B’rit Chadashah:
On the mercy of Elohim: Romans 9:15–23
On Elohim’s mighty acts: Acts 7:36
On Israel’s faith: Hebrews 11:29
On Elohim’s judgment of spiritual Egypt: Revelation 15:1–4
On the spiritual manna: John 6:25–58; Revelation 2:17
On Yeshua leading ancient Israel: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

Etz Chayeem Hoo (He Is a Tree of Life)

Yeshua is a tree of life to those who take hold of Him, and those who support Him are praiseworthy. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all of His paths are shalom. Bring us back YHVH to You, and we shall come, renew our days as of old.

As we begin to study the Torah let us never forget that YESHUA THE MESSIAH is the Living Torah, the Torah-Word of Elohim made flesh. He is the way, the truth and the life — the Living Manna sent from heaven. Without Him living in our lives through the indwelling Presence of his Set-Apart/Kadosh Spirit (Who leads us into all truth and revelation) the Written Torah can become the dead letter of the law!

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion):

• 13:17 The Route to the Promised Land
• 14:1 Pharaoh Hardens His Heart One Last Time
• 14:9 Israel Panics in the Face of the Egyptian Army
• 14:13 YHVH Reassures His People
• 14:21 The Parting of the Red Sea
• 14:23 The Water Crashes Down Upon the Egyptian Army
• 14:30 The Salvation of Israel From Their Enemies
• 15:1 A Song of Praise
• 15:20 Miriam and the Women Sing
• 15:23 Israel Tests YHVH at the Waters of Marah
• 16:4 The Miracle of the Manna
• 16:22 The Sixth Day: Preparation for the Sabbath
• 17:2 Israel Complains Again: Water From the Rock
• 17:8 The First Battle in the Wilderness Against Amalek

Study Questions For This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion):

