Repent or Regret?
-- T O R A H P O R T I O N --
Introduction:
Was there ever a time in your life when you regretted something because you didn’t repent?
Last week, Pharaoh experienced the first three plagues that God sent through Moshe and Aaron. First, the Nile River became blood, but Pharaoh’s magicians did so with their enchantments, so Pharaoh’s heart grew hard. Second, frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt, but again the magicians did so and brought up frogs on the land. This time, Pharaoh called for Moshe and Aaron to take away the frogs, and he would let the Israelites go. When the frogs died, Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. Third, all the dust of the land became gnats throughout all the land of Egypt, and the magicians could not copy it, so they declared to Pharaoh that it was the finger of God. Just like the first two plagues, Pharaoh’s heart grew hard.
Our Parasha starts with the continuation of the plagues that God is sending not only to Pharaoh but to the land of Egypt. Moshe was instructed by God to go to Pharaoh for another warning. In connection with the plague, it’s the first time that God differentiates His people and Pharaoh’s. He will set apart the land of Goshen, in which the Israelites dwell.
There’s a saying that I saw on Facebook which says, “One is enough, two is too much, three is dangerous,” which is applicable to Pharaoh. Three plagues should have been enough for Pharaoh to repent because that’s the reason why God was sending them. The Hebrew word for repent is teshuva, which means “to repent and return.” Verse 23b says, “Tomorrow this sign shall be.” Here, God is giving Pharaoh and his people a chance to repent.
What are the next four plagues that God sends to Pharaoh and the Egyptians that could possibly lead them to repent?
Swarms – Psalm 78:45 says, “He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them.” Scholars said the goddesses behind this plague are Wadjet, Iusaaset, and Khepri, who portrays the head of a beetle, which Egyptians believed came from the tears of the sun god Ra. The result: Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the Israelites go.
Livestock Diseased – The magicians of Pharaoh recognized the third plague as the finger of God, but this time the hand of God would be on the cattle in the field of Pharaoh. The goddess behind this plague is Apis bull, as the manifestation of Pharaoh. If this bull died, Egyptians would mourn as if Pharaoh himself had died. As a result, the heart of Pharaoh became hard, and he did not let the Israelites go.
Boils – The goddess behind this plague is Sekhmet, known as the god of epidemic and healing. Now if this god is a god of healing, then why couldn’t he save the Egyptians, especially since the target of this plague is their health? Even the magicians could not stand before Moshe, for the boils were on them. As a result, Pharaoh did not let the Israelites go.
Hail – Now this plague is very alarming, for it destroyed all that was in the field, both man and beast, and it also struck every herb and tree of the field. There was none like this hail in the land of Egypt since then. We can compare it to what Yeshua said in Matthew 24:21: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” The goddess behind this plague is Nut, the god of the sky, but she fails to control the hail from above. Here, Pharaoh admitted his sin and declared that God is righteous, and his people are wicked. But when the hail had ceased, Pharaoh sinned again, and he hardened his heart, he and his servants.
In spite of another four plagues, there was no repentance from the mouth of Pharaoh and his people. He was a very influential man. He could have led his people to repentance by showing it first. But he kept saying he would let the Israelites go, and every time God removed the plague, his heart became hard. Yes, he confessed that he sinned, but there was no genuine repentance.
Now let’s see what Pharaoh would soon regret because he did not repent:
His successor will die – Moving forward to chapter 11, the most painful plague will occur: all the firstborn in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant and all the firstborn animals. It wouldn’t have ended up like this if Pharaoh had repented early. Surely, this was a big regret for him—losing his successor just because of being hard-hearted.
He will die too – Notice the conversation between Moshe and Pharaoh in chapter 10:28, where Pharaoh said to Moshe, “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!” So Moshe said, “You have spoken well. I will never see your face again.” Here, Moshe foresaw the death of Pharaoh because of his unrepentant heart. Psalm 136:15 says, “God overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea.” Another proof that Pharaoh died is from Exodus 15:19: “For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them, but the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea.” From this verse, we can see that Pharaoh was present (horse of Pharaoh—singular) when God reassembled the waters.
The plagues could have ended if Pharaoh had repented. The most powerful man in Egypt became powerless when he refused to let the children of Israel go and serve the One and Only true God of the universe. Even though he declared that he had sinned, it came only from his mouth, not from his heart. Repentance leads to restoration, and restoration to reconciliation. But what Pharaoh chose was destruction, which surely he regretted in the end.
The longer you delay repentance, the deeper your regret will be.
What area in your life is God calling you to surrender before regret takes over?
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --
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In the Haftarah portion, it is helpful to begin with chapter 34 to understand the message. Here, the prophet Isaiah invites the nations to hear God’s judgment against them. Adonai calls the earth and all its inhabitants to witness His righteous anger toward the nations that have opposed Him and His people, Israel.
In verses 11–17, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of desolation. God declares that wild animals and birds will move into the land and take possession of it. These creatures, many of which were considered ceremonially unclean by the Torah, symbolize complete ruin and emptiness. Their presence in what were once thriving cities shows that human life and order will be completely removed.
Isaiah 34:11b (ICB)
“God will make it an empty wasteland; it will have nothing left in it.”
The palaces and fortresses that once displayed power and pride will be overgrown with thorns, nettles, and brambles. What once represented human strength will become a habitation for jackals, owls, and other desert creatures. No nobles or rulers will remain to govern; the land will be reduced to nothing—an everlasting reminder that no kingdom can stand against God.
