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Bo
Exodus
10:1-13:16
Jeremiah
46:13-28
1
Cor.11:20-34
This week we
read about the last three Plagues. The first of the last three is locusts,
eating all that is left of the crops. Second from last is darkness which
covers the
land
of Egypt. And finally, the last plague is the death of the firstborn.
Tradition has it that this last Plague occurred on the 15th of the month
of Nissan.
Next on the
list of the reading is the establishment of the calendar based on the
monthly moon cycle.
Then we read
that the Israelites are to bring a lamb for the Passover offering so that
the Angel of Death would pass over their homes. Also they are instructed
to eat the roasted lamb with Matzah (unleavened bread) and with the bitter
herbs.
They are
commanded to commemorate the Passover each year, and tell their children
what G-d has done for them. Also they are to consecrate the firstborn.
Finally the
commandment of Tefillin to be placed on the head and on their arms.
As we read
this last episode of the last Plagues we come to understand that G-d has
put a difference between His people and the Egyptians; between His
children and the world (2 Cor.6:14-18). The world (Egypt) tells us to
sacrifice in their ways and their traditions rather than the way G-d
established in His word (Exodus
8:25). The world does not want us to go too
far away from their traditions (Exodus
8:28), or to
teach our children about G-d’s ways (Exodus 10:8-11 & 10:24-26).
Have you been
tempted to compromise? Pharaoh did not heed G-d's warning and great
judgments fell on
Egypt.
Pharaoh's confessions of sin were not sincere; he only wanted to stop the
Plagues.
True
repentance comes with a change of heart and mind that leads to change in
one's lifestyle. We need to make sure that we fear no ruler or bullies
that try to control us by fear and insincerity. Our G-d is greater then
any ruler. We must never fear man. G-d is in charge (Daniel 4:34-38).
Let us
therefore fear G-d; trust our lives into His hands; and let us be sincere
in our repentance to Him.
Shavua
Tov
Rabbi
Z.
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