This week's portion describes the parting of the Red Sea and the initial trials of the Israelites in the desert, when they complained about the lack of water and food. God provides the manna from Heaven to feed them, but we see a deeper spiritual crisis among liberated slaves who yearn for slavery again.
Two interesting points. The first verse mentions that the Israelites avoided leaving via the direct route, which would have taken them toward the land of the Philistines, an ancient civilization at war with the Israelite kingdoms for many centuries before being overcome themselves by the Babylonians.
(The area of the Philistines was controlled by the later Israelite kingdoms.)
In addition, the portion describes the battle between Amalek and the Israelites. Amalek takes advantage of the vulnerability of the newly-freed slaves and attacks them. This is the essential evil of Amalek -- and the reason for the commandment never to forget what Amalek did, and to eliminate it.
The essence of that commandment is the "remember" part. It has been widely misinterpreted by antisemites to be a kind of warrant for genocide -- most recently, by the South African legal team at the ICJ (the same lawyer also defended "Kill the Boer" as a form of free expression, not hate speech).
The additional reading, from Judges 4, describes the story of Deborah. The story is celebrated by feminists but it is also just a generally relatable tale of how, in a time where leadership is lacking, we are each called upon to step forward and provide the courage and direction that the situation requires.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
