KEY WORDS AND TERMS

B’shalach (After he had let go/When He Sent); the sixteenth reading of the Torah.

neshamah Breath (Hebrew); the word used to describe the undying, divine soul of human beings.

omer A unit of dry measure equal to a little more than two quarts (and the dry quart is equal to two dry pints, or 1/32 bushel). The omer is an ancient Hebrew dry measure, defined in the Bible as one-tenth of an ephah (Exodus 16:36). Volume Estimate: Based on archaeological and textual evidence, an omer is approximately 2 to 2.5 liters

sukkot Booths or shelters (Hebrew); the Festival of Tabernacles.

yeshuah Salvation

Some key characters in this weeks Parashah

Yehovah: in charge of the weather and in all things.

Barak: a reluctant Jewish general. Son of Abinoam “my father is delight” of Kedesh.

Deborah: A Jewish judge; a woman of faith and courage

Jabin: King of Hazor in Canaan; a tyrant

Jael: “mountain goat”. Wife of Heber, knew how to handle a hammer.

Sisera: “battle array”. Captain of Jabin’s army, ancestor of a family of temple slaves who returned from exile with Zerubbabel

At this particular time in history, living in a male dominated society, only mature males were in leadership, the challenge of having a woman in this role could be seen as an act of humiliation.

Isa 3:12 suggests that women rule over them (the men). At first could be viewed as not wisdom but as oppressive. When it comes to spiritual things, treating men as little children is belittling. God will use anything and anyone for His purposes. If men do not step up to their rightful place or position, with that responsibility, God will use a woman of courage to obtain what has to be accomplished.

Women have their place to support the man, just like a backbone. But if the man does not have a backbone of doing what is right in Gods sight, He will use a woman to accomplish what is necessary.

Men and women are to be united in doing God’s work. Each has giftings according to His purpose.

Here we have Doborah a judge and a prophetess. Deborah saw herself as a mother to the people (Judg 5:7). The wayward people were as if children. She welcomed them and counselled them.

God revealed to Deborah that Barak “lighting” was to assemble and lead the Israelite army and draw Sisera’s troops near Mt Tabor. Mt Tabor lies at the juncture of Zebulun, Naphtali and Issachar, not far from the Kishon River.

In (Judg 4:8-10) we aren’t told that Barak was a judge, which explains why he got his orders from Deborah, God’s appointed leader in the land. Barak was from Naphtali.

Like Moshe, Gideon and Jeremiah, Barak hesitated when told what God wanted him to do.

We know that God’s commandments are God’s enablement’s, and that we should obey His will in spite of circumstances, feelings or consequences.

The fact that Deborah agreed to accompany Barak suggests that his request wasn’t out of God’s will, although granting it, God took the honour from the men and gave it to the women. In the end God should receive all the honour.

Weapons were scare in Israel (I Sam 13:19-22) and what Deborah and Barak did was an act of faith.

Sisera is warned: (vv 11-12). Heber “comrade”, (grandson of Asher from whom came the Heberites) and his family warned Sisera that the Jews were about to revolt and where the Israelite army was gathering. We met the Kenites “smiths” in 1:16 and discovered that they were distant relatives of the Jews through Moshe. Heber separated himself from the general people and worshipped Yehovah. We also see he was friendly with idolatrous tyrants like Jabin and Sisera (4:17).

Heber’s trade was an itinerant metalworker. Perhaps his association was for business purposes.

Kenites seem to be attached to the tribe of Judah (1:16); but the men of Judah weren’t among the volunteers in Barak’s army. Heber wasn’t an ally of Jabin’s; was he simply trying to maintain a neutral position in a divided society? Once the army was in place at Mt Tabor, Heber gave the news to Sisera.

Sisera is defeated (vv 13-16). The Canaanites depended on their 900 iron chariots to give them the advantage they needed as they met the Jewish army. (1:19; Josh 17:18).

A rainstorm made the Kishon Rover overflow and turn the battlefield into a sea of mud (Judg 5:20-22). The water and mud severely impeded the mobility of the Canaanite chariots and horses. Sound familiar.

Confusion in the minds of the enemy troops, was apparent. In some translations, the word translated ‘routed’ (Ex 13:18) means confused, thrown into panic. This is another occurrence similar to Pharaoh’ charioteers in the Red Sea (Ex 14:24). Again, we see confusion for the Philistines in Samuel’s day (1 Sam 7:10).

Confusion and fear were caused by the sudden appearance of torrential rain during the traditionally dry season. Possibly June to September. The Canaanite god Baal was the god of storms. The change of weather could have affected the superstitious Canaanites. Had their god turned against them.