1. 13:17–18 Why did YHVH instruct the Israelites to take the indirect route to the Promised Land through the wilderness instead of the straight line, direct route through northern Sinai to the Land of Israel—only a few days’ journey? What does this tell us about the believer’s spiritual walk? Wouldn’t it be easier once one is saved out of the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light to be instantly transplanted into the spiritual New Jerusalem? So why do we have to go through the wilderness experience? (Read Luke 21:19.) What does it mean to be an overcomer? Overcome what? We are called to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. (Read Rev 2:7,11,26; 3:5,12.) How are gold and silver refined? (Read 1 Cor 3:11–15.) Second Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution.” Why? Our Father in heaven wants to conform us to the image of Yeshua (Rom 8:28–29). There is no gain where there is no pain! The day you were delivered from your spiritual Egypt were you ready to be a pillar in the Elohim’s spiritual temple (Rev 3:12)? It is doubtful. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
2. 14:19Who is this “Angel” of Elohim (or in other places he is referred to as “the ‘Angel’ of YHVH”)? The word angel is a very poor translation from the Hebrew, which is the word malak (mem-lamed-aleph-chaf sofit) and simply means “a heavenly or human messenger.”Prophetically this word can refer to human messengers such as the one coming in the spirit of Elijah prior to Messiah’s coming, as well as to the Messiah himself (e.g. the Messenger or Malak of the covenant in Mal 3:1). In Genesis 32:22–30, Jacob wrestled with a man Scripture identifies as the Malak of YHVH (Hos 12:3–5) and whom Jacob called Elohim (verse 30). This same figure redeemed Jacob (Gen 48:16) and is identified with the “Malak of Elohim … the Elohim of Bethel”(31:11 and 13), and he appeared to Moses at the burning bush (Exod 3:2). Now he is leading Israel in the wilderness. Again who is he? Read Acts 7:37–38 and compare this with 1 Corinthians 10:1–4.
3. 13:21–22; 14:20 What is the spiritual significance of the fiery cloud (glorious Presence of YHVH) leading the Children of Israel through the wilderness, and what is this symbolic of in the redeemed believer’s life? On the day of Pentecost (Shavuot), the same fiery-like substance came down on each of Yeshua’s disciples (Acts 2:1–4). If the Malak of YHVH dwelt in the cloud that led Israel for 40 years, and if Moses received instructions from the Malak of YHVH from within the cloud when it would descend upon the Tabernacle (Num 12:5ff; Deut 31:15ff), then who is leading the believer now in his journey through his spiritual wilderness? Are you hearing the voice of YHVH from the “fire” of the Spirit of Elohim that dwells in your spirit? (Read Prov 20:27; 1 Cor 2:10–14; Eph 3:16; 1 John 2:27.)
4. 14:1–2 YHVH “engineered” the children of Israel’s journey so that they would be wedged between the devil and the deep blue sea, so to speak. Why would he do that? What was he trying to teach them? Have you found yourself in a similar situation in your spiritual journey? What did you do about it and what lessons did you learn? Did your spiritual walk improve as your faith was tried and tested?
5. Chapter 14 What is the Red Sea symbolic of in the believer’s life? Think of the color red, the idea of salt, and the concept of water. (Read 1 Cor 10:2 and Eph 5:26.) What is the spiritual symbolism or relationship between the Passover (Pesach) event, the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot) and the crossing of the Red Sea as they relate to the redeemed believer’s salvation walk? Egypt represents leaving spiritual enslavement to the world, flesh and the devil; Passover pictures the work of Yeshua at the cross, the Red Sea pictures immersion for the remission of sins, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures putting sin out of the spiritual houses of our lives. What a beautiful picture! (Read 1 Cor 10:11.) All that the Israelites did and went through were types and shadows for us “upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Thank you Israel (!) for teaching us so much about ourselves and our own spiritual walk. Father in heaven, help us to learn from their mistakes and to not repeat them!
6. 15:1–21 compare 22–25 How is it that Israel could transition so quickly from the Red Sea miracle followed by outburst of joyful praise on the one hand to complaining and murmuring on the other? Have you ever experienced YHVH’s deliverance and blessing in your life, only to fall victim to doubt and unbelief shortly afterwards? Repent! Look at the carnal “wilderness man” Paul describes in Romans chapter seven versus the Spirit-led, more-than-a-conqueror man of Romans chapter eight. Are you still bemoaning the past, walking in fear about the future and fretting and worrying about the present, or do you rejoice and give thanks to YHVH in all things? (Read Phil 4:4; Rom 12:12; and 1 Thess 5:18.)
7. 15:23They came to Marah. When the Israelites murmured at Marah, it was because they had taken their eyes off of YHVH. What was the solution to the problem? What caused the waters to turn from bitter to sweet? What is the tree a prophetic shadow-picture of? (Read 1 Pet 2:24; Acts 5:30; 13:29; John 15:5; Rev 2:7; 22:14.) How does this speak to us when life situations go sour and bitter for us? What should we do about it? Who turns the bitter waters sweet again so that we can drink and be refreshed? Do you love Yeshua for it? (Read Heb 12, the entire chapter; focus on verse two.)
8. 16:5, 14–36, What is the spiritual relationship between manna and the Sabbath? Why is the Sabbath one of the first commands given to Israel in the wilderness? What is the significance of the sixth day as a day of preparation for Shabbat (16:23)? Do you follow YHVH’s loving instructions and prepare on the sixth day for your needs on the seventh day so that you can fully rest and be refreshed body, soul and spirit on the Sabbath? If not, why not? The instructions in YHVH’s Word are clear on this subject. They are for our own physical and spiritual well-being, growth and development—that our spiritual relationship with him may be deepened.
9. 17:1–7 Psalms 81:7 says that YHVH proved the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah. This was one of the many tests they had to pass in their wilderness journey. What was YHVH trying to accomplish in the lives of these people. In James 1:2–4 we read,

   My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations trials knowing that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfectly mature and complete, lacking nothing.

   Who is the Rock from which living waters flow? (Again reference 1 Cor 10:4 and John 7:37.)

