[youtube url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zYb9mqBbCzA&feature=youtu.be”]<\/p>\n
In this week\u2019s reading from Parashat Bo (Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1-13:16<\/span><\/em>), we learn about the last plagues that God brought upon Egypt and causes Pharaoh to drive the Children of Israel out of Egypt. The Lord tells Moshe, \u05d0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b5\u05d1 \u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b9\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e7\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9: 10:1 \u201c… \u2018Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them.\u201d (NASB)<\/span><\/em> The Lord\u2019s hardening in part is for the purpose of performing these signs to deliver Israel with a mighty hand. These Scriptures describe to us the final plagues the Lord brought upon Egypt, (i) locust (10:3-19<\/span><\/em>), (ii) darkness (10:22-23<\/span><\/em>), and (iii) the death of the first born (10:24-11:10<\/span><\/em>). It is at this point the Lord\u2019s Passover (12:1-11<\/span><\/em>) is established. Studying the Torah from a historical perspective, this point in Israel\u2019s history is the beginning of months, the beginning of the salvation of God, the beginning of a new covenant, and the beginning of a new relationship with the Lord God Almighty because the Lord is bringing the people out of bondage and into a new place, a place of peace, truth, and life. The unique thing about the Passover is its connection to New Beginnings (of months and of the salvation of God for Israel). The blood of the lamb is used as a sign upon the door posts such that the angel of death would pass over the house and the first born would not die. The Scriptures tell us that the Lord declares this to be an everlasting statute that it is to be remembered and not forgotten (\u05d4\u05b7\u05d6\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b0\u05d3\u05b9\u05e8\u05b9\u05ea\u05b5\u05d9\u05db\u05b6\u05dd \u05d7\u05bb\u05e7\u05bc\u05b7\u05ea \u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd) (12:17<\/span><\/em>).<\/p>\n This week\u2019s reading records a very important time in Israel\u2019s history regarding the mighty deliverance of God. In addition, it is interesting how the Lord works in the hearts of men, of both the righteous and the unrighteous, for His purposes. He speaks to Moshe about Pharaoh, and having hardened his heart saying, \u201cki ani hichbadti et libo\u201d<\/span><\/em> (\u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9). What is the significance of this phrase for us today that the Lord states to Moshe regarding the heart of Pharaoh? How is this connected to seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven?<\/p>\n \u05e1\u05e4\u05e8 \u05e9\u05de\u05d5\u05ea \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7 \u05d9<\/strong> Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1-3<\/span><\/em> The word \u201cBo\u201d<\/span><\/em> (\u05d1\u05b9\u05bc\u05d0) is the Hebrew command \u201cgo,\u201d<\/span><\/em> or \u201ccome,\u201d<\/span><\/em> and is the first significant word in this week\u2019s Torah portion found in the opening verse Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1<\/span><\/em>. The Lord tells Moshe, \u05d0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b5\u05d1 \u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b9\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e7\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9: 10:1 \u201c… \u2018Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them.\u201d (NASB)<\/span><\/em> The Lord tells Moshe \u201cki ani hichbadti et libo\u201d<\/span><\/em> (\u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9) saying \u201cI have hardened his heart.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The Scriptures tell us that the Lord\u2019s hardening in part is for the purpose of demonstrating the power and might of God to deliver Israel. It is at this point in the Scriptures that Pharaoh recognizes that both he and his people have sinned before God, but yet the Lord hardens his heart so that he can bring these final plagues against Egypt. The Lord hardening the heart is significant and the rabbis have a lot to say concerning this statement the Lord makes to Moshe. Rashbam states the following concerning these words.<\/p>\n Rashbam on Exodus 10:1, Part 1<\/span><\/em><\/strong> Rashbam says that the interpretation of these words on the hardening of his heart, God is simply explaining to Moshe what was happening, especially in light of all the plagues and Pharaoh\u2019s continued hardened stance against letting the people go. The Lord had hardened his heart purposefully so that the He would continue to work miracles to show Himself to be sovereign, powerful, and ruler over all. All of these things are performed for the purpose of the Lord revealing Himself in a new way by His name YHVH. Rashbam has additional comments saying the following.