Coming Out of Egypt: The Journey Out of Idolatry Begins

By K.C. Stricker

Coming Out of Egypt is an exodus out of idolatry--the idolatry of ancient Egypt and the idolatry that permeates the church today. Its goal is to make the exodus come alive for the reader--not to just read about the exodus but to experience the exodus, not to just read about the Passover but to experience the Passover, to catapult the reader back through time like a time traveler entering a time portal. The goal of Coming Out of Egypt is to experience redemption, not just to read about redemption, to experience redemption from Pharaoh at the Reed Sea, and witness Yeshua's resurrection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Mar 15, 2008
• ISBN: 9781498277020

K.C. Stricker

I, the Narrator, belong to the vast crowd known as the mixed multitude. Although I am of Jewish descent, my family assimilated into Christianity many years ago, possibly due to persecution. My ancestors came to the U.S. from northern Germany, the place many Jews settled when they fled Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. The Jewish blood that flows in my veins, mixed with the blood of the nations, is the blood of Aaron the Kohen (high priest), from the household of Levi. The mixed multitude that followed Moses out of Egypt was partially made up of people like me. Those who have been assimilated may not be able to trace their roots, but they know who they are. Like Richard Dreyfuss in the movie Close Encounters, they are being drawn by the Unseen Force to the Mt. of G-d for a particular purpose. The L-rd G-d, who gathers the dispersed of Israel, declares, "Yet others I will gather to them, to those already gathered" (Isaiah 56:8).

Book preview

Coming Out of Egypt

The Journey Out of Idolatry Begins

Volume I

KC Stricker

2008.Resource_logo.jpg

COMING OUT OF EGYPT

The Journey Out of Idolatry Begins

Copyright © 2008 K.C. Stricker. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.

ISBN 13: 978-1-55635-087-0

EISBN 13: 978-1-4982-7702-0

Manufactured in the U.S.A.

Cover image, The Exodus by Uzi Cohen © Uzi Pictures Ltd. www.uzipic.com

Available at: Shorashim, Tifferet Israel 3, Old City Jerusalem, Israel 97500, www.shorashim.com

Artwork–Poster Art, Parting of the Red Sea

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken directly from the Artscroll Stone Edition Tanach by Artscroll Mesorah Publications.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

I dedicate this book to:

My mother who gave me Torah Emet (Torah of Truth),

My family for their love and support,

My teacher who fed me knowledge and understanding.

But most of all to:

HaShem our G-d, the Author and Finisher of our Faith,

Who sent us our deliverer, Messiah Yeshua,

who suffered on our behalf,

That we may stand before Him and be counted worthy on Judgment Day.

Preface

The story of the Exodus is more than words on paper, it is an experience. Our G-d gave us the Exodus story so that we might experience Him with all our senses. If you have the desire to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the Word of G-d the Exodus experience is for you! The journey we are about to embark upon is not based on our own strength, but the strength G-d gives us every day through His word. The Word of G-d is known as the Torah, " And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14, NASB).

Coming Out of Egypt is an endeavor to bring the Torah to life by reviving the Jewish understanding of the story of the Exodus, intricately weaving it with the New Testament life of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus). From the first page to the last, I will cover a wide range of subjects, many of them controversial. I will be sharing many years of teaching and knowledge recorded in many sources—all condensed into this one book. The information we cover is not meant to satisfy, but to whet the appetite for further study. The Jewish form of study is one of repetition. A person who learns new material upon the first impression possesses a photographic memory whereas the average person takes seven repetitions to learn new material. Our sages teach that one who learns but does not review is like one who sows but does not reap. Yalkut Shimoni, Joshua 1:6

I must exhort the reader not to become discouraged by the depth of information presented in this book. We will continue to review the Jewish understanding in a forthcoming book, Fifty Days Up to Horeb. Neither of these books should be considered an antidote for life’s confusion, just a place to begin; a collection of Jewish teachings which will stimulate minds to question. If we are able to question, we are able to learn and grow.

Every person dwells in the land of Egypt in some aspect or another and every year G-d calls each one of us personally out of Egypt into the wilderness to follow Him. In Jewish understanding, Egypt is synonymous with bondage and idolatry. Bondage and idolatry have existed throughout time: Abraham’s time, Moses’ time, Yeshua’s time, and our time. To aid us in our journey out of Egypt, we will walk in the footsteps of Moses the deliverer, the same footsteps Yeshua our deliverer walked in some 1500 years after the Exodus. As we hear the Voice of G-d calling us, it is our obligation to have hearts to follow and the will to journey forward.

This book, Coming Out of Egypt, is the piano G-d asked me to play. Please excuse me if at times I sound as if I am playing an un-tuned instrument—out of key, or even miss a note! My prayer is that the Great Conductor will help you to hear His music and not my own flawed playing.

I must emphasize, my aim is not to judge the ‘salvation’ of any individual! My aim is to expose the idolatrous foundation many beliefs have been built upon. At times the information I’m about to present will feel abrasive, like fingernails raked across a chalk board. My mother used to say, "If the teaching is too difficult to receive you can always put it on your shelf and take it down later for further inspection." Some of the information I am presenting was at one time placed upon my shelf and taken back down on numerous occasions for more detailed inspections. During the course of my studies, there were times when I felt as if I had been run over by a semi-truck and my long-held beliefs were left behind, smeared on the pavement of false doctrine. There are always going to be a few things we have to pray through and ask G-d to reveal to us, and there are a few things He will reveal to us in the future. My mother would have said, There are some things concerning G-d that are just too hard to wrap our minds around. If we keep in mind that our G-d is a G-d of order and that He is the one Who created a specific set order, then we will not be so apt to reject His order! In other words, there is a person, place, and time, for everything under heaven, and if we confuse the person, place, time, or set order (Seder) of G-d, we end up creating our own religious system. The Passover Seder is the beginning of a journey out of idolatry, the Season of our Freedom.

If your child asks you tomorrow, saying,

"What are the testimonies and the decrees and the ordinances

that HaShem, our G-d, commanded you?"

You shall say to your child, "We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt,

and HaShem took us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

HaShem placed signs and wonders, great and harmful, against Egypt,

against Pharaoh and against his entire household, before our eyes.

And He took us out of there in order to bring us,

to give us the Land that He swore to our forefathers.

HaShem commanded us to perform all these decrees, to fear HaShem, our G-d,

for our good, all the days, to give us life, as this day.

And it will be a merit for us if we are careful to perform this entire commandment

before HaShem, our G-d, as He commanded us."

