Today’s Random Psalm: Psalm 138

I will give You thanks with my whole heart.
Before the elohim I will sing praises to You.

I bow down toward Your holy Temple
and give thanks to Your Name for Your mercy and Your truth,
for You have magnified Your word above all Your Name.

In the day I called, You answered me—
You made me bold with strength in my soul.

All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, Yahuah,
when they hear the words of Your mouth.

Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahuah,
for great is the glory of Yahuah.

Though Yahuah is exalted,
yet He looks upon the lowly,
but the proud He knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
You preserve my life.
You stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and Your right hand delivers me.

Yahuah will fulfill His purpose for me.
Your mercy, Yahuah, endures forever—
do not forsake the work of Your hands.

Bonus

2 Corinthians 4 — Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we do not lose heart.

Instead, we renounce hidden shameful ways, not walking in deception nor distorting the word of Elohim, but by open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience before Elohim.

Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so they might not see the light of the Good News of the glory of Messiah, who is the image of Elohim.

For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Messiah Yeshua as Master—and ourselves as your servants for Yeshua’s sake.

For Elohim, who said “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of Elohim in the face of Messiah.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that the surpassing greatness of the power may be from Elohim and not from ourselves.

We are pressured in every way, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair;

persecuted, yet not abandoned; struck down, yet not destroyed.

We always carry in the body the death of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua also may be revealed in our body.

For we who live are always being handed over to death for Yeshua’s sake, so that the life of Yeshua may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak.

We know that the One who raised the Master Yeshua will raise us also with Yeshua and bring us with you into His presence.

For all things are for your sake, so that grace, having spread to more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of Elohim.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

as we look not at what is seen but at what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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Summary of Parashah Yitro

Exodus 18:1-20:26

Parashat Yitro occupies a central place in the Torah because it contains the public revelation of Elohim and the giving of the Ten Words. The portion begins with administrative wisdom and culminates in covenantal revelation, showing that spiritual life encompasses both daily governance and transcendent encounter.

Yitro’s arrival highlights the necessity of humility in leadership. Moses, though chosen by Elohim, receives correction. The establishment of delegated judges reflects divine order rather than human efficiency alone. This structure prevents exhaustion and ensures justice, teaching that covenant communities must be organized to endure.

The journey to Sinai marks a transition from redemption to responsibility. Elohim reminds Yisra’el of deliverance before issuing commands, grounding obedience in relationship. The declaration that Yisra’el is a kingdom of priests reveals their mediating role among the nations, entrusted with reflecting Elohim’s character.

The Sinai theophany is intentionally overwhelming. Fire, smoke, thunder, and shofar blasts convey Elohim’s holiness and authority. Boundaries around the mountain teach that access to Elohim is regulated by His will, not human initiative. Preparation through consecration underscores the seriousness of revelation.

The Ten Words form the covenant core. They are not arbitrary laws but covenantal terms defining loyalty to Elohim and ethical living among people. The commands against idolatry, misuse of the Name, and Sabbath violation protect the relationship between Elohim and His people. The commands governing honor, life, marriage, property, and truth protect communal integrity.

The people’s fear leads them to request mediation. Moses explains that fear is intended to prevent sin, not to drive distance. This tension between nearness and reverence continues throughout Scripture. The portion closes with instructions on worship that reject human grandeur, emphasizing humility and obedience over spectacle.

Yitro ultimately teaches that covenant life requires wise leadership, reverent fear, communal responsibility, and faithful obedience to the spoken word of Elohim. Sinai is not merely a historical event but a defining moment shaping Israel’s identity and calling.