Ladies Shabbat Class- Sept 5th 2020

The Redemptive Plan of God- His Love and Purposes for Women Review: God’s plan of redemption continues in Egyptian bondage -’s family of 75 people become a large, mighty prosperous people in the fertile land of Goshen. Even though embraced his brothers with forgiveness and love they were still fearful of what would happen after the death of their father Jacob. After Jacob’s death the brothers approach Joseph in humility: Gen. 50: 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20 "And as for you, you meant (thought, counseled) evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph’s response to his brothers demonstrates his humble spirit towards the LORD. How does Joseph comfort them with the exhortation “Do not be afraid”?

I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.” (TLV)

How do we comfort others in these troubling times? - even those who may have wronged us? Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

A brief review of the women we have met in Genesis: 1) Eve-named Chayah- mother of the living & the promise of “her seed” Gen. 3:15 & 20

2) Hagar- called Yeshua “El Roi” the God who sees me: Gen. 16:13 3) - “Is anything too wonderful (palay) for the LORD?” Gen. 18:14 & “God has made (asah- oseh) laughter for me: everyone who hears will laugh with me” 4) Rebekah- chosen to be Isaac’s wife by Eliezer, Abraham’s servant & she willingly accepts Gen. 24:58 “The LORD has done great things for us” Eliezer telling of His answered prayers- 5) Leah & Rachel- both blessed with sons that were vital to God’s plan of redemption: Judah & Joseph- “This time I will praise the LORD” Gen. 29:35 & “God has taken away my disgrace” Gen. 29:22-24

6) Tamar- blessed to be included in the family of Israel as well as named in the line of Messiah through her son Peretz- the breaker Gen. 38: 28-30

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God’s Providence- God’s hand in the glove of history- He is Sovereign and in control of heaven and earth. Exodus 1: 6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them. 8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more & mightier than we. 10 "Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply & in the event of war, they also join themselves to those who hate us, & fight against us, & depart from the land." makes the slaves and plots to kill all the firstborn males by killing them at birth but when the midwives wouldn’t cooperate, he then commands all the male newborns to be tossed into the Nile River- Exodus 1:15-22 -the Lord did bless the midwives

God’s Preparation for the birth, protection and provision of Israel’s Deliverer:

1. His Parents: Exodus 2:1 Now a man (Amram- people exalted) from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi (Jochebed- God is glory) 2 And the woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful (tov), she hid him for three months.

What does it mean that he was beautiful or tov? The Greek gives us more insight! Acts 7: 20 "And it was at this time that was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God; (asterios to theo) and he was nurtured three months in his father's home. Heb. 11: 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. Note the courage of Jochebed and Aram to trust in the LORD God of Israel:

Exodus 2:3 But when she (Jochebed) could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket (tavah – ark) and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it, and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. (an ark of safety like Noah prepared- Heb. 11:7)

2. Enter Miriam- the sister of Israel’s Deliverer Moses: Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. “To find out” is yadah in Hebrew and carries the meaning of not only knowing but perceiving and discerning how to respond in the immediate circumstances. (Jeremiah 29:11)

3. The Scene Unfolds: Exodus 2: 5 Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for

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you?" 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go ahead." So, the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me and I shall give you your wages." So, the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 And the child grew, & she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, & he became her son.. she named him Moses, said, "Because I drew him out of the water”

How does God accomplish His plan of redemption in this narrative? God uses the weak and seemingly foolish things of this world to bring about His deliverer- Moses.

a. A small ark- tavah- a place of God’s protection & salvation: Hebrews 11: 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

b. A young girl, chosen by God, walking in courage and wisdom- “to know & perceive” yadah (Ex. 2:4) John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

c. The tears of a newborn who was created “lovely in God’s sight” Psalm 139:14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully (palay) made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well. Acts 7:20 "And it was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God; and he was nurtured three months in his father's home.

d. A powerful princess- the daughter of Pharaoh- Acts 7: 21 "And after he had been exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him away, and nurtured him as her own son. Acts 7:21 and when he was put out of his home, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. (CJB)

e. A mother who believed in God’s promises and who nursed her son for the formative years of his life. (Exodus 2:9-10) Jochebed was not afraid of the king’s edict and trusted the Covenant God of Israel. (Heb 11:23)

These Scriptures give further insight into how God accomplishes His work. 1 Cor. 1:25-27 & compare with Jeremiah 9:23! Note that boast in Hebrew is Halal or praise

Looking ahead to next week we will fast forward 80 years- Moses is leading the people of Israel out of slavery with his brother and his sister Miriam (who is approximately 89) by his side: Micah 6: 4 "Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”

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