<\/p>\n Ramban on Exodus 7:3, Part 1<\/span><\/em><\/strong> Rashbam makes the observation that it is at this point even Pharaoh recognizes that he and his people have sinned before God, however the Lord hardens his heart so that the judgment of God would be complete upon Egypt for her sins. As a result of this, Pharaoh had no chance of doing Teshuvah, and the point is that the Lord God offered him five chances to repent but he failed to do so, and so the opportunity to repent ceased with the Lord hardening his heart. This illustrates for us the importance of not \u201cliving in sin\u201d because of one day there will be no coming back due to the effect of sin upon one\u2019s heart. Sin has the capability of changing the motivations of our heart. The motivation should be for seeking the Kingdom of Heaven, however, sin causes one to draw away from that endeavor.<\/p>\n Other rabbinic commentaries such as Shney Luchot HaBrit on Parashat Bo, Torah Ohr, Part 62<\/span><\/em> brings out the mystical dimension of Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1<\/span><\/em> saying, \u05dc\u05de\u05e2\u05df \u05e9\u05d9\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d0\u05ea\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d0\u05dc\u05d4 \u05d1\u05e7\u05e8\u05d1\u05d5, \u201cIn order that I can place these My signs in its midst.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The Lord God performed all these miracles in His capacity as \u05d9-\u05d4-\u05d5-\u05d4. Both Shney Luchot and Midrash Rabbah Shemot Parashat 13, Part 3<\/span><\/em> comment upon Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1<\/span><\/em> saying, \u05db\u05d9 \u05d0\u05e0\u05d9 \u05d4\u05db\u05d1\u05d3\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d0\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1 \u05e4\u05e8\u05e2\u05d4, \u201cFor I have hardened the heart of Pharaoh,\u201d and the commentary quotes Rabbi Yochanan who says, \u201cHere the Torah seems to provide an opening for the heretics to say that Pharaoh was not guilty because G\u2019d prevented him from repenting. Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish replied that on the contrary we can use this verse to stop such heretics in their tracks. Solomon tells us in Proverbs 3:34 \u2018At the scoffers He scoffs, but to the humble He shows grace.\u2019 G\u2019d warns a person up to three times. After a person ignores three such warnings and fails to repent, G\u2019d makes such a person\u2019s heart unresponsive to thoughts of repentance in order to now pay him his just deserts. This is what happened with the wicked Pharaoh. G\u2019d gave Pharaoh five chances [during the first five plagues no mention is made of G\u2019d hardening the heart of Pharaoh. Ed.] and Pharaoh failed to respond. Then G\u2019d said to him: \u2018Since you have insisted on being obstinate, and have made your own heart unresponsive, I shall now add more impurity to the impurity you have already heaped upon yourself.\u2019 This is the meaning of 10,1: \u2018I have hardened Pharaoh\u2019s heart \u2018\u201d<\/span><\/em> Sforno states that on this phrase (\u05db\u05d9 \u05d0\u05e0\u05d9 \u05d4\u05db\u05d1\u05d3\u05ea\u05d9) that \u201cPharaoh continued to oppose God\u2019s will in spite of the fact that he found it impossible to cope with the plagues, Moses had come to the conclusion that warning Pharaoh of an impending plague was an exercise in futility. This is why G\u2019d had to tell him at this stage that already during the sixth plague (9,12) He had stiffened Pharaoh\u2019s heart so that ordinary rules of psychology could no longer be applied to this man. The purpose was to enable G\u2019d to demonstrate more miracles so that maybe some Egyptians would be moved by what they experienced to become penitents. If so, the Israelites in the future would be able to tell their children of the greatness of G\u2019d\u2019s miracles. This in turn would convince mankind that G\u2019d loved His creatures and was very patient with them, giving them opportunities to mend their ways. This is why the warning to Pharaoh was in place although it would prove ineffectual.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The point was that logic and reason were not possible for such people who desire sin as opposed to the ways of God. What we find here is that if sin reigns in your life, even being present in the midst of the miracles of God, there is a partial hardening that will affect one\u2019s understanding and perception of the truth. Pharaoh did not seek after God\u2019s Ways, and this is related to what it means to seek the Kingdom of heaven. Let\u2019s next discuss what it means to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. The rabbis have some to say concerning this according to Midrash Tehillim 84<\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n Midrash Tehillim 84, Part 3<\/span><\/em> opens with the Dibur Hamathil (\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc) saying, \u201cBlessed are they that dwell in Your house. They will again praise You, and forever (Tehillim \/ Psalms 84:5).