Parsha “B’shalach” (Exodus 13:17 – 17:16) begins with what might be the most famous miracle in the Bible, the “parting of the Red Sea” [more likely the ‘Sea of Reeds’] and the related destruction of Pharaoh, and all his army and chariots.

The very first verse of the parsha, as Mark Call notes in the reading, should perhaps “leap off the page” today as a warning: YHVH took the ‘mixed multitude’ via the Long Way Home to the Promised Land, rather than the shorter coastal route, “lest the people regret,” when they see war, and decide to return right back into bondage.

Could that ring true today?

The Erev Shabbat Reading:

The question has been asked. But there is something fundamental about human nature that is outlined here. Rather than being grateful for having been freed “by a Mighty Hand,” from bondage, and happy to be en route to a Promised Land, why instead do people whine, and want to go back into slavery?

In that context it is interesting that there is so much emphasis in this story on “testing” by YHVH. They see thirst in the wilderness. And have cause for concern when He gives them ‘bread from heaven’ – before it gets a name. The Sabbath is introduced. (Or – is it RE-introduced?) But Yah has good reason to ask, “How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and My Instruction?”

The combined two-part teaching will be up later; HNR has server problems that prevented it from uploading.