BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Va Yeshev "And he settled"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
December, 2009
Torah: Genesis 37:1-40:23
Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8
Sugg. N.T.: Acts 7:9-16
Gospels/Acts: Matthew 19-20
Welcome: "To the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad, greeting [shalom]"(James 1:1).
The Bless the Land Commentary plan will help Believers, through prayer, study, and journal exercises, to return to and grow in the kingdom, power, and glory of the Elohim of Israel. Each individual lesson is designed to help students who want to be instructed and led directly by the Holy Spirit in parsha reading to hear, discern, and respond appropriately to His voice/word in whatever form it might come. Try reading one section at a time
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We are alive in a time when the Saints must develop their spiritual senses to know the voice/word of the Almighty personally, become complete in their knowledge and experience of Torah (Word) and Spirit. In this way they can more effectively participate in the fulfillment of end-time prophecies relating to the restoration of all Israel. Hence, our education emphasis at Bless the Land Ministry is learning from the Scriptures and directly from the Spirit. You will therefore find in our one-year parsha commentary course the continual accent on the importance of (1) hearing the divine, supernatural voice of the Spirit, and (2) learning to be led by the Spirit. "For all who are being [regularly, consistently] led by the Spirit, these are the [maturing, fruit-bearing] sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
Remain committed to your personal growth, and working for the spiritual restoration of all Israel: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...baptizing them...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always..." (Mt. 28:19-20).
Yeshua is addressing the apostles, and by way of them, all their successors and representatives in the future, i.e. us! An accurate rendering of the above verse by paraphrasing is: "With what I have told you in mind, go ye and labor, and make disciples by evangelizing and initiating them by baptism into the Believers' society, and then systematically instruct them in faith and duty." Our great incentive is the living, abiding presence of Messiah with us always, through His Spirit. As the restoration of the fallen Tabernacle of David proceeds, He will have a people emerge from the Ecclesia who are dedicated to His purposes, not their own. They will proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom, and "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Learn: A disciple is a co-laborer with Elohim. The gift of the Spirit, the anointing, is for service.
Introduction to Va Yeshev "And he settled"
Last week: "And Isaac gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him" (Gen. 35:29).
The previous parsha ends with the death of Isaac (and a brief account of Esau). Isaac was a blessed man and had reached a good, old age. He came to a decent end, and was honored with a respectful funeral. Jacob and Esau buried him in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan beside the remains of Abraham and Sarah, which lay in repose, awaiting the resurrection of the justified. Isaac's spirit joined theirs in a better country.
This week: "And Jacob dwelt [settled] in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan" (Gen. 37:1).
The story of Jacob and his family is resumed in the opening of Va Yeshev. Jacob, once he re-settled in Canaan, began to fade into the background and does not figure prominently until the end of Genesis when he brings his prophetic benedictions upon his twleve children and two grand-children. In Va Yeshev Joseph emerges as the primary character of the narrative and featured representative of the Kingdom of Elohim
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Joseph was Rachel's first child, and Jacob's eleventh and favorite son. He was distinguished from his brethren by: (1) his father's greater love which he enjoyed, (2) his more pious, moral character which he displayed, and (3) his fellowship and communications which he received from YHVH. Because of this, his brothers were jealous and antagonistic toward Joseph. Their anger and resentment were exacerbated by the display of his "coat of many colors", but it was Joseph's dream of ascendancy over his brothers that turned their resentment into hatred. "...my sheaf arose...and your sheaves...made obeisance [bowed themselves down] to my sheaf" (v. 7). Their bitter rage burned, and as everything good or evil strives for completeness, the murderous feelings Joseph's brothers held for him boiled over into a fratricidal scheme. "Lust, when it is conceived, bringeth forth sin: sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:15). They were determined that he would never rule/dictate/govern them.
Joseph was seventeen when his brothers launched their diabolical scheme to murder him. Reuben, who was trying to regain a measure of his father's favor, planned a merciful, but timid and weak last minute rescue effort that failed. At Judah's insistence Joseph's life was spared and he was sold into Egypt, and eventually languished in prison.
The strife/contention that existed between Joseph and his brethren, and that later marked the relationship of Judah (Southern Kingdom) and Joseph (Northern Kingdom), leavens the history of Israel. The struggle has its origins in the marriages of Jacob to Leah and Rachel. "Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored. And Jacob loved Rachel..." (Gen. 29:17-18). He married Leah first, who gave him six sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon. But Jacob much preferred Rachel, who gave him two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.
