Torah Portion Va’eira: God’s Sovereignty and the Redemption of His People
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Torah: Exodus 6:2-9:35
Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:2
Besorah: John 6:16-29
Tevet 25, 5785 | January 25, 2025
Shalom friends!
This week’s Torah portion Va’eira (Exodus 6:2–9:35), is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and His plan of redemption for His people. We see God’s faithfulness to His covenant, His judgment on the gods of Egypt, and His tender care in leading His people to freedom. The Haftarah and Besorah continue this theme, showing how God’s sovereignty extends to all nations and how Yeshua’s authority offers true spiritual sustenance.
Let’s explore how God’s mighty hand of redemption is revealed across these readings—and what it means 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 Va’eira: Exodus 6:2–9:35
Understanding the Portion
The Torah portion opens with God revealing His name, YHVH (יהוה), to Moses. While God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai (God Almighty), He now declares His covenant name, YHVH, to signify His intention to act on His promises (Exodus 6:2-3). This name emphasizes His eternal, unchanging nature and His sovereignty over all things.
Moses is tasked with delivering Israel, but his initial attempts seem to fail. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, and the Israelites are discouraged by their worsening conditions. Yet, God’s plan is unfolding.
In Exodus 6:6-8, God outlines the Four Expressions of Redemption:
- I will bring you out (Hotzeiti – הוֹצֵאתִי): This first promise addresses the physical removal of the Israelites from the burdens of Egyptian slavery. It’s the beginning of their journey toward freedom, showing that God acts decisively to deliver His people. This is not just about liberation from physical bondage but also breaking the psychological chains of oppression.
- Application for Us: Where is God calling you to step out of bondage? Consider how He is leading you away from areas that enslave your mind, body, or spirit.
- I will rescue you (Hitzalti – הִצַּלְתִּי): This second promise emphasizes rescue or deliverance from harm. It speaks of God stepping into the chaos of their lives and actively defending and protecting them. While “bringing out” begins the journey, “rescuing” is about removing the immediate threats and dangers that surround them.
- Application for Us: How has God rescued you from situations where you felt trapped or vulnerable? Reflect on His protection in your life.
- I will redeem you (Ga’alti – גָּאַלְתִּי): Redemption is deeply personal. In Hebrew, ga’alti refers to the act of a kinsman-redeemer—someone who buys back a family member or their property. God isn’t just delivering Israel; He’s claiming them as His own, paying the ultimate price to restore their relationship with Him.
- Jewish Context: This ties to the concept of the kinsman-redeemer seen in stories like Ruth and Boaz. Redemption is about restoration and family—God bringing us back into His fold.
- Application for Us: Redemption is still personal today. In what ways has God restored or redeemed broken areas of your life?
- I will take you (Lakachti – לָקַחְתִּי): This final promise seals the relationship. God takes Israel to be His people, and He becomes their God. This is a declaration of belonging and covenantal love, where the relationship moves from deliverance to intimacy and trust.
- Connection to Jewish Tradition: At a wedding, the bride is “taken” by the groom, symbolizing commitment and union. In this promise, God “takes” Israel as His bride, forging an everlasting covenant.
- Application for Us: How is God inviting you into deeper relationship with Him? What steps can you take to embrace that closeness?
These promises not only set the framework for Israel’s redemption but also provide a spiritual blueprint for how God redeems His people throughout history.
The portion also introduces the first seven plagues—blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, and hail. Each plague is a direct challenge to Egypt’s gods, dismantling Pharaoh’s supposed power and revealing God’s sovereignty. For example:
- The Nile turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24): This confronts the Egyptian god of the Nile, Hapi, showing that the river belongs to God alone.
- Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15): Frogs were sacred in Egypt, yet God uses them to disrupt daily life.
- Hail (Exodus 9:13-35): A devastating storm that leaves no doubt about God’s control over nature.
Moses’ life is also worth reflecting on. The number 40 signifies transformation and testing in Scripture. Moses’ life divided into 40-year periods reflects this theme.
The 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace prepared him with knowledge of Egypt’s culture and leadership. The 40 years in Midian taught him humility and reliance on God. Finally, the 40 years leading Israel were marked by redemption and leadership.
This pattern is a reminder that our own lives may also have seasons of preparation, waiting, and fulfilling God’s purpose.
A Little Nugget: The Four Cups of Redemption
The Four Expressions of Redemption are central to the Passover Seder, symbolized by the four cups of wine:
- The Cup of Sanctification: God sets His people apart.
- The Cup of Deliverance: He rescues them from bondage.