Deuteronomy 6:20–25

The Artscroll Stone Edition Tanach

"In every generation, it is one’s duty to regard himself

as if he personally had gone out of Egypt."

Mishnah Pesachim 10:5

Scripture Abbreviations

The Christian Bible / Old Testament

Genesis Gen. Song of Solomon Song

Exodus Exod. Isaiah Isa.

Leviticus Lev. Jeremiah Jer.

Numbers Num. Lamentations Lam.

Deuteronomy Deut. Ezekiel Ezek.

Joshua Josh. Daniel Dan

Judges Judg. Hosea Hos.

Ruth Joel

I–II Samuel Sam. Amos

I–II Kings Kgs. Obadiah Obad

I–II Chronicles Chr. Jonah

Ezra Micah Mic.

Nehemiah Neh. Nahum Nah.

Esther Esth. Habakkuk Hab.

Job Zephaniah Zeph.

Psalm (s) Ps. (pl. Pss.) Haggai Hag.

Proverbs Prov. Zechariah Zech.

Ecclesiastes Eccl (or Qoh) Malachi Mal.

New Testament

Matthew Matt. I–II Thessalonians Thess.

Mark I–II Timothy Tim

Luke Titus

John Philemon Phlm.

Acts Hebrews Heb.

Romans Rom. James Jas.

I–II Corinthians Cor. I–II Peter Pet.

Galations Gal. I–II–III John

Ephesians Eph. Jude

Philemon Phil. Revelation Rev.

Colossians Col.

The Tanach (Jewish Bible)

Torah (parashot not included)

Genesis/Bereishis Gen.

Exodus/Shemos Exod.

Leviticus/Vayikra Lev.

Numbers/Bamidbar Num.

Deuteronomy/Devarim Deut.

Prophets /Nevi’im Writings / Ketuvim

Joshua Josh. Psalms Ps. (pl. Pss.)

Judges Judg. Proverbs Prov.

I – II Samuel Sam. Job

I – II Kings Kgs. The Songs of Songs Song

Isaiah Isa. Ruth

Jeremiah Jer. Lamentations Lam.

Ezekiel Ezek. Ecclesiastes Eccl (or Qoh)

Esther Esth.

The Twelve Prophets Daniel Dan

Hosea Hos. Ezra–Nehemiah Neh.

Joel I – II Chronicles Chr.

Amos

Obadiah Obad.

Jonah

Micah Mic.

Nahum Nah.

Habakkuk Hab.

Zephaniah Zeph.

Haggai Hag.

Zechariah Zech.

Malachi Mal.

Biblical Calendar & Roman Numerals

The Civil Calendar-Genesis 1:1—Exodus 11:10

1. Tishri (Ethanim) 7. Nisan (Aviv)

2. Cheshvan (Bul) 8. Iyar (Zif)

3. Kislev 9. Sivan

4. Tevet 10. Tammuz

5. Sh’vat 11. Av

6. Adar 12. Elul

The Religious Calendar-Exodus 12:1—Revelation 22

1. Nisan (Aviv) 7. Tishri (Ethanim)

2. Iyar (Zif) 8. Chesvan (Bul)

3. Sivan 9. Kislev

4. Tammuz 10. Tevet

5. Av 11. Sh’vat

6. Elul 12. Adar

Roman Numerals

1 I 15 XV

2 II 20 XX

3 III 25 XXV

4 IV 30 XXX

5 V 40 XL

6 VI 50 L

7 VII 60 LX

8 VIII 70 LXX

9 IX 80 LXXX

10 X 90 XC

I. Laying a Foundation

The foundation stones of faith were laid by G-d in the mortar of Jewish understanding. Without the Jewish understanding we are able to leave Egypt, but end up perishing in the wilderness, worshiping the golden calf, or rebelling against G-d’s deliverer. The Gentiles who journeyed out of Egypt with the Children of Israel, known as the Erev Rav (Mixed Multitude), knew very little about the Hebrew people. They didn’t know the one true G-d the Hebrews worshiped, and they didn’t understand the way of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Likewise, many of the Hebrews had assimilated into the Egyptian culture and had forgotten the way of their forefathers, making it difficult to tell the difference between them and their oppressors. Slavery is more than physical shackles, it is spiritual shackles holding hearts captive to a system of false religious practices.

Among the assimilated many, there were a few Hebrews who still bore the Yoke of G-d, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There are always a few, a remnant, who preserve G-d’s word within their hearts and minds. The remnant was the learned Hebrew sages (wisemen), G-d chose to be a light to minds darkened by idolatry. Our journey out of Egypt with the Jewish wisemen will bring us into a deep spiritual world, a real world only a few have ever experienced.

Disclaimer against proselytizing Jewish people:

As the author, I must emphasize that it is expressively against my will to use Coming Out of Egypt as a tool to proselytize Jewish people!

I believe with heartfelt conviction, that all people—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or any other religion—dwell in a type of Egypt. However, to the Jewish person alone, G-d cut a covenant, spiritually and in the flesh: Thus says the L-rd, Who gives the sun for light by day, And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The L-rd of Hosts is His name: If this fixed order departs From before Me, declares the L-rd, Then the offspring of Israel also shall cease From being a nation before Me forever. Jeremiah 31:35–36, NASB.

Obviously the fixed order of the sun, moon, stars, and ocean waves, has not departed, thus Israel continues to be a nation before G-d. Our obligation, first and foremost, is to serve G-d’s Great Name by our actions of love and support for our Jewish brothers and sisters, for the unity of the Land of Israel, and for the Torah, which teaches us how to love our fellow man!

—KC Stricker

Think Outside the Box

It is our responsibility to become students (disciples/talmidim)¹ of G-d’s word to know why we believe what we believe. We are programmed with a set of beliefs, based on what we have learned and on our own personal experiences. Parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers and society as a whole play a part in forming our beliefs into what they are today. Any new information we are introduced to is filtered through the programming we have established over our lifetime. Our filter is a defense system protecting our lives every day, but it can also interfere with our ability to grow. We can box ourselves into a corner we will never get out of.

I am going to ask you to approach the information presented in this book with an open mind. In other words, you must Think Outside the Box! The box is our programming based on what we know up to this point, including life experiences. To think outside the box we must first understand that there is more to know than what we already know. We need to be willing to re-evaluate our beliefs based on revealed knowledge, and humbly pray for understanding and wisdom, realizing we all see through the mirror² dimly: When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known (I Cor. 13:11–12, NASB).