Sisera is slain (vv 17-23). The Canaanite captain Sisera was running for his life. Weariness and safety seemed to be his priority. Nearby were the tents of Heber at the oak of Zaanannim (v11), “removings”. This famous oak was on the border of Naphtali (Josh 19:33), about 6 mi. / approx 9.6 kms east of Mt Tabor.

When Heber’s wife Jael, came out to meet Sisera and invite him into her tent he assumed he would be safe. In that culture nobody would enter a wife’s tent except her husband, Jael gave him milk instead of water and then covered him with a blanket.

Sisera telling Jael to lie if anyone asked whether he was there would carry consequences. If she protected Sisera, she would bring family shame in more ways than one. Heber’s clan was friendly to the Canaanites, Jael had shown him hospitality and kindness, and no pursuing soldier was likely to force his way into a woman’s tent. Sisera didn’t seem to know that it was promised that a woman would take his life (Jdg 4:9).

When Sisera as in a deep sleep, Jael pounded a tent peg through his head. In the Eastern nomadic tribes, it was the women who put up and took down the tents. Jael knew how to use a hammer.

When Barak arrived at the camp, he discovered that his enemy was deceased. Doborah’s prediction had been fulfilled.

Jael was partially deceitful. The Kenites were at peace with Jabin, so she violated a treaty. One way to view this episode was, killing a defenceless man while in her protection she became a murderess.

Let us also remember that the Jews were under bondage because of Jabin and Sisera. It was God who wanted the nation to be delivered. Women especially were under brutality at this time. Men were and are to be the protectors not initiators of cruelty.

(Judg 5:1-31). Expression in song. A poem or song isn’t something you can easily outline because it’s a spontaneous emotional expression that often defies analysis and sometimes even logic. Hebrew poetry contains recurring themes, expressed in different ways and frequent outbursts of praise and prayer.

God had raised up Deborah to be a mother in Israel (vv 6-9). The enemy took over because the people had turned from Yehovah to worship false gods. Deborah was concerned about the spiritual life of the people as well as their physical and political welfare. Beginning and ending with all praise to God.

Deborah and Barak summoned the wealthy nobles (those who ride on white asses) and travellers to join the singers at the wells and praise God for victories and His mercy. Deborah and Barak didn’t curse the people of Meroz “refuge”.

When God calls people for His service, some respond immediately, some take time to consider, and others don’t respond at all. Praise Lord for courageous woman (vv 24-31). Deborah’s blessing on Jael reminds us of Gabriel’s words to Mary (Lk 1:42).

Because of Barak’s hesitation, Deborah announced that a woman would get the credit for what was asked (Judg 4:8).

Sisera was killed by Jael, who had given him milk; and his army was defeated by Deborah, whose name means “Bee”. Sisera discovered that, “the land flowing with milk and honey” could be a warning. As with most words and phrases, there is a positive and shadow/negative connotation.

At a closer look at v26, the word “smote” (NKJV) תקע taqa, can mean crushed or smashed.

The passage moves from describing Sisera’s death to protraying Sisera’s mother watching for her son’s return (Judg 5:28-30). She held in hope when there wasn’t any. People today are looking our the window of false assumptions and expectations. The mother and attendants kept telling themselves and each that everything was fine but it wasn’t.

A closing prayerv31, contrasts the enemies of the Lord – who are like Sisera, going out in darkness – with the people who obey and love God, who are like the noon day sun. David compared a godly leader to the rising sun and the sun shining after the rain (2 Sam 23:3-4). When leaders obey God as Deborah and Barak did, there is a dawning of a new day for the people; there will be calm and light after the storm. His mercies are fresh every morning.

The battle at Megiddo was more than opposing conflict between people, it was a conflict between forces of darkness and light. May we all walk in Messiah’s light.

In conclusion: Rom 15:4 For everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that with the encouragement of the Tanakh we might patiently hold on to our hope.

Pi-Hachirot means mouth of freedom. Becareful what you want in your heart as God may grant it. 

Rev 16:16  Gk. Harmageon, mount of Megiddo on the south side of the valley of Megiddo or Esdraelon southwest of Mount Carmel (2 Chron 35:22; Zech 12:11).  Megiddo was the capital of a protion of Canaan that was given to Joshua (Josh 12:21; 17:11; 1:27). It is at the entrance to a pass across the Carmel mountain range, on the main highway between Asia and Africa and is the key position between Euphrates and the Nile. Thothmes III, the founder of the old Egyptian Empire, said, “Megiddo is worth a thousand cities”.