Hold on to Torah:
It Will Guide and Protect You Through the Wilderness of Life

Steps In a Believer’s Walk

In this study, we will examine the spiritual stages of growth and development that a believer goes through while crossing the wilderness of life en route to our spiritual promised land—the kingdom of Elohim. We will see how Torah (YHVH’s instructions in righteousness) plays a pivotal role that keeps us on the straight and narrow path that will eventually bring us safely to our spiritual destination. In view will be the oft-quoted verse from Proverbs 29:18 which says, “Where there is no vision [literally, prophetic revelation], the people perish [or cast off restraint, become lawless, unloosened, and unbridled], but he that keeps [hedge about, guards, protects] the Torah, happy is he.” Many are familiar with the first part of this verse, but not the second part, where we see that Torah plays a vital role in guiding us to our spiritual or prophetic and eternal destiny.

Not only do we see Elohim directing his people into the path of Torah righteousness, but he is continually exposing them to the greater message of the everlasting gospel message (Rev 14:6), which involves salvation through faith in the shed blood of Yeshua, the Lamb of Elohim at the cross. What’s more, Yeshua, the Word of YHVH incarnate (in flesh form, John 1:1–4, 14), the Living Torah, was the one who, as the arm of YHVH (Isa 53:1), delivered Israel from Egypt, and who, as the Angel (Messenger) of YHVH, led them in the pillar of fire, who spoke to them from Mount Sinai and gave them the Torah, who was the Rock that gave them water, and who was the bread of life to them. Yeshua himself and the apostolic writers make these connections between Yeshua and the deity-figure who was with the Israelites throughout their tenure in the wilderness (John 8:58 cp Exod 3:14; John 6:32–58; Acts 7:35–39; 1 Cor 10:4, 9).

As you read this study, note how little-by-little, like a parent training his child, Elohim is training his people to walk in his Torah commandments, all the while revealing to them the truth of the redemptive work of Yeshua. Please note that obedience to the Torah and belief in Yeshua go hand-in-hand. The two are indivisible. One ­cannot believe in, love, and even know Yeshua without obeying his commands (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3–6). Belief in Yeshua and walking in the ways of Yeshua are two sides of the same coin.

Interestingly, this message of the gospel (walking in Torah, the Written Word of Elohim, and having faith in Yeshua, the Living Torah/Word of Elohim) has never changed, for the last book of the Bible still identifies the end-time saints of Elohim as keeping the commandments of Elohim and having the testimony or faith of Yeshua (Rev 12:17; 14:12).

Article continued at http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/hold_torah.pdf

Haftorah Reading—Judges 4:4-5:31
Deborah–A Fiery Woman of YHVH

The Torah and Haftorah portions for this week bear many similarities. In both pericopes, Israel was languishing under oppressive foreign powers, and in both YHVH sent them a savior to deliver them and through miracles and against overwhelming odds, Israel defeated its oppressors and the nation was brought to a new spiritual level. Prophets were instrumental in both cases, and women were used of YHVH in the deliverance of his people. And finally, both scenarios climax in the production of a psalm of praise to YHVH for his mighty hand in setting his people free.

1. The story of Deborah often brings up the question concerning the role of women among YHVH’s people. Proponents of women in leadership roles point to Deborah as a champion to their cause. Those who decry any sort of women leadership blush when the example of Deborah is brought up and are often quick to add that she was a one-time exception to this rule. What is the truth as presented by Scripture? Please note the role of women in Scripture by reviewing the following examples as Batya Wootten points out in her book, Mama’s Torah—the Role of Women:
   • Miriam was a prophetess and coworker with her brothers Moses and Aaron in leading Israel (Mic 6:4).
   • YHVH used the daughters of Zelophehad to help instruct Moses, and on the basis of their wisdom, the Torah was amended (Num 27:1–11).
   • Huldah was a prophetess and an advisor to King Josiah (2  Kgs 22:11–20).
   • Queen Esther helped to write law (Est 9:29).
   • Phoebe was a deacon/minister within the spiritual body of early Messianic believers (Rom 16:1–2).
   • Junia along with Andronicus, her husband, are listed as apostles (Rom 16:7).
   • Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife ministry team and pastored a congregation that met in their home. There are times when the Scripture even records Priscilla’s name first. She was evidently a dynamic leader, along with her husband (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19).
   • The women in Corinth prayed and prophesied publicly (1 Cor 11:5–6).
   • Philip had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9).
   • A nucleus of women developed a congregation at Phillipi (Acts 16:12–15, 40).