- The Cup of Redemption: He restores His relationship with them.
- The Cup of Praise: They celebrate their covenant with Him.
These promises remind us that redemption is more than just rescue—it’s a complete transformation into the people God created us to be.
Application
Just as God revealed His power through the plagues, He is at work in our lives, even in challenging seasons. Where do you need to trust His plan for redemption today?
Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
Understanding the Portion
The Haftarah from Ezekiel begins with a message of hope: God will gather Israel from the nations and restore them to their land. This promise of restoration underscores His sovereignty and His commitment to His people, even after exile and suffering.
The second part of the Haftarah shifts to a prophecy against Egypt. Pharaoh is described as a great monster in the Nile who arrogantly claims ownership of the river (Ezekiel 29:3). This pride mirrors the Pharaoh of Exodus, who defied God’s authority.
God declares that He will humble Egypt, making it a desolate land for 40 years. Yet, even in judgment, God promises eventual restoration for Egypt, showing His mercy.
This passage reminds us that no nation or ruler can thwart God’s plans. His sovereignty extends over all creation, and His judgments are always just.
A Little Nugget: Egypt as a Symbol of Pride
In Jewish tradition, Egypt often represents human pride and reliance on earthly power. The judgment against Pharaoh serves as a warning that pride leads to downfall. At the same time, God’s restoration of Egypt shows that His mercy extends even to those who oppose Him.
Application
Are there areas where you’re relying on your own strength instead of trusting God’s sovereignty? This week, consider how you can surrender those areas to Him.
Besorah: John 6:16–29
Understanding the Portion
In the Besorah, Yeshua walks on water to meet His disciples, who are battling a strong wind. His words, “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20), demonstrate His divine authority and bring peace to their fears. This miraculous act reveals Yeshua’s sovereignty over creation and His ability to calm the storms of life.
The next day, the crowd seeks Yeshua, but He challenges their motives:
“Do not work for the food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life”
John 6:27
He shifts their focus from temporary needs to the eternal sustenance only He can provide.
This passage reminds us that true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s eternal purposes rather than chasing after worldly things.
A Little Nugget: The Bread of Life
In Jewish tradition, bread represents provision and blessing. By calling Himself the Bread of Life, Yeshua reveals that He is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Application
Are you focused on temporary gains, or are you seeking the spiritual sustenance Yeshua offers? Reflect on how you can prioritize eternal blessings in your life.
Connecting the Portions: God’s Sovereignty and Redemption
Across all three readings, we see God’s sovereignty at work to redeem and restore:
- In the Torah, God reveals His power through the plagues and His covenant promises.
- In the Haftarah, He humbles nations and restores His people to their inheritance.
- In the Besorah, Yeshua demonstrates His authority over nature and points to eternal life.
Together, these passages remind us that God’s plans are unstoppable. His sovereignty ensures that no obstacle is too great for Him to overcome, and His redemptive work continues in our lives today.
Reflection Questions
- How do the Four Expressions of Redemption relate to your own spiritual journey?
- Pharaoh’s pride led to his downfall. Are there areas where pride is hindering God’s work in your life?
- Yeshua calmed the storm for His disciples. What “storms” in your life do you need to trust Him to calm?
- How does the promise of God’s restoration for Israel encourage you to trust in His plans for your future?
- In what ways can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to the eternal inheritance God offers?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Lamed (ל)
The Basics of Lamed (ל):
- Sound: Lamed is pronounced like the English “L” as in “love.”
- Numerical Value: The numerical value of Lamed is 30, symbolizing learning and instruction.
- Appearance: Lamed is the tallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing reaching upward toward God and wisdom.
How Lamed Is Written:
ל
Lamed’s shape resembles a shepherd’s staff, symbolizing guidance and care. It also represents a hand extended upward, signifying learning and aspiration.
Spiritual Meaning of Lamed:
Lamed comes from the root lamed (למד), meaning “to learn” or “to teach.” This highlights its association with study and growth in God’s Word. As the central letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Lamed reminds us of the importance of Torah study in connecting us to God.
A Little Nugget: The Heart of the Torah
Lamed’s central position in the alphabet symbolizes that the Torah is the heart of our faith and life. Psalm 119:97 says, “Oh, how I love Your Torah! It is my meditation all day.” Let Lamed inspire you to grow in your love for God’s Word.
Application: Reaching Upward
This week, let Lamed encourage you to reach upward through prayer, study, and reflection. How can you make learning God’s ways a greater priority in your life?ss, or quiet reflection, let your “open hand” bring glory to Him.
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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.