Torah Portion Bo – Establishing a Relationship with God & Embracing Renewal
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Torah: Exodus 10:1-3:16
Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28
Besorah: John 6:30-51
Shevat 3, 5785 | February 1, 2025
Shalom friends!
This week’s Torah portion, Bo (בֹּא, “Come”) from Exodus 10:1–13:16, is one of the most dramatic and transformational moments in the Bible. It details the final three plagues, the first Passover, and Israel’s long-awaited redemption from Egypt.
But this portion is about far more than Israel’s escape from slavery; it’s about God establishing a deep and lasting relationship with His people and calling them into renewal.
The Haftarah and Besorah readings reinforce this theme in powerful ways. Jeremiah warns Egypt that human power is nothing before the authority of God, while Yeshua teaches that true renewal comes through faith in Him, the Bread of Life.
Let’s dive into this week’s readings and uncover the powerful lessons they hold for us today.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Bo: Exodus 10:1–13:16
Understanding the Portion
The portion begins with God’s instruction to Moses: “Bo el-Par’oh” – “Come to Pharaoh.” The word bo (בֹּא) is often translated as “go,” but it literally means “come.” This subtle wording suggests something important: God is already there, in Pharaoh’s court.
Moses isn’t being sent alone; he’s being invited to walk into God’s presence, even in the heart of opposition.
This week, the final three plagues—locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn—unfold. Each one is a direct challenge to Egypt’s gods:
- Locusts (Arbeh – אַרְבֶּה) devastate the land, mocking the Egyptian god of harvest.
- Darkness (Choshech – חֹשֶׁךְ) covers Egypt for three days, defying Ra, their sun god.
- Death of the Firstborn (Makat Bechorot – מַכַּת בְּכוֹרוֹת) is the ultimate judgment against Pharaoh, considered a god himself.
The final plague, the death of the firstborn, is unlike any other. While the previous plagues targeted Pharaoh’s power, economy, and religious system, this one strikes at the very heart of Egypt—its future.
The loss of every firstborn son, from the throne to the commoner, is a crushing blow. And yet, while Egypt mourns, Israel is instructed to prepare for a new beginning.
This portion marks a turning point—not just for Israel but for all of human history. Here, the first Pesach (Passover) is established, instituting a sacred meal that will define Jewish identity for generations. The Israelites are commanded to:
- Slaughter a lamb and place its blood on their doorposts. This would be a sign for the Angel of Death to “pass over” their homes.
- Eat unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs (maror). This represents both the haste of their departure and the bitterness of their suffering.
- Teach future generations about this night. The Passover is not just a one-time event; it becomes an everlasting testimony of redemption.
A fascinating moment occurs when God restructures Israel’s concept of time. In Exodus 12:2, He commands:
“This month shall be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you.”
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This is the institution of Rosh Chodesh (the New Moon) as a sacred observance. For the first time, Israel is given its own calendar. No longer are their days dictated by Pharaoh’s rule; instead, they are aligned with God’s divine timeline.
A Little Nugget: The Four Expressions of Redemption
In Exodus 6:6-8, God makes four powerful statements of redemption, which are later reflected in the four cups of wine at the Passover Seder:
- “I will bring you out” (hotzeiti – הוֹצֵאתִי) – Deliverance from physical slavery.
- “I will rescue you” (hitzalti – הִצַּלְתִּי) – Freedom from oppression and bondage.
- “I will redeem you” (ga’alti – גָּאַלְתִּי) – Redemption with an outstretched arm.
- “I will take you” (lakachti – לָקַחְתִּי) – Establishing Israel as God’s covenant people.
These four expressions not only shaped the Passover celebration but also point us to our spiritual redemption in Messiah. Just as Israel was redeemed and brought into relationship with God, we too are called to be set apart and made new in Him.
Application: Renewal Through Redemption
The Exodus wasn’t just about leaving Egypt—it was about becoming God’s people.
- We all have an “Egypt”—a place of struggle, fear, or sin. What is God calling you to leave behind so you can fully walk in His plan?
- Redemption is both an event and a process. Israel was redeemed from Egypt in one night, but it took a journey for them to embrace their new identity. Where is God still transforming you?