Jacob's love for Rachel was transferred to Joseph, and exhibited in open demonstrations of favor and affection, thereby showing Jacob's unabashed preference for his eleventh boy.
[Note: Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, and as such was entitled to/designated for family leadership and the double-portion family inheritance. But his incestuous sin with his father's maid disqualified him (Gen. 35:22), and resulted in his privileges and rights as first-born being withdrawn from him and transferred to his brothers. Scripture and history reveal that the priesthood went to Levi (third born of Leah), kingship went to Judah (fourth of Leah), and the first-born birthright of the "double-blessing" went to Joseph (first of Rachel). It is interesting to note that Joseph had two tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh), who received two territories, and who became two powerful nation states.]
"And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man [the phrase is best rendered, "...he was a prospering man", suggesting his prosperity was being sustained, and on its way toward great expansion]; and he was in the house of his master..." (Gen. 39:2).
Joseph went from Canaan to Potiphar's palace, then from there to the dungeon (where he was actually safer). He lost the confidence of his master but gained the favor of the jail keeper. He had not been forsaken, as some might assume, but remained discreet (kept the trust placed in him), diligent (toiled to benefit his master) and devout (repelled temptation through his ardent faith), and thus [in this manner; because of this] Joseph remained under the constant attention and care of Elohim while in exile. Cultivate these three virtuous traits.
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach ha Kodesh
"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it [to] his brethren [brothers], and they hated him the more." (Gen. 37:5).
There was no voice in the vivid dream to suggest to the youthful Joseph that it was prophetic, or from a divine origin, and should therefore remain private. Impulsively, and possibly to annoy his older brothers, he tells them of it. Nonetheless, in so doing he was guided unconsciously by the hand of divine providence, making the prophetic dream's telling the first step in its fulfillment.
Responding wisely to the Holy Spirit is greatly aided by knowing Him well. Learning about His eternal presence, role, and ministry as they are revealed in the Old Testament (where He is very active) will help us in understanding and valuing Him, and will better position us to receive His present ministry as revealed in the New Testament. Although there is an abundance of material relating to the Holy Spirit in the Tenach to assist us, this commentary section will not present an exhaustive study, but will provide instead general instruction [sketch/summary] from which the student can continue his/her own search. [See: Acts 17:10-12, Paul and the Bereans.]
As we spend the next five parshas discussing the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, be observant. You will notice the progression of His ministry [general trend] in Israel, the ascending and descending of His manifest presence and prophetic function, from Genesis to Malachi, in direct response to the hearing and obedience of the people. Later, when we go into the New Testament we will see Him return openly and with authority, in Word and in power. As your own studies progress moniter to the progression/increase (or the recession/decrease) of the evidence of the manifest presence, anointing, and/or functioning of the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry. Keep in mind, you are a New Covenant Believer returning to your biblical Hebraic identity and heritage, which is both the Torah (Word/Truth) and Glory of YHVH.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Part 1 of 5
Holy Spirit active in creation of the heavens and earth:
"And the Spirit of God moved [means to brood-meditate, hover, incubate] upon the face of the waters" (Gen. 1:2). The Holy Spirit is here seen at creation. In the Genesis account He is observed as the quickening, formative cause of life and order in the earth, be it physical, intellectual, or spiritual.
He hovers over multitudes of lost, void souls today, waiting for the command, "Let there be light...order...life!"
"By the word [Word, Torah, Yeshua] of the Lord [YHVH] were the heavens made, and all their hosts by the breath (Spirit) of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6). The psalmist provides another glimpse of how Elohim the Word worked through/by the Spirit, the "breath" of His mouth, Who waits and then responds instantaneously to the declared Word. [See: Jn. 1:3; Heb. 1:2,10.]
Holy Spirit and the creation of man:
"Then the Lord God [YHVH Elohim] formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Gen. 2:7). Adam was built from the ground up. His body was made from the dust of the earth, the atoms and molecules of matter, basic elements presumed to exist throughout the Universe. It was designed to be His most noble work, the shrine of the eternal Spirit. But the Creator proceeded along the ascending pattern/scale already observed in the creation of the plant and animal kingdoms--first the material, physical body, then the immaterial soul--and breathed into man an immortal spirit by His own breath, the Spirit of life.
