Beshalach (בְּשַׁלַּח) – When He Sent
From Exodus to Today!
The sixteenth reading from the Torah is named Beshalach, which means “when he sent.” The title comes from the very first verse of the reading. It can be literally translated to say, “And it happened when Pharaoh sent out the people.” But what happened? Many things happened in the process of delivering Israel out of the oppressive grip of the Pharoah. The current Pharoah had forgotten how G-d’s hand had rescued the Egyptians from famine through the Hebrews. Under the previous Pharoah Egypt had prospered. Not dissimilar to today as G-d’s people has blessed the world. In Medicine, Technology, finance, agriculture, etc. One example that illustrates this is that Jews make up only 2% of the world population, yet they have been awarded 20% of the Nobel Peace Prizes. Countries prosper everywhere Jews call home as a testimony to G-d. G-d is saying I am alive and well. See how I have delivered and cared for the Jewish people. This is the lot due to all people that choose to follow the G-d of Israel and bless his servants who will bring about His plan. This is why Satan fervently attacks Israel. If he can make G-d look like a liar (which is impossible), if he can break down our trust in Him, he has half the battle won.
Genesis 12:3 CJB - 3 I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
Pharaoh didn’t have access to these words, as they were given to Moses afterward. But Pharaoh witnessed the reality of blessings and curses firsthand. He rebelled against G-d, and in turn, G-d used him as an example of what not to do. Yet, history repeats itself. Today, antisemitism is on the rise. Leaders in the Middle East and beyond have risen against Israel, just as Pharaoh once did—blaming Israel for their problems instead of embracing G-d and sharing in His blessings. As a child, I asked my mother, Why are we hated so much as a people? It made no sense. We seemed to be a kind and respectful people. My mother’s answer was simple yet profound: Some people are jealous. Sadly, this remains a stark truth and a reflection of the human condition. Instead of resenting G-d’s blessings, why not be grateful for the good He has bestowed upon us—regardless of whom He chooses to bring His goodness through?
Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart and the Purpose of Worship
In Hebrew, the word for worship in this context is Avodah (עֲבוֹדָה), which can mean worship, service, or work. In Judaism, serving G-d through acts of kindness and obedience to His Torah is synonymous with worship. Yes, we worship God with songs and praises—such as Shirat HaYam (The Song of the Sea) in Exodus 15, which inspired the Mi Chamocha prayer sung daily in Jewish services. However, the deeper form of worship G-d desired from the Israelites in the wilderness was through the work of building the Tabernacle. G-d longed to dwell among His people. Due to sin, humanity had been separated from Him since the fall in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). God, in His holiness, cannot coexist with sin, for His presence would consume all impurity.
Romans 3:9-11 (CJB) - “There is no one righteous, not even one! No one understands; no one seeks. G-d.”
Even Moses, the humblest and holiest man in the world, could not look upon G-d directly: Exodus 33:19-21 (CJB) - “You cannot see My face, because a human being cannot look at Me and remain alive.”
Two Torah portions prior, Pharaoh began hardening his heart toward the Hebrews rather than sharing in G-d’s blessings. The previous Pharaoh had recognized the provision and goodwill that came from acknowledging Joseph’s G-d, the G-d of the Hebrews. But this Pharaoh resisted, leading to the ten plagues and the eventual release of the Hebrews. Moses’ request was simple: Let the Hebrews go so they may worship their God. But why was this so crucial to G-d? This is where we pick up from in this week’s story. But why would G-d insist on telling Moshes to let His people come and worship Him?
Some skeptics might suggest that G-d’s demand for worship appears selfish—even narcissistic (to use a modern over used term:). However, nothing could be further from the truth! It was an act of love. I once heard a devout Christian explain that the reason for G-d’s demand to let the Hebrews worship him, was because He is deserving of worship. Although this is true, the Hebraic’s offer a deeper explanation.
In Hebrew, the word for worship in this context is Avodah (עֲבוֹדָה), which can mean worship, service, or work. In Judaism, serving G-d through acts of kindness and obedience to His Torah is synonymous with worship. Yes, we do worship G-d with songs and praises—such as Shirat HaYam (The Song of the Sea) in Exodus 15, which inspired the Mi Chamocha prayer sung daily in Jewish services. Also Aaron’s sister Miriam the prophetess accompanied Moshe by picking up her tambourine. Then the other woman picked up their tambourines and sang and danced! This indeed is a form of worship. But not the only type of worship that HaShem was asking the Israelites to perform in the desert. G-d desired a deeper form of worship from the Israelites in the wilderness. The work of building the Tabernacle.
G-d longed to dwell among His people. Due to sin, humanity had been separated from Him since the fall in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). G-d, in His holiness, cannot coexist with sin, for His presence would consume all impurity. The Hebrews Worshipped G-d through the work of building the tabernacle in the wilderness. G-d wanted to spend time with his children who had been distanced from Him in Gan Eden.
Romans 3:9-11 CJB - So are we Jews better off? Not entirely; for I have already made the charge that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, are controlled by sin. 10 As the Tanakh puts it, “There is no one righteous, not even one! No one understands, no one seeks God, Yeshua’s sacrifice wiped away our sin and we can enter into heaven, this is a great truth. But we still live in a sinful world. This presents a problem? Even Moshe Rabbeinu (Rabbi Moses affectionately:), being the humblest soul and holiest man on earth could not look upon G-d!
Exodus 33:19-21 CJB - He replied, “I will cause all my goodness to pass before you, and in your presence I will pronounce the name of Adonai. Moreover, I show favor to whomever I will, and I display mercy to whomever I will. 20 But my face,” he continued, “you cannot see, because a human being cannot look at me and remain alive. 21 Here,” he said, “is a place near me; stand on the rock.
Perhaps you have heard the expression “I want to worship until I see G-d’s face?” This is a very nice thought, and we all should seek the face of G-d and His presence.
Psalm 27:8 CJB - “My heart said of you, ‘Seek my face.’” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
Psalm 105:4 CJB - Seek Adonai and his strength; always seek his presence.
We should strive to seek G-d! How we do this by imitating our master Yeshua in all our ways. This is how we see the Father. Through our L-rd who is the only one righteous enough to look upon the father and live.
John 1:18 CJB - 18 No one has ever seen G-d; but the only and unique Son, who is identical with G-d and is at the Father’s side — he has made him known.
The Tabernacle: A Place of Divine Presence
The answer to humanity’s separation from G-d was the Tabernacle—a sacred space built by the Israelites, where G-d’s presence could safely dwell among them. Yeshua taught us to pray, the Hebrews were literally bringing heaven down to earth! This was an act of love, not a selfish demand. The Israelites, exercising their free will, built a dwelling place for their heavenly Father. This was the opposite of the Tower of Babel—where humanity sought to elevate themselves rather than honor G-d’s will. Similarly, until Yeshua (Jesus) finally puts all sin under His feet (Ephesians 1:22-23), a sacred place remains necessary for God’s presence. This is why the Jewish people continue to pray daily for the rebuilding of the Third Temple, where God’s Shekhinah (Divine Presence) will once again fill the house.
This was the opposite of building the tower of Babel which was outside of G-d’s will. This was G-d’s will to build the tabernacle. They were to build a sanctified, purified, and set apart place. We can liken this set apart place to a sterilized operating room. A purified place (makom, מָקוֹם) where we could meet with G-d. A set apart place is necessary in order to be in the presence of G-d. When Yeshua ultimately puts all sin under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:24-25) it will be different on earth. Until then is why the 3rd Temple will be built. While sin still exist, G-d needs a set apart place. A shakan (dwelling place) for G-d to come and visit with us. It is true that we have access to the throne of G-d in heaven. Yeshua paved the way through His atoning sacrifice. Until there is a new heaven and new earth, a sinless environment there needs to be a temple. The Jewish people pray daily for the rebuilding of the Temple. So G-d can dwell with us as in the kedem (קֶדֶם, days of old) when His glory filled the house!
Ezekiel 10:4 ESV - 4 And the glory of the L-RD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the L-RD.
Ezekiel 44:4 ESV - 4 Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, andI looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the L-RD. And I fell on my face.
When Yeshua finally does away with all sin, there will be a new heaven and earth. Righteousness will flourish.
2 Peter 3:13 CJB - but we, following along with his promise, wait for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness will be at home.
Revelation 21:1 CJB - Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away, and the sea was no longer there.
In the new heaven and earth there will be no need for a Temple as sin will not hinder us from G-d’s presence!
