Sh'mot (Names)
The book of Exodus in Hebrew is called "Sh’mot”—which means “Names”—because this word is in the first sentence of the book and encapsulates the book’s theme:
God naming a nation to reach the nations of the world.
In Genesis, God chose Abram and renamed him Abraham and chose Jacob and renamed him Israel.
At Mt. Sinai, God entered into covenant with Jacob’s descendants to pursue Relational Depth and restore His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven!
The book of Exodus is structured around four main themes:
After around 400 years in Egypt, God raises up Moses to bring DELIVERANCE from slavery (chapters 1-17; four portions).
God enters into a COVENANT relationship with Israel and puts His Name and stakes His reputation on fulfilling promises (chapters 18-24; two portions).
God gives INSTRUCTIONS to make a Tabernacle for God to come down the mountain and take up residence among His people (chapters 25-34; three portions).
Israel obeys God’s instructions and God is seen DWELLING on Earth as it is in Heaven (chapters 35-40; two portions).
The last two themes can be further divided to show Israel’s disobedience with the golden calf precede the larger section describing Israel’s obedience in building a House for God. This overall structure is pictured below.
As you consider this structure, look at the way the themes describe God’s pursuit of relationship with humanity. God delivers a group of people, puts His name on them through covenant and then instructs them so He could come and dwell among them.
Even if you are new to the Parashah Project and this “Jewish lectionary” approach to reading the Bible, I encourage you to click on the links below to go to the free online commentary to guide you into the book of Exodus and the other related Scripture readings.
Readings for the Week:
Torah: EXODUS 1:1–6:1
Prophets: JEREMIAH 1:1–2:3
Apostolic Writings: ACTS 1:3–9
Click HERE for the online Parashah commentary.
Shalom,
Thomas
When I was a new believer, I was taught that "pattern is prophecy". It took me quite some time to understand some of what that meant ... scriptural pattern is rhythmical, organic, can be seen in the stars, the seasons and the Word - it gives me (us) such hope of life in Him "coming full circle". Completion. Sure doesn't look it nowadays, in this season of profound disobedience and cacophony. Nevertheless, we know His 'conducting' will have its perfect climax.
Thank you Thomas for simplifying and articulating His brilliant design for us.