\u201d<\/span><\/em> The homiletic introduction to the midrash states, \u201cRabbi Joshua son of Levi taught, He who is in the habit of entering houses of prayer and houses of study in the world to come, as is said, Blessed are they that dwell in Your house.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The Homiletic introduction states something very interesting. The Rabbis say. \u201cHe who is in the habit of entering houses of prayer and houses of study in the world to come, as is said, Blessed are they that dwell in Your house.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The concept here is that in the world to come, one will be entering into the houses of study and prayer. This is a very important concept because this describes what will be taking place in the World to come (Olam Haba). The significance of this rabbinic statement is found in Matthew 6:3<\/span><\/em>3 when Yeshua said, 6:33 \u2018But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (NASB)<\/span><\/em> Notice how Yeshua links the Kingdom of Heaven to the righteousness of God. What does it mean to seek the \u201cKingdom of Heaven?\u201d<\/span><\/em> In the Apostolic writings, we find the authors use both the \u201cKingdom of Heaven\u201d<\/span><\/em> and the \u201cKingdom of God\u201d<\/span><\/em> interchangeably. What is the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven? Studying the Apostolic Writings, the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are referring to the same thing. The phrase \u201ckingdom of God\u201d<\/span><\/em> occurs 68 times in 10 different New Testament books, while \u201ckingdom of heaven\u201d<\/span><\/em> occurs 32 times and only in the Gospel of Matthew. The book of Matthew appears to have an exclusive use of the phrase. In addition, due to the Jewish nature of his Gospel, some Christian commentators have concluded that Matthew was writing concerning the millennial kingdom while the other New Testament commentators say this is referring to the universal kingdom. However, a closer study of the use of the phrase reveals that this interpretation is in error.<\/p>\n Yeshua speaking to the rich young ruler, uses both phrases \u201ckingdom of heaven\u201d<\/span><\/em> and \u201ckingdom of God\u201d<\/span><\/em> interchangeably, e.g. \u201cThen Jesus said to his disciples, \u2018I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Matthew 19:23<\/span><\/em>). In the very next sentence, Yeshua proclaims, \u201cAgain I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Matthew 19:24<\/span><\/em>). Yeshua makes no distinction between the two terms but seems to consider them synonymous. In addition, note the parallel accounts of these throughout the gospels, compare Matthew 11:11-12 with Luke 7:28; Matthew 13:11with Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10; Matthew 13:24 with Mark 4:26; Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30 and Luke 13:18; Matthew 13:33 with Luke 13:20; Matthew 18:3 with Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16; and Matthew 22:2 with Luke 13:29<\/span><\/em>. In each instance, Matthew uses the phrase \u201ckingdom of heaven\u201d<\/span><\/em> while Mark and Luke use the phrase \u201ckingdom of God.\u201d<\/span><\/em> Clearly, the two phrases refer to the same thing.<\/p>\n Back to the question of what does it mean to \u201cSeek first the Kingdom of Heaven?\u201d<\/span><\/em> Asking this question of various persons produces various results. It seems today people have different opinions regarding what it means to seek first the kingdom of heaven. Pentecostals would say we should seek speaking in tongues, or seeking the gift of healing, or one of the other spiritual gifts. But is this really what it means to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven? The person who believes seeking the kingdom of heaven is synonymous to seeking the spiritual gifts is going to be greatly disappointed.<\/p>\n The rabbis comments on the psalm, \u201cBlessed are they that dwell in Your house. They will again praise You, and forever\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Tehillim \/ Psalms 84:5<\/span><\/em>). The midrash states, Rabbi Joshua son of Levi taught, He who is in the habit of entering houses of prayer and houses of study in the world to come, as is said, Blessed are they that dwell in Your house. The phrase \u201cworld to come,\u201d<\/span><\/em> or \u201cage to come,\u201d<\/span><\/em> are eschatological phrases reflecting the belief that the \u201ccurrent world\u201d<\/span><\/em> or \u201ccurrent age\u201d<\/span><\/em> is flawed and will be replaced in the future by a better world or age which in many instances is also connected to the Messiah. The Olam HaBa (\u201cthe world to come\u201d<\/span><\/em>) is an important part of Jewish eschatology, although Judaism concentrates on the importance of HaOlam HaZeh (\u201cthis world\u201d<\/span><\/em>). The afterlife is known as Olam HaBa, Gan Eden, and Gehinom in the rabbinic literature. The rabbis in the midrash state that in the world to come one will be going from houses of prayer and houses of study. The concept here is that in the world to come, we will be engaged in prayer and Torah study. Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven is connected to prayer and studying Torah. Remember how Torah study is also connected to the concept of studying God\u2019s word and applying it to our lives, asking how do we live our faith, obeying Torah is the definition of living righteously. It is interesting to study what Yeshua has to say concerning the Kingdom of heaven according to Matthew 5:16-20<\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n Matthew 5:16-20<\/span><\/em><\/strong> Yeshua speaks of good works that are meant to glorify the Father in heaven, and he speaks of the Torah not passing away, the Torah is something that is to be fulfilled in our lives here on earth. He goes on to contrast those who annul the command as opposed to those who teach to obey the commands. Then he concludes saying that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one\u2019s righteous deeds must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. Notice the parallel here to what the rabbis are teaching in the midrash. Studying Torah is synonymous to obeying, or applying God\u2019s word to our lives, which is what it means to walk in righteousness before God. The Kingdom of God consists of prayer, studying God\u2019s word, seeking the Lord God in heaven, and living a righteous and holy life. This is what Yeshua meant when he spoke in Matthew 6:33<\/span><\/em> saying, 6:33 \u2018But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (NASB)<\/span><\/em> If we seek these things first in our life in the Messiah, then we will see the Lord working in our lives in powerful ways.<\/p>\n The rabbis continue their discussion on the Kingdom of Heaven in Midrash Tehillim 84, Part 4<\/span><\/em> which opens (\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc) saying, \u201cThey go from company to company (Tehillim \/ Psalms 84:8).\u201d<\/span><\/em> The homiletic introduction to the midrash states, \u201cOur Masters commented as follows, Whenever a man comes from a house of prayer and goes into a house of study, Scripture says for such as he, They go from strength to strength.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The interpretation of Tehillim \/ Psalms 84:4<\/span><\/em> going from strength to strength is that prayer and studying the Scriptures are refuges of strength and not weakness. The rabbis teach in the midrash that the one who goes from houses of prayer to houses of study, he receives the privilege being taken into the Shekhinah (glory, \u05d4\u05e9\u05db\u05d9\u05e0\u05d4) of God (see Midrash Tehillim 84, Part 4<\/span><\/em>). Here, the midrash speaks also of another interpretation regarding going from strength to strength, as in the days of the Messiah, the disciples of the Messiah will go from strength to strength, from houses of prayer to houses of study. The Targum states, \u05d9 \u05d6\u05db\u05d5\u05d5\u05ea \u05d0\u05d1\u05d4\u05ea\u05e0\u05d0 \u05d7\u05de\u05d9 \u05d0\u05dc\u05d4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05d0\u05d9\u05e1\u05ea\u05db\u05dc \u05d0\u05e0\u05e4\u05d9 \u05de\u05e9\u05d9\u05d7\u05da\u05c3 84:10 See, O God, the merits of our fathers, and behold the face of your anointed. (EMC)<\/span><\/em> where the anointed one is written \u05de\u05e9\u05d9\u05d7\u05da as \u201cyour Messiah.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The midrash states, \u201cRabbi Phinehas the Priest taught, This verse implies that in the days of the Messiah the nations will still be making accusations against Israel.\u201d<\/span><\/em> The most interesting point is that in the days of the Messiah, the nations will still bring accusation against him, just as we read in the gospel account of Yeshua. Another interesting point is how the Messiah is connected to the going from houses of prayer to houses of study, from strength to strength, and to the Kingdom of Heaven. Isn\u2019t this similar to what Yeshua taught that if you abide in me and my word abides in you (John 15:7<\/span><\/em>). Remember that studying Torah is synonymous to obeying, or applying God\u2019s word to our lives, which is what it means to walk in righteousness before God (to abide in Christ), and these are the things that Yeshua the Messiah taught while he was here on earth.