There is a chasm between Judaism and Christianity deeper than the Grand Canyon, but this great expanse can be bridged if we are willing to learn. In order to learn we must progress into new territory whereby we say, I don’t believe it! It goes against my teaching! It must be wrong! I have said these same words and multitudes of other people have said these words, and you will say these words when confronted with information that contradicts the system your beliefs have been built upon.

I am about to present to you the knowledge understood by learned Jews for thousands of years. This book does not contain anything new, and I am not trying to start a new religion! My intention is to renew³ the knowledge that was lost to Christians when the church separated from our rich spiritual Jewish heritage. This can be accomplished by restoring⁴ the original intent of G-d’s word as found in the lost scrolls of the Torah.⁵ This revival will result in the refreshment⁶ of the parched soul like a drink of water to a thirsty traveler, one sip at a time: To whom shall one teach knowledge? To whom shall one explain a message? [To] those weaned from [mother’s] milk, removed from the breast? For it is commandment by commandment, commandment by commandment; line by line, line by line; a bit here and a bit there. Isa. 28:9–11, Artscroll Stone Edition Tanach

Four types of students who enter the House of Study, the Beit Midrash

If you have decided to become a student of G-d’s word it is helpful to realize there are four types of students. Which type of student should you strive to become?

There are four characteristic traits among them that sit in the presence of the wise: [they are like] a sponge, a funnel, a strainer, and a sieve. A sponge—which absorbs everything; a funnel—that lets in at one end and discharges at the other; a strainer—which lets out the wine and retains the lees; and a sieve—which lets the coarse flour pass out and retains the fine flour. Seder Nezikin, Avoth, 515, 16, Mishnah 15 ⁷

1. A sponge – Absorbs everything, good and bad

2. A funnel – Retains neither bad nor good

3. A strainer – Retains the bad and allows the good to pass through

4. A sieve – Retains the good and allows the bad to pass through

The sieve and the strainer in the Eastern-Jewish culture are opposite to the Western-Greek culture. A sieve in the western world retains the bad and lets the good pass through. This is a common problem found throughout the scriptures; a Greek understanding is applied to a Hebrew word changing the intended meaning. If we are going to become serious students of G-d’s word we must ask ourselves—Do we approach the scriptures through Athens (Greek thought) or Jerusalem (Hebrew thought)? ⁸

Consequently, the authors of G-d’s Word—virtually every one of them a Jew—have a profoundly Hebraic perspective on life and the world. If we are to interpret the bible correctly, we must become attuned to this Hebraic setting in the ancient Near East. Thus we must look not to Athens, but to Jerusalem for the biblical view of reality. For the prophets and apostles produced a Book that is, without question, Hebraic in composition and orientation. Succinctly stated, The Old Testament is the foundation of the New. The message of the New Testament is in the Hebrew tradition as against the Greek tradition. Our tutors to Christ are Moses and the Prophets, and not Plato and the Academies. ⁹

The evidence is striking—Hebrew minds were behind the New Testament words penned in Greek. The New Testament is chock-full of Hebrew idioms.¹⁰

Hebrew idioms in the Gospels

There are many expressions in the Greek texts of the synoptic Gospels that seem to derive from Hebrew idioms. These are phrases that mean something different from the literal meaning of the words they use. Every language has its own idioms, many of which seem strange when translated literally out of their native setting. Think of such common English idioms as hit the ceiling, kill time, eat one’s heart out, lose one’s head, be in hot water, throw in the towel, or kick the bucket. A non-English-speaker who heard these idioms translated literally into his own language would probably find them amusing. However, if he did not suspect that they were literal translations of English idioms and took them at face value, the information he received would be very misleading. The Hebrew language has hundreds of idioms. For example: be’arba enayim, literally with four eyes, means face to face without the presence of a third person, as in, The two men met with four eyes. lo dubin ve lo ya’ar is literally [There are] neither bears nor forest, but means that something is completely false. Professor David Biven, Jerusalem Perspective.com

As we journey into the realm of the Hebrew we will learn the meanings behind the Hebrew expressions or idioms. But first we must become students who are compared to the sieve: wise not in our own understanding, but diligent to know the truth, straining out the mis-taught and worthless teachings of doctrines where there are neither bears nor forest. Using the knowledge given by G-d in His word, the understanding taught by learned teachers, and discernment through the Power of G-d,¹¹ we can become students who rightly divide truth from falsehood. Study to show thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 3:15 KJV).

Using your study aids

To understand what the Hebrew minds were thinking can be very difficult, requiring many hours of study and research, but we have been given a tool to make a difficult job much easier. A concordance is essential in finding the meanings behind words and where they are found in the bible. If you don’t have one, get one! Your local book store can order you a concordance, or you can purchase concordance software for installation onto your computer.

The Strong’s King James Bible Concordance and Dictionary was written by one of the greatest of minds, Methodist biblical scholar and educator James Strong (1822–1894). James Strong’s amazing work of compiling the Hebrew and Greek dictionaries was accomplished about 100 years before the age of computers. His universal numbering system is encoded to the King James Version of the bible, and used in conjunction with other translations. I recommend purchasing a concordance compatible to your version of the bible.

For the ease of reading, the majority of New Testament quotes will be taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation, Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

All other New Testament quotes are taken from the King James Version: Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, Spiros Zodhiates, © Copyright 1984, 1991 by AMG International, Inc. Revised Edition 1991

The footnotes placed at the bottom of the page often contain definitions found in the concordance. Reading the footnotes is a necessity due to the difficulty of including the multitude of factual details within the pages of the text. For those who want to check me out, for accuracy, the concordance is one of the best ways of doing so. Remember! Every word that is footnoted has a world of learning within. You do not need to absorb all the information contained in the footnotes. They are there for you as a reference, like having the answers in front of you as you take a test.

