Shabbat, 25 Tevet 5784 / January 6, 2024
Day 371 Readings
Torah: Parshat Shemot, 7th Portion Shemot (Exodus) 5:1-6:1
Exodus 5
15 Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, “Why do you treat your servants like this? 16 No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ And behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.” 17 But he said, “You are idle, you are idle; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ 18 Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks.” 19 The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, “You shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task each day.” 20 They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; 21 and they said to them, “The Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
22 Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
Exodus 6
God Promises Deliverance
6 But the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
Haftarah Sh’mot: Yesha‘yahu (Isaiah) 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23 (A); Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 1:1–2:3 (S)
Isaiah 27:6-28:13
Complete Jewish Bible
6 The time is coming when Ya‘akov will take root;Isra’el will bud and flower,and fill the whole world with a harvest.7 [Adonai] will not strike Isra’el,as he did others who struck Isra’el;he will not kill them,as he did the others.8 Your controversy with her is fully resolvedby sending her [into exile].He removes her with a rough gust of windon a day when it’s blowing from the east.9 So the iniquity of Ya‘akov is atoned for by this,and removing his sin produces this result:he chops up all the altar stones like chalk —sacred poles and sun-pillars stand no more.10 For the fortified city is alone,abandoned and deserted, like the desert.Calves graze and lie down there,stripping its branches bare.11 When its harvest dries up, it is broken off;women come and set it on fire.For this is a people without understanding.Therefore he who made them will not pity them,he who formed them will show them no mercy.
12 On that day Adonai will beat out the grainbetween the Euphrates River and the Vadi of Egypt;and you will be gathered, one by one,people of Isra’el!
13 On that day a great shofar will sound.Those lost in the land of Ashur will come,also those scattered through the land of Egypt;and they will worship Adonaion the holy mountain in Yerushalayim.
Isaiah 28
1 Woe to the haughty crown of Efrayim’s drunks,to the fading flower of its proud splendor,located at the head of the rich valleybelonging to people overcome by wine!2 Adonai has someone strong and powerful.He comes like a hailstorm, a destructive tempest,like a flood of water, rushing, overwhelming;with his hand he hurls them to the ground.3 The haughty crown of Efrayim’s drunksis trampled underfoot; 4 and the fading flower of its proud splendor, located at the head of the rich valley, is like the first ripe fig of summer —whoever sees it picks and eats it. 5 On that day, Adonai-Tzva’otwill be a glorious crown,a brilliant diademfor the remnant of his people.6 He will also be a spirit of justicefor whoever sits as a judge,and a source of strength for thoserepelling enemy attacks at the gate.
7 But there are others reeling from wine,staggering about because of strong liquor;cohen and prophet reel from strong liquor,they are confused by wine.Led astray by strong liquor,they err in their visions and stumble when judging.8 All tables are covered with vomit and feces,not a single place is clean.9 Can no one be taught anything?Can no one understand the message?Must one teach barely weaned toddlers,babies just taken from the breast,10 so that [one has to use nursery rhymes]? —Tzav la-tzav, tzav la-tzav,kav la-kav, kav la-kavz‘eir sham, z‘eir sham[Precept by precept, precept by precept,line by line, line by line,a little here, a little there].11 So with stammering lips, in a foreign accent,[Adonai] will speak to this people.12 He once told this people, “It’s time to rest,the exhausted can rest, now you can relax” —but they wouldn’t listen.13 So now the word of Adonai for them comes“precept by precept, precept by precept,line by line, line by line,a little here, a little there,”so that when they walk, they stumble backward,and are broken, trapped and captured!
Isaiah 29:22-23
Complete Jewish Bible
22 Therefore, here are the words of Adonai, who redeemed Avraham, concerning the house of Ya‘akov:“Ya‘akov will no longer be ashamed,no longer will his face grow pale. 23 When his descendants see the work of my hands among them, they will consecrate my name. Yes, they will consecrate the Holy one of Ya‘akov and stand in awe of the God of Isra’el.
Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
Complete Jewish Bible
1 These are the words of Yirmeyahu the son of Hilkiyahu, one of the cohanim living in ‘Anatot, in the territory of Binyamin. 2 The word of Adonai came to him during the days of Yoshiyahu the son of Amon, king of Y’hudah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It also came during the days of Y’hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y’hudah, continuing until the eleventh year of Tzidkiyahu the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y’hudah, right up until the time Yerushalayim was carried away captive, in the fifth month.
4 Here is the word of Adonai that came to me:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you;before you were born, I separated you for myself.I have appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”
6 I said, “Oh, Adonai Elohim, I don’t even know how to speak! I’m just a child!” 7 But Adonai said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m just a child.’
“For you will go to whomever I send you,and you will speak whatever I order you.8 Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you, says Adonai,to rescue you.”
9 Then Adonai put out his hand and touched my mouth, and Adonai said to me,
“There! I have put my words in your mouth. 10 Today I have placed you over nations and kingdomsto uproot and to tear down,to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.”
11 The word of Adonai came to me, asking, “Yirmeyahu, what do you see?” I answered, “I see a branch from an almond tree [a]. 12 Then Adonai said to me, “You have seen well, because I am watching [b] to fulfill my word.”
