Bo (Come) : Exodus 10–13:16

Torah Portion: Bo – The Turning Point of the Exodus

This week’s Torah portion, Bo (meaning "Come"), brings us to a dramatic conclusion of the ten plagues in Egypt. The final and most devastating plague—the death of the firstborn—forces Pharaoh to finally let the Israelites go.

Before this happens, God gives Moses instructions for the first Passover, including the sacrifice of a lamb and the marking of doorposts with its blood, a sign that spares the Israelites from the plague. The portion also introduces the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a lasting tradition to remember the Exodus.

After centuries of slavery, the Israelites leave Egypt, carrying with them not only their belongings but also a new identity as God’s chosen people. This moment marks the beginning of their journey toward freedom and faith.

This portion challenges us to reflect on what it means to leave behind an old way of life and step into a new, redeemed future. It’s a story of liberation, faith, and transformation—one that still speaks to us today.

Questions this week

(A) Exodus 9:27 and Exodus 10:16 record Pharaoh realising and admitting that he has sinned. Looking at the word for sin, 'chatah', in Strong's we read that: "In ancient Israelite culture, sin was understood as a breach of the covenant relationship with God. The concept of sin was not merely about individual moral failings but was also seen in the context of community and covenantal faithfulness".. How do we see this revealed in the two text examples above? Is this definition of sin (as a breach of covenant, within the community context) understood or practiced by our present culture?

2.        (B) In Ex 12 & 13 the reader “overhears” the words of God to Moshe on pesach (12:3-14 & 43-51), unleavened bread (12:15-20) and firstborn sanctification (13:2).  The reader also “overhears” as Moshe repeats this to the people: pesach (12:21-27), unleavened bread (13:3-10) and firstborn sanctification (13:12-15)

What are the similarities, differences and interconnections between pesach, unleavened bread and firstborn sanctification?  Do the variations in the “overhearings” help to emphasise particular points?

3.        (C) Ex 13 is quite repetitive. Mentioning 2 things... consecration of first born and matzah becoming a sign on your hand and reminder between your eyes in order for teaching to be in your mouths. How do these things help us teach? And who are we teaching?

4.        (C) In 13v9 and 13v16 it repeats the same phrase "sign on your hand and reminder on your forehead"  But the Hebrew is unusual spelling in v16.   Is there anything to learn from this?