giving us a mighty Deliverer descended from David. Through Him we will be delivered from our enemies, to show the mercy promised to Avraham avinu by Adonai. We are freed so that we can serve Adonai in holiness and righteousness. Z'kharyah tells us that Yochanan will go before the Lord, to prepare the way, telling the people to be delivered through the forgiveness of sins.  This shows the mercy of God.

Igarath, 1Peter 3:13-22

    Kefa continues his letter, encouraging us to trust in Messiah, especially during times of persecution for doing good. It is far better to suffer for doing what is good than for doing what is evil. We are to always be ready to explain the hope in us. Kefa reminds us that Yeshua, a righteous person, died for our sins - an unrighteous people, and that Adonai had a plan for redemption even during the times of Noah. The flood prefigured the mikveh, or immersion in water, that is one's pledge to keep a good conscience towards God through the resurrection of Yeshua.

Conclusion

    In Torah, we see the beginning of the deliverance of Isra'el by a mighty God, because of His mercy. In Qeriath, we see the Servant of God, and the bright future He brings to Isra'el, again because of God's mercy. In Da'ath Z'kharyah tells us that Yeshua is coming, and that He is our Deliverer. And in Igarath Kefa tells us that in His mercy, God had planned our deliverance, this time not just for the Nation of Isra’el, but also for all who would call upon His Name. 

    For us this demonstrates the ways of God, to be consistent, unfaltering, loving and merciful. And to deliver us from our own sin through His grace.

Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson