The Tanakh Podcast

Do not curse "Elohim"! Is that God or the Judiciary?Here we discuss the weighty role of government and the courts in leading society, the responsibility they bear and the need to protect the systems that govern our lives.

Up to this point, Shemot has been a flowing narrative.Now we take a sharp turn to a detailed legal text. What is the nature, structure and purpose of this text?

Today we try to say something about the structure, texture and tone of one of our most iconic and covenantal texts.Patreon https://www.patreon.com/u51407457orhttps://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael

Chapter 19 depicts the lead-up to revelation.God approaches the nation to gat their consent prior to giving the Torah. The Torah is not imposed. This is a covenant and it can only take place of both sides are willing.We also discuss the terms of revelation. How close will God be? Is this a moment of listening or a full sensory experience. And why do the people run away, fleeing from God's power?

Yitro is the priest of Midyan.And yet, in our chapter we find him proclaiming his faith in God, sacrificing to Him and creating a Justice system for the people of Israel.What is the religious faith of Yitro? What is his affinity to the God of Israel?

"Amalek came and fought with Israel"Why does Amalek come at this point in time? And what might we learn from this episode?

In chapter 15-17 we have the "grumblings" of the Israelites as they complain about the lack of food and water.Is Israel to blame?God never seems to get angry; in fact these complaints for basic foodstuffs are quite expected.So what is the purpose of these "grumbling" episodes? We shall suggest that they are part and parcel of Israel's education and growth.

The Egyptians are dead; Israel erupt in joyous song and dance.But what does this song express?And how was it sung?

"God didn't lead them the Way of the Philistines lest they see war" - but they did see war! They had a direct confrontation with the Egyptian military! Why did God orchestrate a head-on collision with Pharaoh and his chariots just days after they had freed themselves from Egypt?

Now that we are leaving Egypt, the Torah begins to craft how the memory of this critical moment will be remembered. Chapter 13 is filled by techniques that will help us understand the Exodus and its significance in our lives.