January 18, 2025: Torah Portion Parashah SHEMOT - "Names" : Book of Exodus
In this study, we will explore the Torah portion, Haftarah, and Brit Chadashah, Tehillim (Psalms).
Torah Portion: Shemot (שְׁמוֹת) — Exodus 1:1–6:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
Brit Chadashah (New Testament): 1 Corinthians 14:13–25
Psalms: Psalm 105; Psalm 136
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Newsletter by Dr. Hadassah Elia & Elihana Elia
Shemot (שְׁמוֹת) is a Hebrew word that means "names". It is the title of the first part of the Book of Exodus in the Torah.
Shemot* is the first parashah, or weekly Torah portion, in the Book of Exodus. It covers Exodus 1:1–6:1.
The title Shemot comes from an ancient naming convention that used the first significant word of a book to title it.
The title Shemot suggests the importance of identity in the story of the Israelites' slavery, redemption, and revelation.
The book begins with a list of the names of the Israelites who came to Egypt.
The book tells the story of the Israelites' multiplication in Egypt, which led to the Pharaoh enslaving them.
Here’s an empowering and profound teaching on Parashat Shemot (Exodus 1:1–6:1)
Parashat Shemot: A Message of God's Identity, His Redemption (with an outstretched arm), Unity, and Hope
The Historical Context: A Time of Bondage and Redemption
The Torah portion Shemot begins with a profound shift: the children of Israel, once honored in Egypt, have become enslaved. Their rapid growth incites fear in Pharaoh, leading to cruel oppression and the infamous decree to kill all male Hebrew infants. In the midst of this suffering, God raises up Moses, a deliverer, whose story becomes the blueprint for redemption throughout the Scriptures.
This portion highlights critical themes: God’s faithfulness to His covenant, His choice of unlikely leaders, and His power to bring redemption from bondage.Shemot reveals God’s overarching plan for REDEMPTION!
The Multiplication of Israel (Exodus 1:7):“But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.”
This echoes God’s promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).
This multiplication foreshadows the spread of Israel’s descendants across the world (Hosea 1:10, Romans 11:25).
God’s Covenant Remembered (Exodus 2:24):“So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”
This is a reminder that God’s promises to both Houses—Judah and Ephraim—are irrevocable. He hears the cries of all His people, whether in exile or in the land of promise.
Moses as a Deliverer (Exodus 3:1–12):Moses’ calling at the burning bush is a pivotal moment. God declares His name, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (“I AM Who I AM”), affirming His eternal nature and covenant faithfulness.
Moses’ role parallels Yeshua’s mission as the ultimate Deliverer who unites Israel into one kingdom under God’s reign (Ezekiel 37:15–28).
Torah Portion: Shemot – The Birth of a Deliverer
The Oppression in Egypt (Exodus 1:1–14)The portion begins with the Israelites (Hebrew) flourishing in Egypt, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants. However, this growth threatens Pharaoh, leading to the oppression and genocide of the Hebrews.
The oppression in Egypt reflects the scattering of the House of Israel among the nations and Judah’s struggles through exile. Yet, God’s promise to redeem and unite His people stands firm (Ezekiel 37:15–28).
Modern Connection: Just as Israel cried out under bondage, today, we cry out for the release of hostages and the restoration of peace and security in the Land of Israel. This portion reminds us that God hears the groaning of His people and acts in His perfect timing.
Exodus 6:2-8
2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’”
The name Moses means "savior" or "delivered from the water".
Moses was born into a Hebrew family in Egypt and was saved from Pharaoh's edict to kill all newborn Hebrew males.
Birth
According to the book of Exodus, he was born in Egypt to Hebrew parents, who set him afloat on the Nile in a reed basket to save him from an edict calling for the death of all newborn Hebrew males. Found by the pharaoh's daughter, he was reared in the Egyptian court.
The name Moses means "savior" or "delivered from the water". It is derived from the Hebrew verb msh, which means "to draw out" or "extract".
Moses (MOSHE) was born to a Levite couple, Jochebed and Amram.
His mother hid him for three months to protect him from the Egyptians.
When she could no longer hide him, she placed him in a basket made of reeds and coated with asphalt and pitch.
She set the basket among the reeds by the Nile River.
Pharaoh's daughter found Moses in the basket and took him in.
Calling
Y-H-W-H (God) revealed himself to Moses in a burning bush.
Y-H-W-H called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and free them from slavery.
Moses returned to Egypt with his brother Aaron.
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt in an event known as the Exodus.