Holy Spirit contended with mankind:
"Then the Lord said, My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he is also flesh..." (Gen. 6:3). Spirit strives with man. [Strive: Endeavor; Contend; struggle in opposition] The Holy Spirit was involved in devout, serious effort and energy to lead man toward righteousness and a clean conscience. He was resisted and eventually withdrew His active ministry, leaving the unrepentant antediluvian people to their own nefarious devices.
Holy Spirit came upon/rested upon servants/leaders of Israel:
"...I have called by name Bezalel...filled him [not regeneration. In Scripture the term "the Spirit can often mean "charismata", or gifts, enablement, anointing, and such.] with the Spirit [charismata] of God in wisdom, in knowledge...[divinely implanted/imparted]" (Ex. 31:3). The Spirit of Elohim is the divine medium/means by whom YHVH bestows all gifts, knowledge, and special abilities. In the case of the workmen, He first probably enhanced and improved their natural ability, imparting new degrees of talent and the gift of inspired artistic execution as well. Bezalel and Aholiab (also called and anointed for the work of the Tabernacle) were from different tribes, Judah and Dan respectively. Yet they worked together in fruitful fellowship, without rivalry or strife. Being conscious that they were both embarked for the glory of YHVH on a holy construction project, which was their common sacred cause, kept them in a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood. Perhaps better understanding of YHVH's purpose for the whole Messianic movement (all the various factions) would help promote such unity of cause among returning Believers today.
"And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the Spirit which is upon thee, and I will put it upon them..." (Num. 11:17). The Holy Spirit is omnipresent, yet His empowering presence coming upon persons designated for divine purposes did occur throughout the Tenach, but the visitation was exceptional, not the rule, and usually transitory. The transfer of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit which animated and empowered Moses for service, that he had heretofore enjoyed by himself, is here addressed. Moses needed help, but the Almighty knew the awaiting ministry chores would require supernatural assistance to accomplish. "You shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit comes upon you..." (Acts 1:8).
"Gather seventy men of the elders of Israel...I will take of the Spirit which is upon thee , and will put it on them" (Nu. 11:16-17). Moses was not depleted or reduced. The Spirit rested upon and empowered the early Sanhedrin with energy, wisdom, discernment, and leadership gifting to help bear the burden of the people.
"...the Lord took some of the Spirit that was upon him, and put it upon the seventy elders, and when the spirit rested upon them they prophesied" Num. 11:25-26). The ecstatic prophetic utterances were temporary and ceased. Two men however, Medad and Eldad, continued to prophesy in the camp. When learning of this, Moses expressed his view of how wonderful it would be for Elohim's glory and his own peace if all the people received the Spirit and His gifts resting on them. The Spirit's activity included prophesy.
"Take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit" (Num. 27:18).
Moses is about to retire after forty years of unbroken service to YHVH in leading His people Israel, and implores Elohim for a successor, "Set a man over the congregation..." YHVH tells him to lay his hands on Joshua, his long-time faithful and courageous assistant, and commission him. Joshua's primary qualification for leadership was the presence of the Holy Spirit and His charismata on his life. Close union with Elohim through the Spirit was, and is today, essential for the servant of the Lord. Because of the presence of the Spirit upon him, imparting divine virtue and grace within him, Joshua had: (1) a conviction of duty, (2) a divine appointment, (3) the confidence of the people, and (4) most importantly, unbroken communion with Elohim, to carry him forward.
Peter speaks to us today, who walk with Yeshua and labor for the restoration of the Tabernacle of David, saying, "...you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you [as He did on Moses and Joshua]" (1 Peter 4:14).
Part two next week: The Spirit was upon/rested upon and empowered the Judges (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 15:14), and kings (1 Samuel 11:6; 16:13), and then the prophets (Ezek. 1 and 2) of Israel.
Knowing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days..." (Gen. 40:18).
Joseph was humble yet confident, and by faith received an divine communication, an interpretation of two dreams.
"...and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice..." (John 10:4).
Mature sheep have had their spiritual senses developed [a purpose of our commentary]. They can be led by the impulse /impression of the Spirit, and do not need the crook and staff of the shepherd to push and prod them. They hear and know the voice of the Good Shepherd from within, by reason of maturity discern its purpose, and follow it. They do not follow strange voices, and are not given over to responding to their own, carnal impulses without examining them. Simply, maturing disciples recognize Yeshua's voice in the Spirit and do not resist His word. Accordingly, they are led to and enjoy green pastures, quiet streams, full tables, joy and not fear, goodness and mercy, fresh anointing, and sweet fellowship, which is his will for us.