The concordance contains every word in your bible, its definition, and where it can be found. In the front of your concordance, there are instructions on how to use the concordance in conjunction with the Hebrew and Greek dictionaries contained in the back. Let’s say you want to find the word Egypt in the book of Isaiah. Look up the word Egypt in the main concordance and follow the abbreviated verses listed in chronological order until you get to the book of Isaiah (Is). The word Egypt is mentioned 41 times by the prophet Isaiah, even though he lived many years after the time of the Exodus. Twenty of the verses containing the word are listed in Isaiah 19, which is an entire discourse against Egypt. Let’s say you desire the definition for the word Egypt. The verses are coded to the Hebrew and Greek by a number at the right. If the number is italicized it is Greek. In this case, Isaiah 19 is coded to Hebrew #4714 because Isaiah is in the Tanach (Old Testament) originally written in Hebrew. Go to the Hebrew dictionary in the back of the concordance and follow the numbers until you get to #4714. The dictionary contains the Hebrew spelling of the word for Egypt, which is Mitsrayim (Mitzrayim), as well as the pronunciation, and definition. Useful cross references to related terms are also listed. In the case of our word Egypt, for instance, tracing the word to its root brings greater insight into the definition. Under the definition #4714 we find a referral to #4692, which then refers us to the root word #6696 for Mitzrayim. Mitzrayim is best described as a fortification of the adversary. Mitzrayim (Egypt) can be a physical fortification, a spiritual fortification or both, a physical and spiritual fortification of the adversary.

The best way to fight an adversary is to know the adversary you are fighting. G-d gave His people a picture or teaching to know and understand the adversary’s kingdom, which is a spiritual Egypt. G-d’s adversary is against G-d’s people and against the covenants He made with His people. The ruler of the spiritual Egypt is "Ha Satan," a Hebrew term which means The Adversary. The adversary is the accuser of G-d’s people, but G-d is Master even over HaSatan.

G-d’s Name in the Hebrew text

There are many different attributes of G-d, and a name for every attribute. The names most frequently used for G-d throughout the Hebrew text are equivalent to the English translation, L-rd G-d. The names L-rd G-d, when used together, describe the One G-d of Israel.

In Judaism the Name, L-rd, represents the Four-Letter Name, YHVH.

The Four-Letter Name of HASHEM indicates that G-d is timeless and infinite, for the letters of this Name are those of the words, He was, He is, and He will be. Stone Edition Chumash, by Artscroll Mesorah

The Four-Letter Name, YHVH, is never pronounced: it is the unmentionable name of G-d, or Tetragrammaton. In Hebrew, there is no name such as Jehovah or Yahweh. The closest pronunciation for YHVH, applying the rules of Hebrew, is–Yo d – He y – Va v – He y. When speaking directly with G-d, during prayer or the recitation of a blessing, the Four-Letter Name should be pronounced as if it were spelled (A do nai), which identifies Him as L-rd or Master of the universe, Merciful and Compassionate. At other times, such as during reading or teaching, the Four-Letter Name, YHVH, is pronounced HaShem, literally meaning, The Name.

The Hebrew Name used for G-d, is spelled (E lo him), the One Who is All-Powerful, Judge executing Justice.

When the Artscroll Mesorah, Stone Edition Tanach,¹² Chumash,¹³ or other Jewish writings are used, the following Hebrew names for L-rd G-d are found in the text: HASHEM ELO-HIM, or HASHEM ELO-HEY-NU, for L-rd our G-d.

The Name Heaven is used out of respect for G-d’s Name. Heaven is a Hebrew synonym for G-d. Instead of saying, The Kingdom of G-d, we say The Kingdom of Heaven.

The Jewish Tanach contains the Hebrew script as well as the English, but it does not contain the New Testament. The Tanach is the equivalent to the Christian Old Testament (O.T.) writings, but much of the knowledge contained in the New Testament is contained in the Tanach. Sometimes the chapter and verse in the Tanach will not coincide with the chapter and verse in the O.T., due to a slightly different layout of the scriptures. I will endeavor to insert the chapter and verse after the quoted text where there is a difference.

In order to simplify the text of this book I will mainly use the one name G-d, although my intention is to represent both of G-d’s Hebrew names, (A do nai) and (E lo him). When I use the Hebrew Name for L-rd, I will replace the second ‘a’ with an ‘o,’ spelling Adonoi or I will use the Name HaShem. When I use the Name for G-d when not directly quoting scripture, I will use the Name Elokim replacing the h(him) with a k(kim). The word G-d is not spelled with an o, but with a dash (-). This is done to show respect for His Great Name. When quoting from Jewish sources, the names will be written according to the text. Defining the names of G-d can be confusing, but as we use them in their proper context they will begin to take shape and clarity, revealing the very personality of the invisible G-d.

All scripture containing the complete spelling of G-d’s Name must be buried, not burned or destroyed, out of respect for His Great Name. We have the Dead Sea Scrolls today because they contained the written Name of G-d, and could not be destroyed! The ancient scrolls were buried in clay pots, in caves along the Dead Sea.

The Tanach Hebrew Translation

As we are Coming Out of Egypt we will primarily use the following Jewish Tanach for the majority of quotes:

The Stone Edition Tanach,

Published by Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd

Edited by Rabbi Nosson Scherman, et al.

4401 Second Ave. Brooklyn,

New York 111232. Phone [phone]

Artscroll Mesorah Publications

Artscroll Mesorah Publications is a highly respected source for philosophical perspective alongside laws and customs pertaining to all aspects of Judaism. The Artscroll books are a gold mine teaching the richness of the Hebrew world. For this reason, I chose Artscroll Mesorah Publications as the main source of commentary (comm.) for Coming Out of Egypt, compiling numerous books found in their vast library.

G-d’s Name in the Christian text, Old Testament:

The Name Adonoi, or HaShem, is written L-rd in English. The Name Elokim is written G-d in English.

The term Old Testament as it is taught denotes outdated, worn out, obsolete, out of use, of little value—rather than meaning, the Older Testament. However, our G-d changes not and neither does His word! "For I, the L-rd, do not change; (Mal. 3:6, NASB). G-d’s word is always fresh and renewed. A better name for the Old Testament would be the First Testament! When referring to the Old Testament we will use the abbreviations (O.T.).

The New Testament English Translation:

¹⁴

The New Testament, like the O.T., is not really New. Yeshua (Jesus) did not come to institute a brand new religion apart from the Jewish faith. He came to set things straight! His mission was to renew or restore what had been lost to the Children of Israel. Yeshua lived as a Torah—observant Jew. Yeshua’s apostles including Shaul (Paul) were Torah-observant Jews, as well as the vast Hebrew multitude that followed Him: And when they heard it, they began glorifying G-d; and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, [that Yeshua is the Messiah], and they are all zealous for the Law [Torah] (Acts 21:20 N.A.S.B. (Rom. 3:31, 7:12-13).

There is a more accurate name for the New Testament, the Renewed Testament—in Hebrew, The Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant). For there is nothing new under the sun!

Sometimes there is something of which one says: Look, this is new! —it has already existed in the ages before us (Eccl. 1:10 N.A.S.B.).