Moses’ birth and divine calling demonstrate God’s power to raise deliverers even in the darkest times. God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush, declaring, “I am who I am” (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh).
Hebrew Insight: The name אֶהְיֶה conveys God’s eternal presence and faithfulness. He is with His people in their suffering and delivers them for His name’s sake.
Moses, the deliverer, foreshadows Yeshua, the ultimate Redeemer, who unites ISRAEL under one covenant (Romans 11:25–26).
God’s Covenant Remembered (Exodus 2:23–25)
“So God heard their groaning and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This verse encapsulates the heart of redemption: God’s faithfulness to His promises.
God’s remembrance extends to the Hebrews, affirming His intention to restore all Israel as one nation (Jeremiah 31:31–33).
Modern Connection: In the United States of America, as we face political transitions, we are reminded that God hears the cries of those who seek His justice and righteousness. Just as He raised Moses to deliver Israel, He raises leaders to fulfill His purposes today.
Elihana Elia sang at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast at President Trump's Mar- a - Lago before members of the Knesset, influential believers of the Christian, Messianic and Jewish faith. On January 20, Donald Trump will take office as President of the United States. We are reminded of the importance of praying for our leaders and government. The Scriptures teach us to intercede for those in authority so they may lead with righteousness and uphold biblical principles.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us:
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
This new administration presents an opportunity to return to godly standards, support Israel as God commands in Genesis 12:3, and address critical challenges. Under the previous administration, America’s stance toward Israel weakened, and domestic security threats, including those posed by Iran, were insufficiently addressed. As believers, we pray for wisdom and boldness for President Trump and his team, that they will prioritize strengthening ties with Israel and protecting the nation from enemies who seek harm.
Let us stand on Psalm 122:6, which says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." May this administration fully embrace its role in God’s prophetic plan by blessing Israel, combating evil, and restoring justice and peace domestically and globally.
We trust in God’s sovereignty, as Daniel 2:21 reminds us: "He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."
Let us join in prayer, believing that God will use this administration to bring restoration and righteousness to our nation and the world.God’s Covenant Remembered (Exodus 2:24):“So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”
This is a reminder that God’s promises to both Houses—Judah and Ephraim—are irrevocable. He hears the cries of all His people, whether in exile or in the land of promise.Moses as a Deliverer (Exodus 3:1–12):
Moses’ calling at the burning bush is a pivotal moment. God declares His name, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (“I AM Who I AM”), affirming His eternal nature and covenant faithfulness.
Moses’ role parallels Yeshua’s mission as the ultimate Deliverer who unites the Two Houses into one kingdom under God’s reign (Ezekiel 37:15–28).
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
Redemption and Unity
Isaiah’s prophecies in the Haftarah portion reinforce God’s redemptive plan for Israel:
The Prophetic Vision of Restoration
Isaiah speaks of Israel blossoming and filling the world with fruit (Isaiah 27:6). He also warns of judgment against pride and disobedience but assures restoration and glory for Jacob’s descendants.
The blossoming of Israel reflects the unity of Judah and Ephraim, whose reconciliation will bring blessings to the nations (Genesis 48:19) - Reunited and fulfilling their calling to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3).
Modern Connection: As we pray for unity in Israel amidst its struggles, we also seek healing for divisions in America. Isaiah’s vision encourages us to trust God’s plan for redemption and leadership in both nations.
“Messiah Revealed in the Book of Exodus: A Messianic Jewish Perspective on Redemption and Covenant”
The Deliverer: Moses as a Type of Messiah
Moses is a central figure in Exodus and serves as a foreshadowing (type) of Messiah Yeshua:
• Redeemer from Bondage: Just as Moses was sent by God to deliver Israel from physical slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:10), Yeshua was sent to deliver humanity from spiritual bondage to sin (John 8:34–36).
• Acts 7:37: Stephen declares that Moses spoke of a future Prophet like himself, pointing to Yeshua (Deuteronomy 18:15–19).
• Mediators of Covenant: Moses mediated the Sinai Covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 19:3–6). Similarly, Yeshua is the mediator of the New Covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and fulfilled in Hebrews 8:6–13.
• Intercessor: Moses interceded for Israel when they sinned with the golden calf (Exodus 32:11–14). Yeshua, as our High Priest, intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
The Passover Lamb: Foreshadowing Yeshua’s Sacrifice
The Passover (Pesach) in Exodus 12 is one of the clearest connections to Messiah Yeshua:
• Spotless Lamb: The lamb had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5), prefiguring Yeshua, the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19).