By way of review: When the Spirit/Ruach speaks to us it is a supernatural, divine communication. He speaks into our regenerated, born-again, divinely indwelt human spirits with (1) a still, small voice (previous two parshas covered this), (2) a spontaneous thought, idea, or inspiration [a want, or surge of faith], (3) an inner witness [knowing, revelation], (4) internal and open visions, (5) and dreams.
As we mature in spiritual ministry we will observe these consistent characteristics of the voice/leading of the Holy Spirit, and by them better know His impressions/words. His voice/word will:
1. Give peace. Ps. 29:11; Isa. 26:3; Phil. 4:7
2. Empower faith. Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:5
3. Impart inner strength. Isa. 40:31; Phil. 4:13
4. Activate the spiritual gifts; stimulate growth of spiriual fruit. 1 Cor. 12:1-12; John 15:5
5. Encourage holiness. Lev. 11:45; Rom. 1:4; 2 Cor. 7:1
6. Exalt and glorify Yeshua ha Mashiach. John 14:26
7. Agree with Torah and all Scripture [Yeshua's Words]. Jn. 15:26; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21
8. Uplift and encourage. 2 Chron. 31:4; Ps. 3:3; Jas. 4:10
9. Develop boldness. Prov. 28:1; Acts 2; 9:17; Eph. 6:9
[Note: "What meaneth this" (Acts 2:12)? Understand, however, there is a difference between the characteristics of the Spirit's voice when speaking, and the manifested power of the Spirit when He actually "comes upon people", in a corporate setting for instance. The emotional and physical responses of people to the experience of visitation will differ, and may even be child-like at first. The residents of Jerusalem, upon witnessing the response of the one-hundred twenty disciples on Pentecost exclaimed, "...these men are full of new wine." This is to be expected, especially with the uninitiated, when life-changing outpourings occur. Nevertheless, steady spiritual maturity is assured as Believers learn to consistently discern and follow His still small voice/witness. By so doing, they will--line-by-line, precept-by-precept, a little here, a little there--be continuously transformed.]
Joseph's sensitivity to YHVH's voice was a result of his moral purity. "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God" (Gen. 39:9)? Cleanness of heart and mind allowed him to properly discern the Almighty's word, without the soulish distortion and interference which causes confusion and doubt among so many today. Let us take a lesson from this amazing account of Joseph's spiritual confidence (faith) and perception. In these last days knowing His voice is pre-requisite for the highest success of Believers in fulfilling their destinies. May we each be encouraged to come before Him with "clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:4). Read the assignment, and hear His voice and recognize its holy characteristics this week. Start to become accustomed to His closeness. Enter into His glorious, manifest presence through praise and worship, then wait and listen. And remember, first examine the character of what you receive, and then share it with mature, wise counsel.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Va Yeshev "And he settled"
"Give diligence to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..." (2 Tim. 2:15). Study is worship.
The parsha commentary's study Scriptures (Torah, Haftorah, New Testament) and the eight questions are (1) the heart of our commentary study, (2) the intended, primary practice exercise for listening to and hearing the voice of Elohim, and as such are (3) the means of receiving personal instruction and confirmation directly from the Spirit of Truth concerning the student's Israelite birthright, identity, heritage, calling, duty, and direction, and personal matters.
Genesis 37:1-40:23 [Torah]: Joseph is Jacob's favored son/He dreams/Brother's plot against Joseph/Judah intervenes/Joseph sold into slavery/Judah and Tamar/Joseph in Egypt/Serves Potiphar/Prison/The butler's and baker's dreams/YHVH is with Joseph.
Amos 2:6-3:8 [Haftorah]: The Northern Kingdom (The House of Israel/Ephraim) is rebuked for idolatry/evil/injustice.
Acts 7:9-16 [New Testament]: Stephen preaches and remembers the story of Joseph. What message is he conveying?
Relate the prominent theme to the Gospel and to Yeshua's life and ministry.
Matthew 19-20 [Gospels/Acts]: Joseph and Stephen became servants. Yeshua also came as the Servant of YHVH. He is not a respecter of persons, but says, "I dwell...with the contrite and lowly in spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isa. 57:15).
