בס”ד

Parashat Shmot (Names) Exodus 1:1-6:1

         Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

This week’s reading from the Prophets speaks loudly against those who embrace Replacement Theology. This belief basically states that the promises that were made to Israel are rendered null and void for the Jewish people and it is the Church who now becomes the recipients of them. This article will focus on the promise to the Jewish people in regard to the Land of Israel. There are those who say that Israel’s claim to the land is not valid today and the debate about the land between the Israelis and the “Palestinians” should be settled by issues of “justice” and feasibility rather than bringing in any discussion of a divine right. The problem with this view is that it ignores a great deal of Scripture.

If one reads the Prophets he will find that part of HaShem’s plan in establishing His Kingdom, a Kingdom for all people (believers in Messiah Yeshua) is that He will gather the Jewish people back to the Land of Israel and there, in the last days, many will come to faith. The point is this: Jewish evangelism and Jewish individuals returning to the Land of Israel go hand in hand according to the prophets. Israel coming to faith is necessary for the Kingdom to be established. This is why Paul writes,

“Now if the fall of them (Jewish non-believers) be the riches of the world, and their lessening the riches of the nations, how much more their fullness.” Romans 11:12

This verse reveals that in the last days the Jewish people will come to faith in Messiah Yeshua and whereas their rejection brought the Gospel to the Gentiles, their acceptance will bring about something even better. What is this? The answer is the Kingdom. This is the intent of Romans 11:15,

“If them be cast away be the reconciling of the world, what will be when they receive- life from the dead!“

Isaiah saw this in his prophecy that makes up our haftarah. For he writes,

“And it shall come about on that day that HaShem will thresh from the river Shibolet unto the brook of Egypt and you will be gathered one by one O Children of Israel.” Isaiah 27:12

This verse speaks about how G-d Himself will gather up the Children of Israel in the last days. In this verse, one reads that these who were gathered will begin to worship the L-rd G-d Almighty when they hear the sound of the blowing of the ram’s horn (Shofar).

“It shall come about on that day a Great Shofar shall be sounded and the ones who were lost in the land of Assyria, the outcasts of Egypt, will prostrate before HaShem in the Holy Mountain of Jerusalem.” Isaiah 27:13

Please note that after the Children of Israel returned from exile (Assyria and Egypt were two of the main places where Jewish exile occurred), they responded to the faithfulness of G-d and bowed before Him in Jerusalem. It is most significant that the Shofar is mentioned. The Shofar is first alluded to in the account of the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22. This is where the ram which was caught in the thicket by his horn (the ram’s horn is the Shofar) is used for the sacrifice instead of Isaac. In other words the ram was provided so Isaac, i.e. the Jewish people, would not die. There is great consensus among the commentators that the ram is a typology for Messiah, Who brings life to the Jewish people and was sacrificed. Hence the Shofar is representative of Messiah also in this passage; so when the children of Israel hear the Shofar, i.e. the account of Whom G-d provided so they could have life (in other words the Gospel message) they will respond by worshipping HaShem.

Israel’s salvation is vital because it is through Israel that G-d will bless the Gentiles. What is this blessing? The blessing is salvation through the forgiveness of sins. Hence the promise of redemption and the blessing of worshipping G-d, is equally available to both Jews and Gentiles.

Shabbat Shalom