• Blood of Protection: The blood of the lamb on the doorposts protected the Israelites from death (Exodus 12:7, 13). Yeshua’s blood, shed on the cross, brings eternal life and protection from spiritual death (Romans 5:9; Revelation 7:14).
• Unleavened Bread: The command to eat unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15) signifies the removal of sin (chametz), aligning with Yeshua’s call for purity and righteousness (1 Corinthians 5:7–8).
• Fulfillment in Yeshua: Yeshua was crucified during Passover, connecting His death directly to the Exodus story as the ultimate deliverance (Matthew 26:17–28; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Crossing of the Red Sea: Immersion and New Life
The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) symbolizes salvation and new life in Messiah:
• Deliverance Through Water: Israel’s crossing from slavery to freedom parallels the believer’s immersion in waters, where we pass from death to life through Yeshua (Romans 6:3–4).
• Victory Over the Enemy: God’s defeat of Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:27–28) points to Yeshua’s victory over Satan, sin, and death (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
The Tabernacle: God Dwelling Among His People
The construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25–40) foreshadows God’s plan to dwell among His people through Yeshua:
• God’s Presence: The Tabernacle housed God’s presence in the wilderness (Exodus 40:34–35). Yeshua, as Emmanuel (God with us), fulfills this in His incarnation (John 1:14).
• The High Priest and Sacrifices: The priestly system and sacrifices within the Tabernacle point to Yeshua as our eternal High Priest and the ultimate atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–12).
• The Veil Torn: The veil of the Tabernacle separated humanity from God’s presence. When Yeshua died, the Temple veil was torn in two, granting believers direct access to God (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19–22).
The Covenant at Sinai: Foreshadowing the New Covenant
The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19–20) is a cornerstone of Israel’s relationship with God. It prophetically points to the New Covenant:
• The Law Written on Hearts: At Sinai, the Torah was written on tablets of stone. In the New Covenant, God promises to write His law on our hearts through His Ruach Ha'Kodesh (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10).
• The Spirit’s Empowerment: At Pentecost (Shavuot), the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha'Kodesh) was given, empowering believers to live out God’s commandments in a deeper way (Acts 2:1–4; Ezekiel 36:26–27).
These connections demonstrate how the events and themes of Exodus point to God’s ultimate redemptive plan through Yeshua, the Messiah. This perspective enriches our understanding of both the Torah and the Brit Chadashah (renewed covenant with Israel God's people), showing the alignment of Scripture in God’s eternal covenant with His people.
Brit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 14:13–25
Rav. Shaul/ Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts highlights the need for order and clarity in the body of Messiah. It reminds us that each part of the body has a role to play in building up the whole.
Just as spiritual gifts bring unity and edification, the reunification of Judah and Ephraim (the Jewish people and the nations under ONE KING) will reflect God’s design for a harmonious and redeemed people (Ephesians 2:14–16).
Psalms: Trusting in God’s Covenant
Psalm 105: Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
This psalm recounts God’s covenant with Abraham and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, encouraging us to trust in His promises.
Psalm 136: His Mercy Endures Forever
A declaration of God’s enduring mercy, this psalm reminds us that His lovingkindness transcends all circumstances, from bondage in Egypt to the hope of restoration.
Empowering Message for Today
For Israel:
As Israel grapples with the captivity of its hostages and ongoing threats, we pray for a modern-day deliverance. God’s covenant promises assure us that He will bring peace, unity, and restoration to His people.
For the United States of America:
In times of political and societal shifts, we look to God as the ultimate ruler. Just as He raised Moses to confront Pharaoh, He raises leaders today to bring justice and righteousness.
Conclusion: United Under the Redeemer
Parashat Shemot reminds us of God’s power to redeem and unite. As we await the return of Messiah Yeshua, the Lion of Judah and the Shepherd of Ephraim, we find hope in His promise to restore all things. Whether in the land of Israel or the nations, we stand as one people under His covenant, proclaiming His eternal faithfulness.
May this Shabbat inspire us to trust God’s plan, work for unity, and pray fervently for the deliverance of all who are in bondage—physically, spiritually, and politically.
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A Final Word: The Urgency of the Hour
The time is now. We are living in the final days, and the harvest of souls is at hand. Just as we must stand with Israel, we must also stand together to spread the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah. This is an urgent matter—souls are at stake, and the need is greater than ever.
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Thank you for standing with us. May God bless you richly, and may He continue to bless Israel and the work of His Kingdom.
Shabbat Shalom!
In His Service,
Elihana Elia & Dr. Hadassah Elia and team at RONI International Alliance, Lev
Echad One Heart Messianic Congregation & Restore Israel
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