Study Questions [Hopefully, the summations are of some assistance to you. Now, keep these questions in mind as you read the assigned Scriptures, and ask Elohim to give you new, fresh perspectives/insights for every one each week.]
1. In your opinion, what is the main teaching/standout truth of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting truth found in the Haftorah?
3. What is the corresponding truth or idea found in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the common teaching/theme found in all three readings of the parsha.
5. Relate the entire parsha's theme to the assigned Gospel reading. How does Yeshua reflect, comment upon, or demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's entire parsha reveal to you, as a Believer, about your Israelite: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, and e. duty?
7. Did the Spirit of Truth anoint and teach you this week? When? How?
8. Have you sensed enhanced intimacy with Yeshua in your reading and worship lately?
Prayer Questions
A. Did you experience/encounter Yeshua's manifest presence this week during prayer and worship as you ministered unto Him [Song of the Lord]? B. Did you hear the voice/word of the Spirit? How? C. Do you believe your senses are now being conditioned/exercised to discern His voice? D. Have you been able to meet with others [highly recommended] this week to pray, and to practice recognizing and operating in the gifts of the Spirit, especially the inspiration gifts? What were the results?
Israel
"For I was kidnapped [stolen away] from the land of the Hebrews..." (Genesis 40:15).
In Genesis 14:13 Abraham is recognized as a Hebrew, though a sojourner in the land. "And there came one that had escaped , and told Abram the Hebrew..." Thus, Joseph correctly called his home country, promised to the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the "Land of the Hebrews".
The word hebrew is derived from the word "ivri", which is turn is based on the root word "arvi", meaning cross over. The related name, "Eber", referenced in Genesis 10:21, means the "one who traverses." Of course, Abram's house qualified for this title when he and his family left Ur and Haran, thereby crossing over (1) from polytheism (idol culture) to monotheism (worship of YHVH, the One True Elohim), and (2) from Mesopotamia into Canaan.
Hebrew also refers to the surviving Canaanite/Semitic language spoken in Israel from the 10th century to the Babylonian exile. Today Hebrew has been restored and is the official language once again of Israel.
Nevertheless, the language and culture of Israel is as diverse as its people. Hebrew is the national language but English is widely spoken as well. Russian, French, Romanian, and Portuguese are also common tongues that can be heard from Haifa to Tel Aviv, from Tiberias to Jerusalem. Actually, many early immigrants spoke several languages before arriving in Israel, and then they learned Hebrew! As a result of this imported language and culture influence, all the expressions of Israelite culture--art, music, politics, cuisine, et al--to some extent partake of and express the flavor/content of the various lands from which the diverse citizenry has come.
All the people making aliyah (going up to Zion) enroll in Ulpan, the extensive Hebrew language school that holds classes daily for every level of Hebrew learning, from the beginners through the advanced courses. After five months of concentrated study the graduating students are able to read, write, and speak Hebrew.
In order to build a united nation the early Israelite leaders wisely understood that a primary cultural unifier would be needed. That unifier would prove to be the recognition and instruction of Hebrew, the original language of Israel, as the common language of the Land.
Latter Days
"Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him" (Gen. 40:23).
Joseph was an attendant to the prisoners while incarcerated in the compound in Egypt. He behaved himself wisely and discreetly, and thereby was raised up by the jailer to his elevated position. At one point Joseph graciously interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's baker and butler, who were in prison with him. Just before the king's servants were released, Joseph asked for a good word to be spoken of him, hoping that a commendation would lead to his release from confinement. The interpretations proved accurate, and confirmed Joseph's integrity, but the attention and kindness he showed to Pharaoh's servants were forgotten (as might be expected), he received no recognition, and remained incarcerated.
"Can a maid forget her own ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number" (Jer. 2:32). YHVH is speaking to Jeremiah, who records the words for Judah to hear, asking them a rhetorical question. But the people had become slow of hearing, self-willed, independent, and had deceived themselves into thinking Abraham's righteousness would suffice for them as they went about ignoring YHVH's covenant statutes. They were wrong. Babylon would be next. Unfortunately mankind has a short spiritual memory, and naturally tends towards self-deception, followed closely by self-exaltation."The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked..." (Jer. 17:9). For this reason, YHVH was/is always reminding His chosen ones to "...remember the sabbath...remember the days of old...remember to obey...remember you were bondmen...remember to honor...remember and forget not...remember what Amalek did...remember the word...remember His works...remember...remember...remember..." (Torah). On the other hand, the Mighty One of Israel needs no such reminders because He remembers everything (except the sins of His repentant and contrite ones, of course/Isaiah 43:25). For this we can rejoice: He remembers His Word to fulfill it! Thus, each generation has a sure roadmap to help them/us understand, and thereby: (1) receive the transformative restoration measure of Spirit and Truth poured out for that hour, and (2) prepare and equip themselves for the days in which they/we live.
In keeping with the aforementioned, there are seven historical prophecies--signposts on the roadmap-- that have been fulfilled (and are continuing to unfold) and therefore (1) validates the awakening and return of Christians to their Hebraic heritage as Spirit led, and (2) confirms the divine origin/inspiration of the Hebrew roots/two house movement. Because of these prophetic "words", we are: a. enabled to discern [have confidence in] our time of refreshing, b. encouraged, even required to go forward in restoration truth, c. obligated to go ahead and equip/accommodate ourselves with the current, fresh outpouring of the Spirit, and d. obligated to receive renewed faith, fresh vision, and restored zeal from which we and others will greatly benefit.
1. The tribes of the northern kingdom--the house of Ephraim/Israel--would be exiled. [Lev. 26:33; Deut. 4:27; 28:64; 1 Kings 14:15; Jer. 9:16; 13:24; Ezek. 4:13; 20:23; 22:15; 36:18-20; Hosea 7:8; 9:17; Amos 5:27 ]
2. Their descendants would forget their faith and identity. [1 Kings 14:16; Jer. 3:8; Hos. 1:4-9 ]
3. They would not be forgotten by YHVH Elohim. [Ezek. 37; Hos. 2:14-15; Amos 9:9; Zech. 10:9-10 ]
4. They would be remembered, recalled, forgiven, regenerated, filled with the Spirit, and re-grafted. [Isa.32:15; 44:1-5; 59:20-21; Jer. 31:18-20, 31-40; 33:7-8; 50:20; Ezek. 37:14; Hos. 1:10; 2:23; 3:5; 14:4-7; Joel 2:28-29 ]
5. The descendants would fill/occupy and dominate wealthy and powerful nations. [Gen. 49:22-26; Deut. 7:6; 28:1-14; 33:13-17]
6. They would support/ assist Judah in re-establishing and settling the ancient homeland. [Isa. 11:11-14; 27:13; Jer. 3:1823:3-8; 31:4-21, 27-28; Ezek. 36:24; 39:25-28; Hosea 1:10; 2:17-20; Amos 9:9-11; Obad. 17-21; Zech. 10:3-10 ]
7. Ephraim (forgiven, regenerated, re-grafted) will be awakened to his spiritual origins/roots and begin his return to YHVH, the Elohim of their fathers, in preparation for the developing birth-pangs, tribulation, Gog and Magog, and the coming of Messiah. [Isa. 54:6-7; Jer. 31:9,20; 33:23-26; 31:21; Amos 9:9] This is where we are prophetically.
With the fulfillment of the preceding Scriptures having occurred (with # 7 occurring), Christians/Believers can readily connect the next prophetic stage (# 8 cited below) with the importance and necessity of their cooperation (1) to return to their Israelite identity and family, and (2) be restored to their Hebraic heritage, without which there would be little mutual ground for unity between the two houses.
8. The houses of Ephraim, Judah, and all their companions will be spiritually purified, enlightened, and reconciled, restoring unity to both houses, all the tribes and sojourners. [Isa. 11:13; Jer. 3:14-15; Ezek. 36:24-29; 37:16-28; Amos 9:9-11; Zech. 13:1-5 ]
Then, (9) Messiah will reign over Israel, a kingdom of priests who will take His Torah to the nations with the full measure of the Spirit [Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Ex. 19:6; Lev. 20:26; Deut. 7:6; 26:19; 28:1,9,13; Isa. 49:6; 60:1-3; 61:6; Zech. 8:3], and (10) the Throne of Yeshua will be in the midst of Jerusalem. [Isa. 9:6-7; 24:23; Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 37:22-28; 40:1-47:12; Hos. 1:11; Joel 3:16-17,21; Zech. 8:3] In the end, the whole earth returns from polytheism (idols, paganism, anti-Messiah religions, et al) to monotheism, the knowledge and worship of the One True Elohim, YHVH, the Mighty One of Israel. The restoration of all things spoken of by the holy prophets will be completed, and the age of ages will begin.