The name for G-d used in the New Testament is the Greek word theos,¹⁵ which means a supreme deity, but not necessarily the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Greek word theos was originally a term for the pagan gods.

The name Lord in the New Testament is based on the Greek word kurios¹⁶ meaning master or supreme authority, but not necessarily G-d. Anciently the word master was a term for a king, a tribal ruler, a husband, and in particular a teacher. The word kurios was also a title for pagan deities such as the Greek god, Zeus Kurios. The Hebrew equivalent to the Greek word kurios is the word baal, also meaning master. In the Jewish Tanach the word baal most frequently refers to false gods like the chief god of the Canaanites, but like its Greek counterpart it is a term for anyone with authority. The supreme authority could be the King of Israel, a husband who had authority over his wife, or a teacher. A famous rabbi (teacher) from eighteenth century Russia was known as the Baal Shem Tov, meaning Master of the Holy Name.

Another Name for G-d found in the New Testament is Father, or Our Father, which is a Hebrew title for G-d.

The Name Jesus, comes from the Greek word iosous¹⁷ meaning salvation ¹⁸ in Hebrew. Many well-intentioned people have been led to believe that the name Jesus Christ is like our first and last name, Jesus being His first name and Christ His last name. While Jesus is His first name, Christ is not His last name. Jesus the Christ, is the proper grammatical use of the words. The Greek word christ ¹⁹ comes from the Hebrew word meshiach (mashia) meaning anointed one, or moschiah, the title given to the kings of Israel meaning savior. When referring to Jesus we will use the English version of the Hebrew word Meshiach which is Messiah.

In Hebrew, the first name of the person’s father became their last name. The father’s name was linked to his son by using the term Son or Ben in Hebrew. For example in the movie Ben-Hur, with Charlton Heston, Heston was called Ben Hur, or Son of Hur. In Hebrew we would say Jesus’ full name, Yeshua Ben Yosef (Yoseph) or Jesus Son of Joseph. We will use Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua, meaning in particular, Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), as well as Shimon (Peter), Yacov (James), Yochanan (John), Shaul (Paul), appearing alongside the English translation. I have taken the liberty of placing the Hebrew names into the text with the original English translation, from the bible, appearing alongside in parentheses or brackets. This has been done in order to establish that the scriptures are first and foremost written by Hebrews, about Hebrews, in a Hebraic setting.

Variation in the Hebrew Translations

Coming Out of Egypt contains Sephardic (Israeli)20 and Ashkenazic (European)21 translations. The author’s choice of translation is Sephardic whereas quotes out of Artscroll Mesorah Publications are Ashkenazic. Compare the differences: S: Sukkot A: Succos(Succoth) S: Shavuot A: Shavuos(Shavuoth) S: Shabbat A: Shabbos(Shabbaoth), which translates: Tabernacles/Booths, Pentecost, and Sabbath.

1. Special Talmudic terms were adopted to describe both the persons engaged in this transmission, i.e., talmid and rav, and the principle obligation of the disciple to his master, i.e. that of shimmush (ministration). . . Shimmush, which lies at the heart of Talmudic discipleship, belongs to the sphere of apprenticeship in the realm of Torah, the vocation of talmid hakham (scholar, literally disciple of the wise") in which, as the disciple renders services to his master, assists him and ministers to his needs, he is actively observing his conduct as a basic pattern for behavior. He listens to his speech and learns his ideas and attitudes in the world of Torah and derekh erez (good manners). Encyclopedia Judaica, Talmudic Disciple. The goal of a talmid is to become the mirror image of his teacher.

Greek; #3101, µαθητης, mathetes, math-ay-tes’ from µανθανω - manthano 3129; a learner, i.e. pupil:–disciple. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary

2. Mirror-The mirror is the Torah known as the Word of G-d. The Hebrew idiom, Face to Face, is a reference to the Festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest stands Face to Face with G-d in the Holy of Holies to atone for the nation of Israel.

3. Renew-1. To make new or as if new again; restore to a former or sound condition 2. To begin again; resume: to renew an argument. 3. To repeat: to renew an oath of loyalty. 4. To acquire again; regain (vigor, strength, etc.). 5. To cause to continue in effect; extend: to renew a subscription. 6. To revive; reestablish. 7. To replenish or replace, as provisions. –v. i. 8. To become new again. 9. To begin or commence again. Websters New World Dictionary, renew

4. Restore-1. To give back (something taken, lost, etc.) 2. To return to a former or normal state, or to a position, rank, use, etc. 3. To bring back to health, strength, etc. Webster’s New World Dictionary, restore

5. Torah-The Writings of Moses are the foundation of faith contained in the first five books of the bible: Genesis (Bereishis), Exodus (Shemos), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bamidbar), Deuteronomy (Devarim), and expounded upon in the Prophets (Nevi’im) and the Writings (Ketuvim). In Judaism the Torah is known as, "The Instruction of Righteousness, or Instruction. In Christianity, the Torah is known as the Law."

6. Refreshment-Tikrovet- A drink to a thirsty traveler. Upon arrival at a hotel in Israel today, the guests (tourists) are offered a refreshing ice cold drink in hospitality, often in the form of lemonade.

7. Mishnah-The Oral Law, Discussions and rulings concerning Biblical interpretations, assembled about 200 C.E. The Oral Torah consists of the Talmud-The Commentaries on the Mishnah and Gemara. Talmud Bavli was compiled about 500 C.E. in Babylon. The Talmud Yerushalami was compiled about 375 C.E. in Jerusalem. Blackman, Mishnayot 4, Nezikin, 534

8. Wilson, OurFatherAbraham, Athens or Jerusalem, 5–9.

9. Wilson, OurFatherAbraham, Athens or Jerusalem, 5–9.

Professor Marvin Wilson, Our Father Abraham -Endorsed by the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies. The Center for Judaic-Christian Studies wants the Christian public to share in the adventure of returning to the foundations of our faith. They are clarifying the challenging words of Jesus and illuminating his mission and message by drawing upon the disciplines of archaeology, history, linguistics, and biblical and rabbinic studies.

10. Idiom-the language or dialect of a people, region, class, etc. the unusual way that the words of a language are joined to express thought, a phrase or expression with an unusual syntactic pattern or with a meaning differing from literal meaning of its parts, a characteristic style, as in art or music. Webster’s New World Dictionary

11. Power of G-d-in Hebrew: the Ruach HaKodesh, also called the Holy Spirit.

12. Tanach-Acronym for Torah: T= Torah, N= Neviim, Prophets, and Ch= Ketuvim, Writings. The Jewish equivalent of the Christian Old Testament (O.T.), exceptions include a slightly different order of canonization.