Isaiah emphasizes that this desolation is not accidental, it is decreed by Adonai Himself. Even nature seems to obey His judgment, as the animals find their place in the ruins. He assigns them their dwelling, and none will lack a mate or a home, for His Spirit has gathered them there.
Isaiah 34:16 (CJB)
“Search the book of Adonai and read: one of these will be missing, none will lack her mate. For His mouth has given the order, and His Spirit will gather them.”
This is a great reminder that God’s Word will always come to pass. His decrees are final. The once-proud nations that rebelled against Him will become a dwelling for wild creatures, a symbol of divine judgment and the end of human arrogance.
If this is what will happen to every nation during the second coming of Yeshua, then we must repent before it’s too late. The call is clear: turn back to God before judgment falls, for His Word will surely be fulfilled.
In contrast to chapter 34, where God judges the nations, chapter 35 reveals a beautiful transformation, a message of hope and restoration for His people Israel. After judgment comes renewal. The wilderness and the desert that once lay barren will burst forth with life and joy.
Isaiah 35:1
“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.”
Isaiah describes a time when the land itself will rejoice, and creation will reflect the glory of Adonai. This is a picture of the Messianic Kingdom, when Yeshua will reign, and all things will be made new.
Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.’”
From judgment to joy, from desolation to restoration, the prophet reveals the fullness of God’s redemptive plan. Though His justice is severe, His mercy brings life.
Judgment is sure, but joy awaits those who repent.
Are you ready for the return of Yeshua HaMashiach, or are you delaying repentance?
Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.’”
-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --
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In the Apostolic portion, the author of the book of Hebrews used Esau as an example of those who sinned against God. Esau regretted in the end that he sold his birthright to Jacob but never repented. So when the time came that he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. May we be reminded of Esau so that we can avoid regretting our unrepentant hearts.
Now, the author of Hebrews gave us clear commands to follow:
1. Strive for peace with all people (v. 14a)
The Greek word for strive is diōkō, which means “to pursue eagerly.” In Hebrew thought, peace (shalom) is more than the absence of conflict, it means wholeness, restoration, and right relationship. As grafted-in believers, we are called to pursue shalom with your fellow, reflecting the heart of Yeshua who broke down the wall of separation (Eph. 2:14). Pursuing peace requires humility, forgiveness, and self-control, especially in our words and actions.
James 1:19 reminds us: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
2. Pursue holiness (v. 14b)
Holiness (kedushah in Hebrew) means being set apart for God’s purposes. It is not just moral behavior but covenant loyalty, living as those who belong to Adonai. The author warns, “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” This goes way back to the call in Leviticus 11:44 and 1 Peter 1:16, “Be holy, for I am holy.”'
As disciples of Yeshua, our holiness is not based on outward service alone but on inward transformation through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Yeshua’s righteousness enables us to walk in obedience. True holiness bridges belief and practice, it is the fruit of repentance and covenant faithfulness.
3. Look after each other (v. 15)
The author reminds us to watch diligently so that no one among us falls short of the grace of God. In a Messianic community, this means walking in achdut (unity), bearing one another’s burdens, and strengthening the weak. The Torah teaches in Leviticus 19:17, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.”
Sometimes people in our midst grow bitter because of unmet expectations or hidden wounds. The writer warns that a “root of bitterness” can defile many. This “root” recalls Deuteronomy 29:18, where Moses warned Israel against turning away from Adonai. As grafted-in believers, we share in Israel’s covenant responsibility, to help one another remain faithful and pure before God.
4. Learn from Esau’s example (vv. 16–17)
Esau is portrayed as a “profane” man who traded his spiritual inheritance for a single meal. He valued the temporary over the eternal. Though he sought the blessing with tears later, his repentance was shallow, motivated by regret, not transformation.
This is a warning for all of us. Esau’s birthright represents the covenant blessings of God—salvation, purpose, and eternal inheritance through Yeshua. To despise these for worldly desires is to repeat Esau’s mistake. True repentance (teshuvah) means turning from sin and returning to Adonai with a changed heart.
As grafted-in believers, we are reminded that repentance is not a one-time act but a continual return to Yeshua, our High Priest and Redeemer. He restores us into holiness and peace with God and one another. When we live in repentance and holiness, we honor our birthright as children of promise, those grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17–24). Repentance opens the path to peace; holiness keeps us walking in it.
Regret looks backward, but repentance moves forward.
Will you humble yourself now before God, or will you wait until regret consumes you?
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.”
The connection of our Parasha is this: don’t wait to regret in the end. In the Torah, every plague is God’s way for Pharaoh to humble himself and repent. In the Haftarah, the future judgment of God against the nations is a great reminder that He is giving time to repent before it’s too late. In the Apostolic portion, the author of Hebrews emphasized that Esau was rejected from the inheritance because he didn’t repent.
Back to my introduction…
The examples of Pharaoh, the wicked nations, and Esau in our Parasha must be a warning for us. Every time we wake up each morning, it means God is giving us time if we need to repent of something. We must not try to revise the instructions of God. If there is something we need to repent of, do it—turn from it—and live in full obedience to our Master Yeshua.
Remember, life is a matter of choice: Will you repent or regret?
Romans 2:4
“Do you not realize that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
Proverbs 28:13
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”]
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
May the Ruach HaKodesh awaken our hearts to true teshuvah, keep us holy and set apart, and lead us to live daily in the mercy and shalom of our Master Yeshua HaMashiach.
Shabbat Shalom,
Topher
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Sources:
The MacArthur Study Bible
torah.com
theconstantbattle.com
rabbiyeshua.com
sorrywatch.com
thelehrhaus.com
scenichillsblvd.com
bethmelekh.com
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