- God keeps His promises. The same God who redeemed Israel keeps His covenant today. How can you trust Him more deeply in your own life?
Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13–28
Understanding the Portion
The Haftarah from Jeremiah 46 is a prophecy concerning Egypt’s downfall at the hands of Babylon. This passage was written long after the Exodus, showing that Egypt’s status as a superpower was still relevant in the biblical world.
But just as God overthrew Pharaoh’s power in Moses’ day, He declares through Jeremiah that Egypt will once again fall under divine judgment.
What’s fascinating about this prophecy is how closely it echoes the Exodus story:
- Pharaoh refuses to submit to God’s power in both accounts.
- Egypt is described as arrogant and self-reliant, believing it cannot be defeated.
- God reminds Israel that He alone is their Redeemer, just as He did in Exodus.
Jeremiah 46:25 states:
“Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Israel, says: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, Pharaoh, Egypt, with her gods and her kings—even Pharaoh and them that trust in him.”
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Egypt had long been a symbol of oppression, pride, and reliance on human strength rather than God. The passage serves as a warning not just to Egypt, but to anyone who trusts in worldly power over divine guidance.
Yet, the Haftarah isn’t just about judgment—it’s also about hope. In Jeremiah 46:27-28, God speaks directly to Israel:
“Do not fear, Jacob My servant! Do not be dismayed, Israel! I will surely save you from afar, your offspring from the land of their exile.”
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Even as destruction looms over Egypt, God promises to preserve and restore Israel. This is a reminder that even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy and renewal are always present.
A Little Nugget: God’s Justice & Mercy in Judgment
The fall of Egypt in this passage reminds us that no kingdom—not even the mightiest—can stand against God’s will. While Pharaoh saw himself as invincible, history shows that human power fades, but God’s sovereignty remains.
Yet, in the midst of judgment, God speaks a word of comfort to Israel:
“Do not be afraid, Jacob My servant… I will not completely destroy you.”
Jeremiah 46:28 tlv
This echoes God’s faithfulness to His covenant. Even when Israel faced discipline, God’s love and promises never wavered.
Application: Trusting God in Uncertainty
- The world is full of chaos and shifting powers. Where do you place your trust? In governments, finances, or God’s eternal kingdom?
- God is both Judge and Redeemer. He brings justice, but He also offers restoration. How does this truth bring you comfort?
- Israel’s redemption was never in their own strength. Just as God brought them out of Egypt, He brings each of us through our personal struggles—but we must be willing to follow Him.
Besorah: John 6:30–51
Understanding the Portion
This passage from John 6 takes place right after Yeshua has performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000. The crowd, still amazed, asks Him for another sign, referencing the manna that their ancestors received in the wilderness.
They say to Him:
“Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘Out of heaven He gave them bread to eat.’”
John 6:31 tlv
Yeshua responds with a profound declaration:
“Amen, amen I tell you, it isn’t Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven… I am the Bread of Life.”
John 6:32, 35 tlv
This is a direct connection to the Exodus story:
- Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Yeshua provides spiritual nourishment.
- The Israelites had to apply the blood of the lamb to their doorposts; Yeshua, the Lamb of God, offers His blood for our ultimate redemption.
- The first Passover meal marked a new beginning, just as Yeshua offers a new life to those who believe in Him.
Yeshua’s message in this passage calls the people to look beyond physical provision to eternal sustenance. While they were focused on signs and temporary satisfaction, Yeshua points them toward something greater—Himself as the true source of life.
A Little Nugget: The True Manna From Heaven
In John 6, the crowd challenges Yeshua to give them a sign like the manna in the wilderness. But Yeshua corrects them:
“It wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.”
John 6:32 tlv
The manna in the wilderness was temporary, but Yeshua offers something greater—eternal sustenance:
- The Israelites depended on daily manna to survive.
- Yeshua invites us to depend on Him daily for spiritual life.
- The manna was a gift from heaven, and so is salvation through Yeshua.
Yeshua declares:
“I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35 tlv
Application: Feeding on the True Bread
- Are you seeking temporary satisfaction or eternal sustenance? Yeshua calls us to focus on spiritual nourishment rather than just our physical needs.