Revelation 21:22-23 CJB - I saw no Temple in the city, for Adonai, G-d of heaven’s armies, is its Temple, as is the Lamb. 23 The city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, because G-d’s Sh’khinah gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Is there a still a sun and a moon? Indeed, there is, therefore there is still a need for a temple. By agreeing to go and worship (by building a tabernacle), Israel exercised their free-will and expressed their love for G-d. It was not selfish for G-d to instruct the Israelites to build a tabernacle. It was G-d’s way of saying I want to spend time with you, come and meet with me. This week’s parasha reading tells of the adventures of the Israelites when they left Egypt. They crossed the Yam Suf (Sea of reeds, aka Red Sea), received miraculous provision of manna, and they faced their first battle! In Rephidim, the people were attacked by the Amalekites from the rear. The Amalekites were defeated when Moshe prayed and Joshua raised up an army. Joshua or Yehoshua means “G-d saves.” The name Yeshua is a derivation of the name Yehoshua, aka Joshua. Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is a Hebrew name that means "to save," "to rescue," or "to deliver." The name Yeshua is a common name in the Tanakh. Yeshua is often translated as "He saves” meaning “G-d saves.” Just as Joshua led the armies that freed us from the Amalekites, Yeshua we’ll lead the armies for our final redemption.
Revelation 19:13-15 CJB - He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which he is called is, “THE WORD OF G-D.” 14 The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 And out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations — “He will rule them with a staff of iron.” It is he who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of Adonai, G-d of heaven’s armies.
The Battle Against Amalek and the Spirit of Evil
This parasha also tells of the Israelites’ first battle—against Amalek. The Amalekites attacked from the rear, targeting the weak, the elderly, and children. This is the same evil tactic Hamas used on October 7, 2023. The Torah warns us about Amalek’s methods:
Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - “Remember what Amalek did to you… attacking you when you were faint and weary, cutting off those who lagged behind. He did not fear G-d.”
Amalek represents more than just an ancient nation—it is the spirit of destruction that rises throughout history to oppose G-d’s people. This same spirit resurfaced in the time of Saul, David, and Esther. It lurks today.
Moshe and Yehoshua had defeated the Amalekites, but the Amalekites rose again in the time of the Judges. David defeated the Amalekites at the town of Ziklag. A town in the Negev region in the southwest of what was the Kingdom of Judah. David responded by attacking them, and he returned all of the hostages and the property that had been taken from the Judah. May we see all of the hostages returned in like manner.
1 Samuel 30:16-18 CJB - 16 He led them down, and there they were, spread out all over the ground, eating, drinking and celebrating how much spoil they had taken from the territory of the P’lishtim and the territory of Y’hudah. 17 David attacked them from dawn until the evening of the next day. Not one of them escaped, except for 400 young men who jumped on camels and got away. 18 David recovered all that the ‘Amaleki had taken; he also rescued his two wives.
This murderous Amalek spirit has risen up again and again to destroy Israel. In 1 Samuel 15 Saul was instructed to totally wipe out these people bent on murder and destruction. But Saul spared King Agag and spared the best of his sheep and cattle. G-d knew the future and was telling Saul to exterminate evil before it exterminates G-d’s servants and corrupts the world. We notice that 400 Amalekites escaped from King David. Again they got away! Later in the book of Esther, Haman a descendent of Amalek rises up and attempts try and annihilate the Jewish people! All of G-d’s people fasted in sackcloth and ashes for three days praying to be delivered from the impending genocide. HaShem raised up Esther through whom deliverance came to Israel! A righteous woman, (Eshet Chayil)! B”H! We are not dealing with flesh and blood here.
Ephesians 6:12 (CJB) - “For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers governing this darkness—against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”
Amalek’s end is prophesied:
Numbers 24:20 - “Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.”
Restoring Trust in G-d
Through all trials, from Exodus to today, G-d’s message remains the same: Trust in Me.
On October 7, Israel’s faith was tested. Hamas, operating in the spirit of Amalek, sought to sow doubt. Yet, Israel responded with renewed trust in G-d. Images of IDF soldiers carrying the Torah into battle flooded the news. Just as Israel sang in unity after crossing the Red Sea, today they stand together, strengthened in faith.
We are in the last days. Few will deny this. Why were we born? What is our lot in life? What is our purpose? Our purpose can be learned from the exodus from Egypt. From then until now we have been urged and taught by G-d to trust in Him. In doing so we partner with G-d in redeeming the world from the grips of Satan and evil. The process of Tikkun Olam. Repairing the world is our lot in life. All of the biblical hero’s longed to see the days which we are living in. October 7 should have been a wake up call for the world. Evil is not an abstract notion. It lurks at our doors. When we trust and walk with G-d evil can not affect us. Just as evil and the spirit of death hovered over the doors of the Hebrews, yet they were protected by the blood of the lamb of G-d. Yeshua is the door, the way and the life. The Lamb of G-d that we put our trust in. Moshe gave encouraging words to his people.