<\/p>\n Now, how do these things tie back into this week\u2019s Torah portion, Parashat Bo? In the opening verses of the Torah portion, we learn how the Lord GOD works in the hearts of men, of both the righteous and the unrighteous, for His purposes. He speaks to Moshe about having hardened Pharaoh\u2019s heart saying, \u201cki ani hichbadti et libo\u201d<\/span><\/em> (\u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9). The significance of this statement is found in the idea of letting sin reign in our lives. If we let sin reign in our lives, even being in the midst of or seeing the miracles of God, there is a partial hardening that will affect one\u2019s understanding and perception of the truth. In Tehillim \/ Psalm 84<\/span><\/em>, and in the midrash (Midrash Tehillim 84, Part 4<\/span><\/em>) the conclusion is to be persistent in seeking the Lord God in heaven to hear the prayer of His people (e.g. The rabbis say His servant David and the voice of Judah<\/span><\/em>.) Rashi says, \u05e9\u05de\u05e2\u05d4 \u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05ea\u05d9. \u05dc\u05d1\u05e0\u05d5\u05ea \u05d1\u05d9\u05ea\u05da meaning \u201clisten to my prayer, to the children of your house.<\/span><\/em>\u201d The midrash is speaking of seeking the Lord, and specifically that the Lord would hear the prayer of His people. The point is that the Lord hears the prayers of a faithful people. If one is steeped in sin, the only prayer He will hear is the one of repentance and He watches to see if such a person is striving to turn from sin (this is the definition of Teshuvah<\/span><\/em>). This is what Rashi meant when he commented upon Tehillim \/ Psalms 89<\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n Rashi on Genesis 31:30, Part 1<\/span><\/em><\/strong> As the children of God, we are to be actively seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. Does your heart, does your soul yearn, crave, long (\u05e0\u05db\u05e1\u05e4\u05ea\u05d4) for the presence of God in your life? Based upon this study, this is achieved by seeking the Kingdom of Heaven, by faith in the Lord God in heaven and in His Messiah, by walking humbly before God, by devoting ourselves to prayer, and by studying Torah which is synonymous to obeying, or applying God\u2019s word to our lives, and walking in righteousness before God, loving our brother, and taking care of the poor and needy, the widows and the orphans. These are the things that Yeshua the Messiah taught while he was here on earth. These are the things that are being taught in God\u2019s Torah, according to the Psalms, all of the Tanach, and the Apostolic Writings. Do you understand the significance of what it means to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven?\u00a0 BTT_Parashat Bo-2016<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [youtube url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zYb9mqBbCzA&feature=youtu.be”] In this week\u2019s reading from Parashat Bo (Shemot \/ Exodus 10:1-13:16), we learn about the last plagues that God brought upon Egypt and causes Pharaoh to drive the Children of Israel out of Egypt. The Lord tells Moshe, \u05d0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b5\u05d1 \u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b9\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5354","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bits-of-torah-truth"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5354","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5354"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5354\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
\n\u05d0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05dc\u05b5\u05d1 \u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b9\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e7\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9: \u05d1 \u05d5\u05bc\u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e1\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b5\u05e8 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d1\u05b4\u05e0\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b6\u05df-\u05d1\u05bc\u05b4\u05e0\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b5\u05ea \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b4\u05ea\u05b0\u05e2\u05b7\u05dc\u05bc\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05de\u05b4\u05e6\u05b0\u05e8\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b9\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05e9\u05b7\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d1\u05b8\u05dd \u05d5\u05b4\u05d9\u05d3\u05b7\u05e2\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b6\u05dd \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d2 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b8\u05d1\u05b9\u05d0 \u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05d4\u05b2\u05e8\u05b9\u05df \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05d4-\u05d0\u05b8\u05de\u05b7\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05b4\u05d1\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e2\u05b7\u05d3-\u05de\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9 \u05de\u05b5\u05d0\u05b7\u05e0\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8 \u05dc\u05b5\u05e2\u05b8\u05e0\u05b9\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b8\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b7\u05dc\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7 \u05e2\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05d3\u05bb\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9:<\/p>\n
\n 10:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, \u2018Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, 10:2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.\u2019 10:3 Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, \u2018Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, \u2018How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. (NASB)<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n \u05db\u05d9 \u05d0\u05e0\u05d9 \u05d4\u05db\u05d1\u05d3\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d0\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1\u05d5, during all the preceding plagues we do not find that G\u2019d had told Moses that it was He Who had stiffened Pharaoh\u2019s heart. However, since we have reached the stage where Pharaoh himself had said that \u201cG\u2019d is just whereas he and his people are the sinners,\u201d (9,27) and still he had reneged and sinned deliberately, a phenomenon which must have seemed incomprehensible to Moses, G\u2019d explains the psychology behind this, i.e. that it was not as hard to understand, as He Himself had to stiffen Pharaoh\u2019s resolve causing him to renege. \u05d5\u05d0\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1 \u05e2\u05d1\u05d3\u05d9\u05d5, as we are told in 9,34.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n \u05db\u05d9 \u05d0\u05e0\u05d9 \u05d4\u05db\u05d1\u05d3\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d0\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1\u05d5, during all the preceding plagues we do not find that G\u2019d had told Moses that it was He Who had stiffened Pharaoh\u2019s heart. However, since we have reached the stage where Pharaoh himself had said that \u201cG\u2019d is just whereas he and his people are the sinners,\u201d (9,27) and still he had reneged and sinned deliberately, a phenomenon which must have seemed incomprehensible to Moses, G\u2019d explains the psychology behind this, i.e. that it was not as hard to understand, as He Himself had to stiffen Pharaoh\u2019s resolve causing him to renege. \u05d5\u05d0\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1 \u05e2\u05d1\u05d3\u05d9\u05d5, as we are told in 9,34. Ramban on Exodus: And I will harden Pharaoh\u2019s heart \u2013 they said in the Midrash Rabbah (5:6) that [God] revealed to him that [God] would in the future harden [Pharaoh\u2019s] heart so that judgment would be done on him for enslaving them with hard labor. And we read more there (13:4) because I made his heart heavy (Shemot 10:1) \u2013 from this verse, said Rabbi Yochanan, the minim say that he had no chance of doing teshuvah. Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish answered: \u2018let the mouths of the minim be closed, rather He laughs at mockers (Mishlei 3:34), he was warned once, and twice and three times and he did not repent, and He closes the door of teshuvah so to extract [retribution] from him what he sinned. So with the evil Pharaoh, God sent [warnings] to him five times and he did not listen to [God\u2019s] words, God said to him: \u2018you stiffened your neck and you made your own heart heavy, behold I am going to add impurity to your impurity.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n 5:16 \u2018Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 5:17 \u2018Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 5:18 \u2018For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 5:19 \u2018Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 5:20 \u2018For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (NASB)<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n \u05e0\u05db\u05e1\u05e4\u05ea\u05d4 means THOU DIDST LONG\u2014It occurs many times in Scripture: (Psalms 89:3) \u201cMy soul yearneth (\u05e0\u05db\u05e1\u05e4\u05d4) yea, pineth;\u201d (Job 14:15) \u201cThou wouldst have a desire (\u05ea\u05db\u05e1\u05d5\u05e3) to the work of hands.\u201d (\u05e0\u05db\u05e1\u05e4\u05ea \u05d7\u05b8\u05de\u05b7\u05d3\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8, \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05d4 \u05d9\u05b5\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05de\u05b4\u05bc\u05e7\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0 \u05e0\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05e1\u05b0\u05e4\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d2\u05b7\u05dd \u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 (\u05ea\u05d4\u2019 \u05e4\u201d\u05d3), \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05c2\u05b5\u05d4 \u05d9\u05b8\u05d3\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05e1\u05d5\u05b9\u05e3 (\u05d0\u05d9\u05d5\u05d1 \u05d9\u201d\u05d3):)<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n