13 A second time the word of Adonai came to me, asking, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a caldron tilted away from the north, over a fire fanned by the wind.” 14 Then Adonai said to me, “From the north calamity will boil over onto everyone living in the land, 15 because I will summon all the families in the kingdoms of the north,” says Adonai,
“and they will come and sit, each one, on his throneat the entrance to the gates of Yerushalayim,opposite its walls, all the way around,and opposite all the cities of Y’hudah.16 I will pronounce my judgments against themfor all their wickedness in abandoning me,offering incense to other godsand worshipping what their own hands made.
17 “But you, dress for action; stand up and tell themeverything I order you to say.When you confront them, don’t break down;or I will break you down in front of them!18 For today, you see, I have made you intoa fortified city, a pillar of iron,a wall of bronze against the whole land —against the kings of Y’hudah, against its princes,against its cohanim and the people of the land.19 They will fight against you,but they will not overcome you,for I am with you,” says Adonai,“to rescue you.”
Jeremiah 2
1 The word of Adonai came to me: 2 “Go and shout in the ears of Yerushalayim that this is what Adonai says:
‘I remember your devotion when you were young;how, as a bride, you loved me;how you followed me through the desert,through a land not sown.
3 “‘Isra’el is set aside for Adonai,the firstfruits of his harvest;all who devour him will incur guilt;evil will befall them,” says Adonai.
B’rit Hadashah suggested readings for Parashah Sh’mot: Mattityahu (Matthew) 22:23–33; 41–46; Mark 12:18–27; 35–37; Luke 20:27–44; Acts 3:12–15; 5:27–32; 7:17–36; 22:12–16; 24:14–16; Messianic Jews (Hebrews) 11:23–26; Romans 12:1–21
Hebrews 11:23-26
Complete Jewish Bible
23 By trusting, the parents of Moshe hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw that he was a beautiful child,[a] and they weren’t afraid of the king’s decree.
24 By trusting, Moshe, after he had grown up,[b] refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin. 26 He had come to regard abuse suffered on behalf of the Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes fixed on the reward.
Romans 12
Complete Jewish Bible
1 I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you. 2 In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed. 3 For I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to each of you, namely, trust. 4 For just as there are many parts that compose one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function; 5 so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others. 6 But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; 7 if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching; 8 if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.
9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. 18 If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. 19 Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written,
“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’”[a]
20 On the contrary,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.For by doing this, you will heapfiery coals [of shame] on his head.”[b]
21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
GOD's word to me in December 2023
Bible Study Together
Psalm 71
English Standard Version
Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent
71 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come;you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb.My praise is continually of you.
7 I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.10 For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together11 and say, “God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him.”
12 O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!13 May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.14 But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again;from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.21 You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.
22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.23 My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.24 And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt.
2 Samuel 16
English Standard Version
David and Ziba
16 When David had passed a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, bearing two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 And the king said, “And where is your master's son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”
Shimei Curses David
5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”
9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me,[a] and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. 14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan.[b] And there he refreshed himself.
Mark 10:46-52
English Standard Version
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Luke 18:35-43
English Standard Version
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
ESV Study Bible
Scripture
Genesis 5
21 Now Enoch lived sixty-five years, and fathered Methuselah. 22 Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he fathered Methuselah, and he fathered other sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God; and he was [a]not, for God took him.
25 Now Methuselah lived 187 years, and fathered Lamech. 26 Then Methuselah lived 782 years after he fathered Lamech, and he fathered other sons and daughters. 27 So all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
28 Now Lamech lived 182 years, and fathered a son. 29 And he named him Noah, saying, “This one will give us comfort from our work and from the hard labor of our hands caused by the ground which the Lord has cursed.” 30 Then Lamech lived 595 years after he fathered Noah, and he fathered other sons and daughters. 31 So all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.
32 Now after Noah was five hundred years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
1 Chronicles 5
New American Standard Bible
Genealogy from Reuben
5 Now the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel; so he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. 2 Though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph), 3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, and Hezron and Carmi.
Luke 2:22-52
New American Standard Bible
22 And when the days for [a]their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young doves.”
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s [b]Christ. 27 And he came [c]by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [d]to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace,According to Your word;30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples:32 A light for revelation [e]for the Gentiles,And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and [f]rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be [g]opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, [h]Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in [i]years and had lived with her husband for seven years after her [j]marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers. 38 And at that very [k]moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Return to Nazareth
39 And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40 Now the Child continued to grow and to become strong, [l]increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.
Visit to Jerusalem
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. 44 Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s [m]house?” 50 And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had [n]made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued to be subject to them; and His mother treasured all these [o]things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and [p]stature, and in favor with God and people.
Psalm 4
New American Standard Bible
Evening Prayer of Trust in God.
[a]For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
4 Answer me when I call, God [b]of my righteousness!You have [c]relieved me in my distress;Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
2 You sons of man, how long will my [d]honor be treated as an insult?How long will you love what is worthless and strive for a lie? Selah3 But know that the Lord has [e]set apart the godly person for Himself;The Lord hears when I call to Him.
4 [f]Tremble, [g]and do not sin;[h]Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah5 Offer [i]the sacrifices of righteousness,And trust in the Lord.
6 Many are saying, “Who will show us anything good?”Lift up the light of Your face upon us, Lord!7 You have put joy in my heart,More than when their grain and new wine are abundant.8 In peace I will [j]both lie down and sleep,For You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety.