The Jewish people needed water to drink. They arrived at Marah, but the bitter water was undrinkable. God sweetened the water for them.
Ramban – Nachmanides
Ramban lived from 1195 – 1270. He wrote commentaries on the Torah and many parts of the Talmud.
Exodus 12:2 – The First Month
God tells Moses and Aaron to designate “this month” as the “first month.” Ramban explains which month this is and why it doesn’t have a name.
Exodus 7:3 – Pharaoh’s Hard Heart
Several verses in Exodus disclose that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not free the Jewish people. Then why did God punish Pharaoh? Ramban explains.
Genesis 49:10 – Until Shiloh Comes
Jacob on his deathbed blesses his son Judah that his sons will be kings over the Jewish people “until Shiloh comes.” What is the meaning of Jacob’s blessing?
Genesis 42:9 – Joseph and His Family
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and became a slave in Egypt. Then he became the second in command in Egypt. Why didn’t he ever contact his family?
Genesis 37:15-17 – A Man Helps Joseph
God told Abraham that his offspring would be oppressed in a foreign land (Genesis 15). In Genesis 37 Jacob sends Joseph to meet his brothers. That encounter begins the process of Jacob’s family descending down to Egypt.
Genesis 32 – Jacob’s Thigh
Jacob is alone on the night before he is going to meet his brother. Suddenly, a man appears and wrestles with him. Ramban explains the deeper meaning behind this strange event.
Genesis 26:5 – Abraham Observed the Torah
God blesses Isaac and tells him to stay in the Land of Israel. He also reveals to Isaac that his father Abraham observed the Torah.
Genesis 25:7,8,17 – Death of the Righteous
The Torah records the death of Abraham and just 9 verses later the death of Ishmael. There are lessons we can learn from the wording of these verses.
Genesis 19:5 – Sodom’s Worst Sin
The people of Sodom were not pleased with Lot’s behavior.