Moshe says to the people: Exodus 14:13-14 CJB - 13… “Stop being so fearful! Remain steady, and you will see how Adonai is going to save you. He will do it today — today you have seen the Egyptians, but you will never see them again! 14 Adonai will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!”
Romans 8:31 (CJB) - “If G-d is for us, who can be against us?”
From the Sages
G‑d led the people about by way of the desert (13:18)
This is comparable to a king who had a son to whom he wished to bequeath an inheritance, but he argued: “If I give it to him now that he is small, he will not know how to take care of it. I will therefore wait until my son studies the writings and comprehends the value [of the property]; then I will bequeath it unto him.” This is what G‑d said: I shall first give them the Torah, and then bring them into the Land.
(Midrash Rabbah)
The Midrash Rabbah alludes to the idea that by studying Torah we will mature to the point where we can inherit the promise land. Should a parent give the keys and title to a car to their child before they learn the rules of the road, or how to operate a car? Neither did G-d hand over us the title to the promise land until we mature in the teachings of His righteous Torah.
The sea returned to its strength (14:27)
On the third day of creation, when G‑d made the dry land emerge from the waters and caused the waters to be gathered together into one place, forming from them the sea, He stipulated with the sea that it should split to allow the Israelites to pass through it on dry land and then overwhelm the Egyptians. Thus it is written, “the sea returned to its strength (le’eitano) when the morning appeared.” The word le’eitano (“to its strength”), by a transposition of letters, can be read li-tena’o (“to its stipulation”).
(Zohar; Mechilta)
Interestingly the Zohar states that on the third day of creation land rose up. which according to the Zohar was the same land that saved the Israelites as they crossed over safely. Likewise on the third day Yeshua rose up. Through which we cross over safely from death to life. In addition we see another interesting parallel of Yeshua from the Mechilta. A collection of Jewish interpretations and exegesis.
They believed in G‑d and in Moses His servant (14:31)
One who believes in Moses believes in G‑d. (Mechilta)
Like so one who believes in the Son believes in the Father. This is a Jewish mindset.
John 12:44-45 CJB - Yeshua declared publicly, “Those who put their trust in me are trusting not merely in me, but in the One who sent me. 45 Also those who see me see the One who sent me.
Doubt destroys our relation with G-d!
. . . Because they tested G‑d, saying: “Is G‑d among us, or not?” Then came Amalek and waged war with Israel in Rephidim (17:7–8) The Lubavitcher Rebbe
After all that they had seen G‑d do on their behalf—the ten plagues brought upon Egypt to free them, the splitting of the sea, the “bread from heaven” that descended each morning to nourish them—how could the people of Israel possibly question, “Is G‑d amongst us or not?” But such is the nature of doubt. There is doubt that is based on a rational query. There is doubt that rises from the doubter’s subjective motives and desires. But then there is doubt pure and simple: doubt that neutralizes the most compelling evidence and the most inspiring experience with nothing more than a cynical shrug. Amalek is the essence of doubt, of irrational challenge to truth. (Thus the Hebrew word Amalek has a numerical value of 240—the same as the word safek, “doubt”). Because the people of Israel had succumbed to the Amalek within their own souls, they became vulnerable to attack by Amalek the nation.
(The Chassidic Masters)
We have to remember that the Hebrews had just experienced 400 years in slavery. They had plenty of reason to think that things would not go their way. There is little doubt that the Israelites had low self esteem. They may even have felt that they were not deserving of deliverance? But G-d rescued them to show them and us how to trust in G-d. The sages suggest that G-d works with us when we have faith and trust in Him;
It came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed (17:11) Did then the hands of Moses wage war or break war? Not so; but so long as Israel looked upwards and subjected their hearts to their Father in Heaven, they prevailed; and when they did not, they fell.
(Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 29a)
Hebrews 4:16 CJB - Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which G-d gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.
The lesson of Beshalach is clear: Trust in God is the key to victory. It is through this unwavering trust that we partner with Him in the redemption of the world.
Hebrews 11:6 (CJB) - “Without trusting, it is impossible to please God.”
May we continue to trust, walk in faith, and see God’s salvation!
Shabbat Shalom.
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