Babylon’s triumphant invasion (vv 13-26). Historians tell us that this occurred in 568-67 BC, and fulfilled not only this prophecy but also what Jeremiah had described earlier (43:8-13). Again, the Egyptian army stood fast as the Babylonians swept on them. The Babylonian soldiers called Pharoah Necho a ‘big noise’. Nebuchadnezzar when he appeared on the horizon he looked like a huge mountain (v 18).

Look at the graphic symbology and images Jeremiah used. Egypt was like a heifer (v 20). The mercenaries in Pharaoh’s army were like fatted calves that stampeded (v 21), and the Egyptian soldiers fled like hissing serpents (v 22) and fell before the Babylonians like trees before woodcutters (v 23). Egypt was like a young woman being violated and unable to escape (v 24).

The defeat of Egypt was the defeat of Egypt’s gods (v 25). This didn’t mean that the gods of Babylon were stronger than the gods of Egypt. It meant that Yehovah was stronger than the many other gods. God also decreed that Egypt would be restored (v 26), a promise He also gave Moab (Jer 48:47), Ammon (Jer 49:6) and Elam (Jer 49:39).

Israel’s assured future (vv 27-28). God promised that the exiles would be released from Babylon in 70 years.

Twice the Lord said, “Don’t be afraid”. God always gives His people the light of His promises. (2 Pet 1:19-21).

Extra Notes

Jer 46:14 Migdol = “tower” a fortified city on the Egyptian border.

Nof = “presentability” another name for ‘Memphis’ the capital city of Egypt.

Tachpanches = “thou will fill hands with pity” a city in Egypt; modern ‘Tel Defenneh’ or ‘Tel Defneh’ located approx 18 miles (29 km) east southeast from Tanis.

Jer 46:18 Tavor = “mound” a mountain in the plain of Esdraelon rising abruptly and insulated, except for a narrow ridge on the west connecting it to the hills of Nazareth.

Karmel = “garden-land” a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa. Also a town in the mountains on the west side of the Dead Sea and south of Hebron.

Jer 46:25; 49:6 Ammon = “tribal” land east of Jordan and north-east of Moab, between Arnon and Jabbok.

Jer 46:25 No = “disrupting” the ancient capital of Egypt; also ‘Thebes’.

Nebuchadrezzar = “may Nebo protect the crown”

Bavel or Babylon = “confusion (by mixing)” (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates.

Jer 48:47 Moab = “of his father” A son of Lot by his oldest daughter.

Jer 46:25; 49:6 Ammon = “tribal” land east of Jordan and north-east of Moab, between Arnon and Jabbok.

Jer 49:39 Elam = “eternity”

The notes below are from a point of view, it is not the intention to cause anyone offense. It is suggested to do your own research, have a teachable spirit and listen to what the Lord is saying to you currently, through these study notes. Bible references may differ slightly. Paraphrasing what the writer this week has specified, may not be conclusive. Please note: Not all scripture verses have been stated for each example. All of God’s words are living. Each scriptural example may not be in context, of where stated in the bible, but used as a supportive element to help the reader establish a better understanding of what is trying to be discussed. Please note: weekly notes may not be available due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the intention of the writer to be led when notes shall be given. Thank you for your patience in reading.

Exodus 10:1-13:16

Invasion (vv 12-15). God had seen Pharaoh’s blasphemy and disobedience. An east wind blew all day and night. It brought vast swarms of locusts into the land, and they began to devour all the vegetation that had survived the previous plague (9:32).

The Israelites used the locust swarm to describe anything that quickly invaded and devasted the land. (Judg 6:5; 7:12; Isa 33:4; Jer 46:23; 51:14, 27). The prophet Joel compared the locusts to an invading army (Joel 1-2), also see Amos 7:1-3. Here we see destruction but not completely destroying.

Intercession (vv 16-19). The locusts were invading homes as well as the fields (v 6). In destroying the vegetation, it effected the economy. The Egyptian god Osiris, the god of fertility and crops couldn’t stop the calamity.

Once again Pharaoh sought relief but with no repentance. God proved His greatness by reversing the winds and carrying all the locusts into the Red Sea.

Threatening (Ex 10:21-29). The darkness over the land for three days proved that Yehovah was greater than Ra (or Re) and Horus, both of whom the Egyptians revered as sun gods. There was light in Goshen, and the light would go with the Israelites as they left Egypt (14:19-20). People of the world walk in darkness, but the people of the one true God, walk in the light (John 3:19-21; John 1:5-10).

Pharaoh’s plan was to confiscate all the livestock to replace all their livestock to replace what he had lost in the plagues and then send his army to bring the Hebrews back to Egyptian slavery. Proud people don’t like to be outwitted by those who they consider inferior. Control, coercion and manipulation didn’t work for Pharaoh so now he used his authority to intimidate Moshe. He threatened to kill him.