   Wootten then deduces from the biblical record that “believing communities should be aligned with Biblical patterns of the Scripture. And while it clearly depicts a pattern of male leadership, is also clearly shows female participation” (p. 37).

   In light of the example of Deborah we must ask the question: will YHVH’s plans and purposes be put on hold or thwarted simply because there lacks a person of the male gender to fulfill those plans? Can he who used Balaam’s ass for his purposes, and who said that he could raise up rocks to declare his praises not use women as he so chooses when there lacks a man to do the job, or use women to assist men in doing theirs?

2. 4:4 The wife of Lapidoth (KJV). The ArtScroll Tanach has translated this phrase as “a fiery woman” since the Hebrew word lapid means torch. This implies that Deborah was energetic and decisive. The Jewish sages teach that Lapidoth is but another name for Barak since both names connote flashes of lightning, and therefore are used interchangeably (ArtScroll Rubin Edition Joshua/Judges Commentary, p. 137). If the sages are correct, then Deborah was assisting her husband, Barak. He was the military leader of Israel, while she was the spiritual leader. Does this shake your paradigm about the role of women in biblical societies? Many times fiery women are labeled and branded as persona non grata. Is this a fair thing to do if they are women who walk in and uphold biblical standards of righteousness, and who honor and defer to male headship, if there is righteous male headship worthy of honor?
3. Often Barak is viewed as a reluctant, even cowardly military leader. Is this a fair assessment? Didn’t he display great faith when he heeded the Word of Elohim through Deborah, and furthermore abandoned the strategic high ground when attacking the enemy on the plain where the enemy’s chariots would be most advantageous? If Barak and Deborah were husband and wife, what does this story teach us about husbands and wives not only respecting, but heeding each other’s counsel, and then working together as a team? Who knows, YHVH may be using your wife or husband to speak to you right now!
4. 5:1 On that day. Deborah composed her praise psalm on the very day of battle and victory. She did not delay to offer up a sacrifice of praise to the Elohim of Israel. “Given the fragile nature of joy so great that it bursts into a song, it must be expressed immediately, before the heightened perception begins to fade away, or is depleted by sin” (Ibid., p. 141). Is your relationship that vital with your Maker and your joy and gratitude that child-like, spontaneous and unquenchable that you do not delay to praise YHVH the moment a blessing comes your way?
5. 5:7 A mother in Israel. Have you along your spiritual journey ever encountered a “mother in Israel” who YHVH used to change the course of your life and shape your spiritual destiny through her wise counsel and guidance? Such a Deborah-like woman is loving, but she does not fail to scold or discipline her children when they need it. May YHVH raise up such righteous and discerning women in Israel in our day!
6. Let’s not forget the other woman in this passage: Jael. While one woman, Deborah, was a well-known public figure functioning as a prophetess, judge and military leader in Israel, another woman was tucked away in the wilderness, away from others fulfilling her role as a house (or, tent) wife. She, too, was a mother in Israel, who was quietly walking in righteousness in her own home, yet YHVH brought a ministry opportunity her way. Though the task she was asked to do was a grisly one, she did not shrink back when duty called to her. In so doing, she helped to save the nation of Israel at a very tenuous time in its existence, and her name is immortalized in Deborah’s psalm of praise. What is the lesson for us? Be faithful to do what YHVH has called you to do, no matter how insignificant and out of the limelight it may seem, and he will bring you greater opportunities and reward you with blessings unspeakable.