Parsha Va-eira: And I [G-d] Appeared

By Richard Sison | 2019

Introduction

The first reading of the parsha covers Exo 6:2 to 13. The L-RD spoke to Moses and identified Himself as the G-d of the Patriarchs [Abraham, Isaac and Jacob] and acknowledged hearing the moaning of the Israelites (v. 2-4) G-d instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that G-d would free them, make them G-d's people, and bring them to the Promised Land (v. 6-8)
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The L-RD established the following:
1. The L-RD confirmed that He is who He is, He is the L-RD
2. He confirmed that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
3. He is known to the Patriarchs as G-D Almighty
4. He established His covenants with them
5. He is giving Canaan as a land of their pilgrimage.
6. He heard the groaning of the children of Israel [see Gen 18:21 - things are reported to G-D]
7. He remembered (heb. zakar - “to mark”) His covenant [with the Patriarchs]

Moshe said to G-d, “Look, when I appear before the people of Isra’el and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you’; and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?”

Exodus 3:13

The message