Today’s Random Psalm: Psalm 148

Halleluyah!
Praise Yahuah from the heavens—
praise Him in the heights.

Praise Him, all His angels.
Praise Him, all His hosts.

Praise Him, sun and moon.
Praise Him, all stars of light.

Praise Him, highest heavens,
and waters above the heavens.

Let them praise the Name of Yahuah—
for He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and ever.
He set a decree that will not pass away.

Praise Yahuah from the earth,
sea monsters and all ocean depths,

fire and hail, snow and vapor,
stormy wind fulfilling His word,

mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,
crawling creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all judges of the earth,

both young men and maidens,
old men and children together.

Let them praise the Name of Yahuah,
for His Name alone is exalted.
His splendor is above earth and heaven.

He has lifted up a horn for His people,
praise for all His kedoshim—
for the children of Israel, a people near to Him.

Halleluyah!

Bonus

Daniel 3:57–81 — The Song of Blessing

Bless Yahuah, all works of Yahuah—
praise and exalt Him forever.

Bless Yahuah, you heavens.
Bless Yahuah, you angels of Yahuah.

Bless Yahuah, all waters above the heavens.
Bless Yahuah, all powers of Yahuah.

Bless Yahuah, sun and moon.
Bless Yahuah, stars of heaven.

Bless Yahuah, every shower and dew.
Bless Yahuah, all winds.

Bless Yahuah, fire and heat.
Bless Yahuah, cold and chill.

Bless Yahuah, dew and frost.
Bless Yahuah, nights and days.

Bless Yahuah, light and darkness.
Bless Yahuah, lightning and clouds.

Bless Yahuah, the earth—
praise and exalt Him forever.

Bless Yahuah, mountains and hills.
Bless Yahuah, everything growing from the earth.

Bless Yahuah, seas and rivers.
Bless Yahuah, springs.

Bless Yahuah, sea creatures and all that move in the waters.
Bless Yahuah, all birds of the air.

Bless Yahuah, all animals and cattle—
praise and exalt Him forever.

Bless Yahuah, children of men.
Bless Yahuah, Israel.

Bless Yahuah, priests of Yahuah.
Bless Yahuah, servants of Yahuah.

Bless Yahuah, spirits and souls of the righteous.
Bless Yahuah, holy and humble in heart.

Bless Yahuah—
praise and exalt Him forever!

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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.