13. Chumash- The Torah: Written and Oral commentary including: the Maftir, and Haftarah readings for the Sabbath and the Festivals. The five Megillos: (Esth., Song, Ruth, Lam., and Eccl.)

14. Translation-The English language bible has been translated from Greek to Latin, Latin to Old English, to modern day English. There is overwhelming evidence recorded in the writings of the early church fathers that the book of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew: Paias (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III 39, 16), Iraneus (Eccl. H. VI 8, 2) Origen (Eccl. H. VI 25, 4) Eusebius (Eccl. H. III 24, 6) Epiphanius (Refutation of All Heresies 29, 9, 4), and Jerome (De Viris Inlustribus 3).

15. Theos-God-Greek #2316-θεος, theos, theh’-os, of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:– X exceeding, God, god [-ly,-ward]. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary.

16. Kurios-Lord-Greek # 2962-κυριος, kurios, koo’-ree-os, from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller by implication, Master (as a respectful title):– God, Lord, master, Sir. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary.

17. Iosous-Greek #2424-Ιησους, Iesous, ee-ay-sooce’ of Hebrew origin (Yhowshuwa`3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:–Jesus. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary

18. Salvation-Hebrew #3467, #3468, Yesha`, yeh’-shah, or yeshai {yay’-shah}; from ‘yasha`’ (3467); liberty, deliverance, prosperity:– safety, salvation, saving. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary

19. Christ-Greek #5547- Χριστος, Christos, khris-tos’ from χριω - chrio 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: –Christ. Hebrew-#4886, mashach, maw-shakh’ a primitive root; to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint:–anoint, paint. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary.

20. Sephardic- The Sefardim-includes Jews originally from Spain and North African, as well as Mizrachim known as Middle Eastern Jews.

21. Ashkenazic- The Jews of Europe- Ashkenaz is mentioned in Gen. and Chr. as the son of Gomer, the son of Yafet, who is the son of Noah. In Talmudic tradition, Gomer is Germania, and Germania of Edom is Germany. Thus, the area of Europe where Jews first settled became known as Ashkenaz, and its inhabitants, Askenazim.

II. The Two Redemptions

Where do we begin?

The biblical festivals ¹ are woven within the Torah forming a wheel or circle (gal) that is hinged in the middle at the Festival of Sukkot. This is where we begin—we begin where we end! ² We begin with the never-ending story of redemption, a journey into the life of the Jewish people. It is truly an eternal story of deliverance from the slavery of sin and idolatry, into freedom.

Learning the biblical festivals and how they relate to Yeshua (Jesus) is a journey into the hidden mysteries of G-d. The festivals reflect Yeshua’s life; His birth, death, and resurrection down to the very hour. Some might ask, Why does such detail matter? It matters because every stroke of G-d’s paintbrush paints an important piece of the big picture—the picture of redemption! Think of the bible as an entire universe and every single word as a separate planet, moon, or star within that universe. Should we not want to explore every single detail of His universe, even if it takes a lifetime? Should we not desire to know every nuance of who G-d is, what He thinks, and how He feels? Think of the wonders we can behold!

As time travelers exploring G-d’s universe, we enter a time portal, a wheel or circle that started turning when time began. The wheel is G-d’s time mechanism He created for man: Appointed Times, ³ wheels within wheels, places we intimately join with Him.

As Refreshing as the Spring Rain and the Fall Rain

We will begin our travels in the one place in the universe where HASHEM, your G-d, will choose to rest His Name, ⁴ in the land of Israel. Here, life itself depends upon the rains that fall from heaven during the two rainy seasons, one in the spring and the other in the fall. While traveling in Israel, it is easy to imagine yourself a desert dweller living off the land, dependent upon G-d for sustenance.

Imagine being stranded in the desert, the heat pounding down and your mouth parched for want of water. Your strength is escaping and you begin to feel the weakness in your bones. You realize you will soon die if you aren’t rescued from the blazing heat. You cry out to G-d, please save me! Now imagine that it begins to rain, not a hard pounding rain, but a light, cool rain, washing over you with the love of G-d. A refreshing strength returns to your tired and taxed body as the rains of G-d wash over you, and you feel restored. The Spring Rain and the Fall Rain are G-d’s festivals, which are these refreshing, life restoring rains.

The Spring Rain, also known as the Former Rain is a rehearsal (mikrah), or Holy Convocation,⁵ of the redemption out of Egypt. Included in the Spring Rain are the Festivals of Pesach (Passover), Hag Ha Matzah (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (First Fruits), and Shavuot (Pentecost), forming a picture of Yeshua’s first coming.

The Fall Rain or Latter Rain, is a rehearsal (mikrah) of the future redemption and Yeshua’s second coming. Included in the Fall Rain are the Festivals of Rosh HaShanah or Yom Teru’ah (Day of Blowing the Trumpet), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths).

Yeshua, also known as the Word of G-d, embodies the Spring Rain and the Fall Rain sent by G-d to water the earth in the form of the spring and fall festivals as the Prophet Hoshea has said: Come, let us return to the L-rd, For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day that we may live before Him. "So let us know, let us press on to know the L-rd. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring [former/early] rain watering the earth." (Hos. 6:1–3, NASB)

The Spring Rain is literally translated by the Prophet Joel: Teacher of Righteousness. ⁶ Children of Zion, exult and be glad with HASHEM your G-d, for He has given you a teacher for righteousness, and He has brought down the rain for you—the early rain and the late rain—in the first [month] (Joel 2:23).

When we celebrate the spring festivals, we are catapulted through time into the land of Egypt during the time of the Exodus, becoming one with the Hebrew people. We are there when the lamb is slain and the blood is placed upon our lintel so the angel of death will pass over us. We are there when Moses commands us to roast the lamb and hurry to bake bread that doesn’t have time to leaven, eating it moments before we hurriedly depart Egypt. We are there at the Red Sea experiencing the walls of water opening a safe passage for us, bringing us into a renewed life, a redeemed life, upon Pharaoh’s death. We are there at the foot of Mt. Sinai (Horeb), witnessing the Spirit of G-d poured out upon us as we receive the covenant of betrothal, the Torah, in the form of the two tablets of the law, known as the Ten Commandments. We are there, as time travelers, experiencing what was experienced at the time of the first Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost).