- God provided exactly what Israel needed daily. How can you trust Him to provide for your needs, one day at a time?
- Passover freed Israel from Egypt, but Yeshua’s sacrifice frees us from sin. How does this truth shape your faith?
Final Thought: Renewal & Relationship
Each of these readings highlights how God calls His people into a deeper relationship and a fresh start:
- Torah: Israel is renewed as a nation and enters a covenant with God.
- Haftarah: Jeremiah reminds Israel that even when they feel lost, God is still their Redeemer.
- Besorah: Yeshua offers the ultimate renewal—eternal life through Him.
May this week be a time of renewal and deepened relationship with God.Shavua Tov! 🌿✡️
Reflection Questions
- Freedom & Redemption: The Israelites were freed from Egypt, but they also had to choose to walk in obedience to God. In what areas of your life do you need to step forward in faith to fully embrace the freedom God offers?
- God’s Timing: God structured Israel’s calendar around His appointed times. How does this challenge you to align your life more with God’s timing rather than your own schedule?
- Trust in God’s Provision: The first Passover required faith—believing that the blood of the lamb would protect them. How does this reflect your trust in Yeshua as your ultimate redemption?
- The Bread of Life: Yeshua calls us to focus on eternal nourishment rather than temporary satisfaction. What are some things you are currently prioritizing that may be more temporary than eternal?
- God’s Presence in Unlikely Places: God told Moses to “come” to Pharaoh because He was already there. Have you ever encountered God in an unexpected or difficult situation? How did that experience shape your faith?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Mem (מ)
This week, let’s explore the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Mem (מ). This letter carries deep significance, representing water, wisdom, and the flow of divine revelation.
The Basics of Mem (מ)
- Sound: Mem makes an “M” sound, like in “mother.”
- Numerical Value: 40, which represents testing, transition, and renewal (e.g., the 40 days of the flood, 40 years in the wilderness, and Moses’ 40 days on Mount Sinai).
- Appearance: Mem has two forms—an open form (מ) used at the beginning or middle of a word and a closed form (ם) used at the end of a word.
How Mem Is Written
ם,מ
Standard Mem (מ) – Used at the beginning or middle of words.
Final Mem (ם) – Used only at the end of words.
The open Mem (מ) is said to symbolize revealed wisdom, while the closed Mem (ם) represents hidden or esoteric knowledge. In Jewish thought, this reminds us that God reveals some things to us while others remain mysteries to be unveiled in time.
Spiritual Meaning of Mem
The letter Mem is closely associated with water (mayim – מַיִם), which is a powerful biblical symbol of:
- Life and Renewal: Just as water is essential for life, so is God’s Word (Isaiah 55:10-11).
- Torah and Wisdom: Proverbs 18:4 describes words of wisdom as “deep waters.”
- Purification: Water is used in mikvah (ritual immersion) for spiritual renewal and cleansing.
Mem’s connection to water and wisdom is a reminder that our spiritual growth depends on immersing ourselves in God’s Word and allowing His wisdom to flow through us.
Mem in Scripture
Mem appears in many significant words in Hebrew:
- Mayim (מַיִם) – Water
- Melech (מֶלֶךְ) – King
- Mitzvah (מִצְוָה) – Commandment
- Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) – Messiah
One beautiful connection is in Isaiah 11:9, where it says:
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Adonai, as the waters (מַיִם) cover the sea.”
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This reflects how God’s wisdom will one day cover the whole earth like the waters of the ocean!
A Little Nugget: Mem & Moses
Moses (Moshe – מֹשֶׁה) has a name that begins with Mem, which is fitting since he was drawn out of the water (Exodus 2:10) and later became the one to bring God’s wisdom (Torah) to Israel.
Application: Flowing in God’s Wisdom
Just as water flows, nourishes, and purifies, our spiritual walk should also be filled with the flow of God’s wisdom, truth, and renewal.
- Are you regularly immersing yourself in God’s Word?
- How can you allow His wisdom to guide your daily decisions?
- What areas of your life need renewal like fresh, flowing water?
This week, let Mem remind you to seek the wisdom of God, let it nourish you, and allow it to bring life to those around you.
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For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.