Parashat Beshalach 5763/2003
EJD
The weekly reading for the week of 15 Shevat, 5763 - 18 Jan, 2003 Torah: Beshalach Exodus 13:18 to 17:16; Haftarah: Judges 4:4 to 5:31 (Ashkenazi) Judges 5:1-31 (Sephardi); Brit Chadashah: Luke 1:39-55; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
The Bagel: The Song and the Other Song. This week's readings are readings that incorporate the song. Hebrew poetry is prolific in Scripture, but the song, what Scripture names as a song, is rare. A song in this sense denotes a very special occasion. Jewish tradition (Mechilta) has reference to ten songs, some of which are found in Scripture. At the top of the list is this song that was sung at the sea. So important is this song to the history of Israel that the Shabbat (Sabbath) of this reading is called "Shabbat Shirah" - the Sabbath of Song.
The Song of the Sea celebrates the complete deliverance from Pharaoh. It also served notice to the other nearby nations that the God of Israel is on the move and can destroy a nation if pushed too far. All those nations knew of the miracle of the parting of the sea in a similar manner to that which Rahab the harlot testified of.
Opposite to the song is the beginning of the 10 complaints in the Torah portion. So quickly, the attitude changed from one of praise, thanks, and trust in God to one of unbelief, doubt and complaining. God provided water, food, and military victory in spite of the complaints. But he left the matter of Amalek unfinished as a consequence. Joshua defeated them, yes, but there was not complete deliverance as there was with Pharaoh.
The Song of Deborah, sung by a woman, like the Song of the Sea sung by Miriam, also celebrates deliverance. Oppression in all its forms is a terrible thing, but God delights in deliverance and freedom. This requires faith and courage. Had Barak exhibited more courage then the song might've been named the Song of Barak. Like Deborah, Miriam also had the courage and faith to preserve Jewish babies back when Pharaoh decreed extermination. Her faith and those women with her was at the ready when the tables were turned and the exterminating Egyptians were drowned in the sea.
There is the Other Song. This one is found in the Brit Chadashah reading for this week. This too is a song of deliverance, but not by a mighty miracle of the sea or by Yael's tent peg or by Deborah's sword, but by the seemingly normal everyday activity of child-bearing. Yet, it is in this Child that world redemption began and will be consummated in victory. Oppression may continue in spite of this Other Song, but for the believer there is cause for praise, thanks, and faith. God will win out in the end when Messiah Yeshua returns to put down all the enemies of God.
This song also was sung by a woman with the same name as Miriam (Mary, or Maria is the transliterated form of Miriam). God has shown "His arm" in the parting of the sea, in the victory against Sisera, and in that which as Isaiah put it in regard to the coming Messiah: "Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed" (Isaiah 53:1)? Moses' arms got weak in the battle with Amalek, supported by Aaron and Hur, Joshua won the day. Yeshua's arms were lifted up on the cross to win the eternal day, to win the eternal victory over sin and death.
Cream Cheese: Israel saw at the Sea, one day Israel will see at the sight (of Him).
Unless noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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