As we prepare the lamb for the Passover Seder⁷ with Moses’ family, we once again leap through time, into the future days of Yeshua. We are there in Israel witnessing the death of Yeshua, the Lamb of G-d, the bread of life, sinless, without leaven. We are there at the garden before dawn on the Festival of First Fruits and witness His empty tomb, for He is the First Fruits of resurrection. We are there on Shavuot at Mt. Moriah, in the Temple, at The Place ⁸ Yeshua told us to tarry, where we receive the Power and Indwelling Presence of G-d.

The spring festivals are rehearsals of Yeshua’s first coming, rehearsed every year during the Week of Passover and at Shavuot (Pentecost). Likewise the fall festivals are a rehearsal of Yeshua’s life, rehearsed every year to prepare us for His return. When we celebrate the fall festivals, we are catapulted through time. The circle (wheel) of life that began at creation,⁹ continues to turn with the remembrance of the birth of the Messiah, the King of Israel, who was born at the Festival of Sukkot. As the wheel turns we journey into our future, to the time of the second redemption:

We are caught up to heaven to attend our wedding as the bride, and witness the crowning of our groom, Yeshua, at His coronation ceremony on Rosh HaShanah. After seven years in the chupah (wedding canopy) we return to the earth where we celebrate the wedding feast. We then participate in the judgment of the unbelievers on Yom Kippur, and G-d’s Spirit once again fills the Temple, dedicated on Sukkot. This is the time known as the Messianic Kingdom, in which Yeshua reigns as king for 1000 years. The circle is now complete and G-d’s plan of restoration has been accomplished.

This is the day that the L-rd hath made

The day that the L-rd G-d made is different from the 24-hour day we observe today. G-d instituted a day to begin in the evening at sunset, and end the next day at sunset, whereas our day is from midnight to midnight: G-d called to the light: Day, and to the darkness He called: Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day (Gen. 1:5).

The biblical day begins with evening, then morning, from sunset to sunset. The biblical day can be confusing when we try to understand the timing of events based on our present concept of time, with a new day beginning at midnight. To help bring the timing of the Passover in Egypt and Yeshua’s last Passover into focus (beginning in chapter 21), I encourage following Chart 2. The Chronology of Passover, listed in the table of contents. Included in the chart are the Temple services that were given by G-d to draw us close to Him. The first Passover in Egypt originally fell on the fifth day of the week, our Thursday. We know this because it paralleled the last Passover of Yeshua’s life, the day he was crucified.

The sixth day of the week was the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which lasted for seven days total. It began at sunset on Thursday directly following the Day of Passover. Thus, the first day of Unleavened Bread fell on the sixth day, and lasted until sunset on our Friday. The end of the first day of Unleavened Bread was the beginning of the seventh day Sabbath at sunset on Friday, and ends at sunset on our Saturday. To make things interesting, the first day of Unleavened Bread (which fell on the sixth day of the week), and the last day of Unleavened Bread (which fell on the fifth day of the next week) are both High Sabbaths, ¹⁰ as commanded by G-d. The twist to the story is found in the church’s observance of Good Friday, which really isn’t good at all because it is built on misguided teachings. It has been taught that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday because the New Testament says and the Sabbath was about to begin as found in the following verse: this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. And it was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin (Luke 23:52–54).

It has always been taught that Jesus was crucified on Friday because the Jewish people were preparing for the seventh day Sabbath (beginning Friday at sunset). However, the Sabbath they were preparing for wasn’t the seventh day Sabbath, but the High Sabbath, the first day of Unleavened Bread that began that year on our Thursday at sunset.

Yeshua died on a Thursday, the day of Passover, at 3:00 p.m., and was placed into the tomb before sunset on Thursday, before the High Sabbath began, the first day of Unleavened Bread. Yeshua was resurrected the third day following His death, on the Festival of First Fruits, moments before sunrise on the first day of the week, our Sunday. Thus His resurrection literally took place on the third day as prophesied in Hoshea as quoted previously: He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day That we may live before Him (Hos. 6:2, NASB).

On the Festival of First Fruits G-d parted the sea and the Children of Israel emerged alive on the other side, but what is most significant is that Yeshua’s resurrection fell on that same day, the day of the first fruits of redemption.

On G-d’s Appointed Day,¹¹ the day of Passover, the Levitical Choir stood on the fifteen semi-circular steps in the Court of the Women at the entrance to the Court of Israel, in the Temple. They faced the Holy of Holies and sang the Great Hallel (Pss. 113–118).¹² This is where we get the term Hallel-ujah, singing praises to our G-d. The day of Passover, is the day G-d made to draw us close to Him! The following verse is just one stanza out of the Great Hallel: This is the day HASHEM has made; let us rejoice and be glad on it (Ps. 118:24).

1. Biblical festivals- Lev 23, Passover(Pesach), Unleavened Bread(Hag haMatzah), First Fruits, Shavuot(Pentecost), Rosh HaShanah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur(Day of Atonement), Sukkot(Tabernacles). Rabbinic Festivals- Purim (Tanach, The Book of Esther) and Chanukah (The Apocrypha, Book of the Maccabees).

2. The eighth day of the Festival of Sukkot is known as Simchas Torah, Rejoicing in the Torah. On Simchas Torah the yearly Torah reading, known as the Parashot ends, and on this same day the yearly Torah reading begins (Deut. 33:1—34:12 through Genesis 1:1—2:3).

3. Appointed Times- G-d’s Appointed Day-Moed, Plural: Appointed Days—Appointed Times—Moedim Hebrew, # 4150, mow`ed, mo-ade’ or moled {mo-ade’}; or (feminine) moweadah (2 Chronicles 8:13) {mo-aw-daw’}; from ‘ya`ad’ (3259); properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand):– appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn (-ity), synagogue, (set) time (appointed). Strong, King James Bible Dictionary.

4. G-d will choose to rest His Name- (Deut. 12:11). Jerusalem is surrounded by three valleys: Tyropean, Gei Hennon (GaHenna/Hinnom), and Kidron, that form the Hebrew letter, Shin : representing the Name of G-d. See Chart 10b. The Shin

Also See: Deut. 12:5, 12:14, 18, 21, 26; 14:23, 24, 25; 15:20; 16:2, 7, 15, 17; 117:8, 10, 15; 26:2; 31:11.

5. Holy Convocation- rehearsal-mikrah- Hebrew #4744, miqra’, mik-reh’ from ‘qara’ (7121), something called out, i.e. a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal: – assembly, calling, convocation, reading. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary.