Hardening of the heart is a warning to all. If the heart doesn’t respond by faith to God’s word it cannot be transformed by the grace of God (Ezek 36:26-27; Heb 8:7-13). Some people unfortunately curse others and God. They continue in sinful attitude and not repent, hence bringing further destruction to their souls and further distancing themselves from God and not fulfilling their purpose in life. Rev 6-16 outlines impending warnings for the world to come, because of disobedience.

You will know them by their fruit. (Mt 7:18). Pharoah wasn’t revealing good fruit. His bad fruit and consequences infiltrated rapidly over people and the land.

Today if you hear the voice of God, do not harden your heart. (Heb 3:7).

Another plague (Ex 11:1-13:16). The king of terrors was about to be revealed, death. (Job 18:14; 1 Cor 15:26). The last enemy was about to visit. A great cry came over Egypt, all the first born sons and all the firstborn of livestock in Egypt would die. (Ex 11:6; 12:30). This highlights that not all the cattle etc died, only those not sheltered from the hail in the open fields. Man and livestock in Goshen again would be spared.

A band of destroying angels as quoted in Ps 78:49, would be unleashed over Egypt. Messengers of death loomed. When Pharaoh drove the people out of the land he was actually fulfilling God’s promise given before the plagues began (6:1; 12:31-32, 39).

Moshe heard God’s word (Ex 11:1-3). Note: Ex 11:2 Is a command. That payment was for years of outstanding debt, unpaid wages as slaves. God had promised Abrahams’ descendants that they would leave Egypt with great substance. (Gen 15:14), and He repeated that promise to Moshe (Ex 3:21-22). The Egyptians seemed to give freely their wealth (12:36-37). Here again we see a characteristic that Moshe still had to overcome. He had great strengths’ but he also had weaknesses. He had this shortfall in front of the Egyptians and Israelites. That characteristic mentioned here is anger.

When we display ourselves, either in private or public, it should illuminate the presence of God’s nature and His character. Moshe was not permitted to enter the promised land, even though he could see it, because he didn’t display the correct character of God in front of His people. A cautionary warning for all.

Moshe’s final address to Pharaoh (Ex 11:4-10). Pharoah rejected it just as he did the other warnings. Pharaoh had no reverential fear or respect of God in his heart. Rejected God and His word.

In Egypt the first born were regarded as sacred. God calls Israel His firstborn son (Ex 4:22; Jer 31:9; Hosea 11:1). Moshe warned Pharaoh at the beginning of their conflict, the way he treated God’s firstborn would determine how Egypt’s firstborn would be treated.

There is an interesting parallel and a fundamental law of life throughout scripture. The Hebrew babies were drowned, some left outside to die. Pharaoh’s army drowned (Ex 14:26-31; 15:4-5). Jacob lied to his father Isaac (Gen 27:15-17), and years later his sons lied to him (37:31-35). David committed adultery and had the woman’s husband murdered (2 Sam 11), and David’s daughter was humiliated and two of his sons were murdered (2 Sam 13; 18). Haman built gallows on which to hang Mordecai, but Haman was hung/impaled there. (Es 7:7-10)

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal 6:7). Yeshua reiterates, we have to keep short accounts (Mt 18:15). It is wisdom not to accumulate bitterness, guilt, resentment, and shame. But, be reconciled back to God, settling differences quickly, not letting ourselves be distracted by focusing on wrong opinions. Rom 12:18 suggests that we should, ”Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone”. This section attempts to highlight our heart priorities.

In experiencing our second birth, a spiritual birth (Jn 1:12-13; 3:1-18) we receive God’s divine nature and are accepted (2 Pet 1:1-4; Gal 4:6; Rom 8:9).

Pharaoh’s officials humbled themselves before Moshe (Ex 3; 8). This submissive act is described in Prov 16:18, where is says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirt before a fall”.

Passover and the Israelites (Ex 12:1-28, 43-51). Passover marked a new beginning. When the Lord liberates you from bondage it is a new beginning. Passover marked the beginning of the religious year, and at Passover, the focus is on the lamb. The question is answered by John the Baptizer when he pointed to Yeshua and said, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29)”. When we follow Yeshua and His ways we are walking in step with God.

The lamb was chosen and examined (vv 1-6). On the 10th day of the month and watched carefully for 4 days to make sure it met the divine specifications; Yeshua met the requirements. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mt 3:17).

During Yeshua’s various trials and interrogations, even though they were illegally timed and placed, he was repeatedly questioned and passed every test. Yeshua knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Jn 3:5). It is important to see the wholeness of the lamb. John 6:51 compares our spiritual communion with Messiah. Feeding on His word (6:63). Peter also expressed it in (vv66-68).

