Vayera 2016 [And I appeared]

Torah Portion:  Exodus 6:2-9:35

Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

New Testament:  Rev. 3:10-13, Luke 21:19, 2 Cor. 7:9, 10

 

In today’s lesson, the God of the Hebrews, as He calls Himself six times in the Book of Exodus, makes Ten Declarations. The first and the last are identical.

1. I am יהוה 
2. I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
3. I will rid you of their bondage.
4. I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.
5. I will take you to Me for a people.
6. I will be your God.
7. You shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings 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.
9. I will give it to you for a heritage.
10. I am יהוה

The Harness of the LORD

Exactly sixteen years ago today, a woman who became a close friend and mentor hugged me goodbye after our first visit. As I slipped on my coat,   she asked me to wait at the door for a minute.