6. Teacher of Righteousness- Moreh Zedekiah. Hebrew #4175, mowreh, mo-reh’ from (3384); an archer, also teacher or teaching; also the early rain (see ‘yowreh’ (3138)):– (early) rain. Strong, King James Bible Dictionary. Teacher of Righteousness [Teacher of Torah].

7. Seder-Set Order, established by G-d, spoken to Moses and the prophets, written down by the sages. The ‘Set Order’ of the Passover Service or L-rd’s meal (Supper) follows the Passover Haggadah. See Bibliography: Stricker K.C., Step by Step Passover Haggadah. Also: Chart 1, pg. 560–61.

8. See: Chart 8. and 9.

The Place-Hamakom-the place where Abraham bound Isaac (Gen. 22), the place where Jacob lay down his head upon a stone pillow and dreamt of the ladder placed heavenward; with angels ascending and descending (Gen. 28:10—32:3), the place where the altar stood in the first and second Temple. The place is none other than the House of G-d, that will one day be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isa. 56:7).

9. The circle (wheel) of life began at creation when the first man Adam was formed on Rosh HaShanah, but the man fell on Yom Kippur, and was cast out of G-d’s Kingdom on Sukkot.

10. High Sabbaths-"On the first day shall be a holy convocation and on the seventh day shall be a holy convocation for you, no work may be done on them, except for what must be eaten for any person—only that maybe done for you. Exod. 12:16. The first and last days of a festival are High Sabbaths (Holy Convocations.)

11. G-d’s Appointed Day-Moed, Plural: Appointed Days—Appointed Times—Moedim

12. See: Chart 9. The Temple Plan

III. Introduction

I would like to introduce myself. I am the Narrator, but I am not The Author. I am many voices bound together emanating from the One Voice. My purpose has been to collect and collate the best information, forming one cohesive story from many sources: Secular, Christian, Messianic, Noahide, and Jewish.

I have diligently tried to portray as accurately as possible a historical enactment of an event that took place over 3500 years ago, the Exodus out of Egypt. Although Coming Out of Egypt is written in modern English, it is filled with the flavor of ancient times.

This story is a one-of-a-kind story, bringing together Jew and Gentile, building a bridge, linking the past to the future. It is about the Hebrew people who are the Children of Israel and the Egyptian Gentiles, known as the mixed multitude, coming together to form one people.

Many hearts are ready to leave idolatry behind to begin a renewed life following G-d, others desire to bring their idolatry with them, and some will fight for the idolatrous way of life they are accustomed to.

Coming Out of Egypt is a fictional story about a non-fictional event. The fictional part of the story must be treated for what it is, fiction. The fictional story Coming Out of Egypt is known in Judaism as a Midrash, a parable to teach.

There are many differing opinions surrounding the details of the true story of the Exodus. No one knows for certain the actual time of the event, or the location of some of the individual events. No one knows for sure the parts played by individual characters. Aside from the written word, much of what we do know has been passed down orally from one generation to the next. The fictional story Coming Out of Egypt slightly differs chronologically from the biblical narrative, but the most important aspects of the story are maintained with careful accuracy.

The main body of information contained in the fictional story is based upon Jewish commentary from the Artscroll Mesorah Series, The Encyclopedia Judaica, and the historical writings of Josephus. When Christian sources are used, the information is taken from the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary and traditional Christian history documented in various Christian writings.

Italicized words within the fictional story—HASHEM said to Abram—are scripture! The scripture quotations are directly taken from the Artscroll Stone Edition Tanach by Artscroll Mesorah Publications. The italicized biblical verses out of the Tanach are listed at the beginning of every chapter. If another biblical source is quoted, it will be referenced. Contained within the story are words and phrases set apart by asterisks: *And it happened, as the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold—a dread! great darkness fell upon him.* The sentences beginning and ending with asterisks indicate a theme that will be discussed in The Narrator section following each chapter of the story. In Judaism it is traditional to give an oral interpretation after a portion of scripture is read; the interpretation is known as commentary (comm.). I, the Narrator, am here for the same purpose, to bring together various commentaries, joining them together with Messianic insights into the life of Yeshua, to aid in the understanding of the events of the story as they unfold. For some, the story may be difficult to follow due to the length of the commentary following each chapter. In such cases, I recommend reading the story through without the Narrator, then reading it again including the Narrator. However, it is important not to exclude the Narrator, for without the teaching I contain, much of the understanding in the story once again becomes lost. In Judaism it is said, The highest form of worship is study for when the soul of a man is immersed in the Word of G-d, he enters into the Presence of G-d.

If you are hungry for a renewed life in G-d and are willing to leave idolatry behind, then it is time to gird up your loins, put your sandals on your feet, and take your staff in hand, for we are about to embark on the greatest of all journeys since the dawn of man.

IV. Our Journey Begins

The wealth and grandeur of ancient Egypt can be studied through history books and seen through a vast array of ancient artifacts. Egypt was a place of bounty nourished by the great river Nile which fed the land with fertility essential to the abundant crops that brought forth life. ¹

As time travelers, we will travel back by camel into the land of Egypt to the time of our story. As the camel chews the cud swaying back and forth with each step, we pass by immense fields of flax, barley, wheat, and corn. We witness huge gardens planted in the fertile soil along the banks of the river, growing beans, lentils, gourds, leeks, and onions. The intricate web of irrigation waterways brings moisture to the abundant crops, turning the desert into an oasis. In the northern fringe of the delta, luxuriant vineyards grow, flax provides the raw material for fabric, and the moringa tree and castor-oil plants are sources of oil. Egypt is a great land of commerce, drawing people from far away places, suckling the breast of abundance. Trees are few and favored by the gods for an abode. Timbers are brought from Lebanon on the Nile, while the stones and metals from the mountaintops are carried on wagons along the trade routes and are used sparingly due to their scarcity. Egypt has long ceased building the pyramids, and relies mainly on bricks formed from the mud and clay of the river banks for the temples. However, the mighty Pharaoh desires to draw upon the ancient Pharaoh god’s strength and continues to move a few of the huge stones for the gates and entrances of Egypt, setting them into place.

It can be pleasurable to imagine the beautiful land of Egypt in all its abundance with the romantic appeal of the Middle East, but look again. In the midst of the abundance, a multitude of people can be seen struggling to survive as they labor in the fields, in the gardens, laying mud, brick and stones one