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Passover (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word *boqer* (H1242), meaning morning, is distinctly different from *lailah*, which refers to the dark of night, as established in Genesis 1:5 where God called the light Day (*yom*), comprising both dark and light periods, with *lailah* as night and *boqer* as morning. These terms are shown in opposition, clearly indicating they are not the same. In Exodus 10:13, within the context of events preceding Passover and Unleavened Bread, *boqer* follows *lailah*, reinforcing that morning comes after night and they are separate phases of a day. The locusts arrived at *boqer*, not shortly after midnight as some argue, proving that *boqer* does not occur in the pitch dark of night. Further examination of *boqer* reveals its specific timing. In the account of Ruth and Boaz, *boqer* is depicted as occurring before sunrise, yet still very dark, making it difficult to recognize someone unless very close. This usage shows *boqer* beginning at the first crack of dawn, when light starts to appear in the eastern sky, a time significantly after midnight but before the sun rises over the horizon. It is akin to *ben ha arbayim* on the opposite end of the night, marking a transition from darkness to light. By Hebrew usage, *boqer* extends through the morning until it becomes warm, potentially mid to late morning, clearly distinguishing it from any part of night or shortly after midnight. Thus, *boqer* signifies the onset of light at dawn, not aligning with modern English usage of morning, and must be understood within its scriptural context to avoid misinterpretation. In the narrative of the Israelites, they remained in their houses until *boqer* on the fourteenth day, indicating they did not depart during the night (*lailah*) following midnight, but waited for the morning light to begin their movements.
Passover (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word *boqer* (H1242), meaning morning, is distinct from *lailah*, which means night, as shown in scriptural usage. *Boqer* follows *lailah* and typically refers to the light period of the day from sunrise until about the middle of the day. There is no scriptural evidence that *boqer* begins in the middle of the night, despite claims to the contrary by some who suggest that morning and night can overlap. The Israelites were commanded by God to remain in their houses until *boqer*, indicating a clear time marker for when they could leave after the Passover events. This instruction ensured no confusion, as *boqer* served as a universal signal for all to recognize the appropriate time to depart their homes in Goshen, aligning with the natural light of morning as established by God for times and seasons.
Passover (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word *boqer* (H1242), meaning morning, is significant in understanding the timing of events as described in the biblical narrative. In Exodus 16:12-13, God speaks to the Israelites through Moses, indicating that in the morning they will have their fill of bread, distinct from the evening events involving quail. This clear differentiation establishes *boqer* as the time of day associated with the provision of manna, highlighting a specific moment of divine provision following the night. The usage of *boqer* in this context underscores its role in marking the start of a new day's blessings, separate from the twilight or evening periods defined by other Hebrew terms.

God's Promises Are Sure!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe story of Joseph offers lessons and encouragement regarding God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.