Along with the roasted lamb, the Israelites ate bitter herbs and unleavened bread (Ex 12:14-20, 39; 13:3-7). Tasting the bitter herbs would be a reminder of the bitter bondage. When circumstances became difficult in their wilderness experience, the people wanted to return to Egypt (16:3; 17:1-3; Num 11:1-9; 14:1-5). The bitterness of servitude was compelling. They hadn’t learned to walk in their freedom.

The unleavened bread (without yeast), is an indication that there wasn’t enough time for the bread to rise (Ex 12:30), and leaven was a symbol of impurity. For a week after Passover, they were required to eat unleavened bread and to remove every trace of leaven from their dwellings.

Yeast is an image of sin. It’s hidden, its consequences can be silent, but secretly spreads and pollutes; and it causes dough to rise. The Hebrew word for sin is defined as one who misses hitting the mark (bulls eye) when shooting an arrow. It is not an archery term. The Hebrew word for Torah is defined as one who hits the mark (bulls eye) when shooting an arrow, obtained by aiming correctly. Harmartia, meaning is to have no part in, to miss the mark, a forteiture because you did not hit the target.

The Hebrew words “cheit” mean to miss the mark and “hata” meaning mistake/error which were translated to sin.

Puffed up (1 Cor 4:18-5:2), both Yeshua and Paul compared false teaching to yeast (Mt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15; Gal 5:1-9). It is also compared to hypocrisy (Lk 12:1) and sinful living (1 Cor 5:6-8).

The lamb in similar way couldn’t be hoarded from day to day, except for the day before the Shabbat (Ex 16:14-22).

Eating as families and community. (vv 25-28; 13:8-10). If we are not fed, we can’t be delivered. It was the same for those leaving Egypt. Not only was the Passover supper an ordinance to be obeyed (Ex 12:14, 17, 24, 43), but it was also a memorial to be celebrated. It teaches the opportunity the meaning of freedom and what God had done for them. Moshe said that Passover was to be “like a sign” (Ex 13:9).

Later God forbid the Israelites from joining with their neighbors in ANE in their religious ceremonies, for they were be a separate people (Dt 7:1-11).

The Lord calls it “The Lords Passover (vv 11, 27; Lev 23:5; Num 28:16). The feast was to be kept (Ex 12:48; Num 9:10, 14). At least 17 “the Lord” is mentioned, because He was the one in charge – overseeing all that was happening.

Mixed multitude left (Ex 12:37). The Israelites and some Egyptians traveled from Ra’amses (“child of the sun”) to Sukkot (“booths”) in full view of those who were burying their dead (Num 33:3-4).

“Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven”. (Mt 7:21). Great multitudes also followed Yeshua during his earthly ministry (Mt 13:1-9, 18:23; Lk 14:25-35; Jn 6:60-71).

Passover and the firstborn (Ex 13:1-16). This section explains the significance of God’s grace and power. Because of God’s mighty acts of protection and redeeming His people and saving the firstborn of humans and livestock from death (12:12-13), all firstborn belonged to God. They were sanctified, that is set apart for God’s exclusive possession. There is also the added responsibility that has to carried also for the firstborn.

Passover and Moshe (Heb 11:27-29). Moshe eventually conquered his fear and accomplished by faith what God had sent him to do. Sometimes our weakness can be our greatest strengths, and vice versa. The enemy will attack both, we might contemplate do we have the faith to stand. Moshe with the help of Aharon, led people out of Egypt, a might feat.

Faith simply means that we rely on God and obey His word, regardless of feelings, circumstances, or consequences. No matter what our circumstances may be, we can trust God to bring us out and take us through.

Extra Notes:

Ex 10:2 is the 18th prophecy in Exodus.

Ex 10:4 This plague was directed against the god Serapis, who was supposed to protect the land against locusts.

Locusts: Heb. arbeh ארבה The common locust is said to multiply faster that almost anything else in creation. The most numerous armies of men are compared to locusts (Judg 6:5; 7:12; Ps 105:34; Jer 46:23; 51:14; Joel 1:4; Nah 3:15). The consequences are destructive. As they are eating, the noise they make can be heard at a great distance. Ps 48:46 speaks of this plague as mentioned in Exodus.

Firstborn: Heb. בכור bᵉkowr

A wise person told me:

In all aspects of the purpose of life, we endeavor to understand the direction for that purpose. We face mountains daily. Firstly, we have to recognise the mountain. Each will be different for each individual. Pharaoh was a mountain of hard heartedness.