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel.
The influential anti-Zionist (leftist) organizations in Israel are generously funded by European Union member states. In this way, European states achieve their aim of influencing Israeli policies. These countries find it convenient to work secretly through leftist, non-government organizations and cause great damage. Laws are needed requiring transparency by revealing the sources of the funding, which in turn would greatly inhibit outside European influence/interference.
2. Pray for America.
The chairman of the government's Sustainable Development Commission says curbing the population growth through contraception and abortion must be at the heart of policies to fight global warming.
We see again the anti-Messiah voice of deception at work in the halls of government and are amazed how people could hold such absurd, evil ideas. But, we are reminded of the Scripture in Roman 1:25-26, "Who changed the truth of God into a lie...for this cause God gave them up unto vile affections [wicked, foolish, contorted, ridiculous, preposterous, ludicrous, indefensible, immoral imaginations, sinful desires, and including every possible manner, expression, and type of stupidity]..."
3. Sing the Song of the Lord [Sing a New Song]. Teaching and Exhortation
We pointed out last week that the Voice of the Bride is the first category of the song of the Lord. The Voice of the Bridegroom is the second category, or aspect, of the spiritual song.
"The Lord God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:17). As indicated in this verse, the voice of the Bridegroom comes in response to the rejoicing, praising voice of the Bride, the Ecclesia of Israel.
An accurate paraphrase of Zephaniah is: "...He will rejoice over thee with delight as on a day of a festival." The point is this: The effable, agape love Yeshua has for His Bride cannot be contained inwardly, but must/will find an outward expression. His tender yet intense joy is that of (1) a conqueror--Israel being a trophy of His strength and power, (2) an artist--Israel being the purified work of His hands, (3) an owner--Israel-being His dispersed and scattered ones; His highly valued, re-gathered possession, and (4) a lover--Israel being the Bride of the Bridegroom, betrothed and absolutely lovely in His sight. Such intense, multi-faceted joy will always bring forth from the soul, welling up and over-flowing its banks, exuberant shouts and spontaneous songs.
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3).
The Voice of the Bridegroom (Song of the Lord that is sung back to the Bride) is a song that produces life, and as such is: (1) a prophetic song, which can instruct, foretell, guide, and warn. As such it is also: (2) an edifying song of encouragement that boosts one's spirit and soul, and urges the Bride toward victory, (3) an exhortative song that inspires and stirs the hearer forward in their divine calling and destiny, and (4) a song of comfort that brings peace and healing to the Bride, and ministers care and restfulness in the trials and difficulties of life.
In the next parsha we will look at the fruit of the New Song/Song of the Lord. [Note: For the sake of clarification, the New Song is an inspired, spontaneous song , whose origin is divine, and is sung by an inspired singer. The New Song becomes (technically) the Song of the Lord when there is another heavenly song that is sung back, as a response that is inserted directly from the Almighty One of Israel.]
Sing Psalm 23 this week as your minister to Yeshua. Do not delay. Show your joy to Him, and listen for His response to emerge. You will discern it because His response will edify, encourage, exhort and renew you, as we pointed out above.
Conclusion
"And the Lord was with Joseph..." (Gen. 39:2).
One of the lessons made apparent in Joseph's early career in Egypt is that a prosperous man is one who has the presence and power of Elohim upon his life. Such a person, we can predict, will have an elevated character evidenced always by (1) self control, (2) a love for Elohim, and man, and (3) confidence that the Almighty will bless an upright life. We can learn from Jacob's eleventh son who, because of his faith, consistently demonstrated these godly qualities, even under prolonged stress and deprivation. Let us be sure, the need/requirement for the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives is indisputable. All Messianic Believers, not just Pentecostals, Charismatics, Revivalists, and so forth, have a vital interest in having the Holy Spirit not only abide within them, but in allowing Him to actively empower them, and to give favor, teach, anoint for service, enable for rule, shield and protect, deliver, impart truth, and bring peace--for life and ministry.
New Covenant Living
"Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3). Remembering that we are members of the family of New Covenant Israel is a strong incentive/guard against a mean and wicked lifestyle. As such, we are all called (1) into YHVH's marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9), (2) into the grace of Messiah (Gal. 1:6), (3) into the fellowship of Messiah (1 Cor. 1:9), (4) unto holiness (1 Thess. 2:7), (5) unto glory and virtue (2 Pet. 1:3), (6) unto His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12), and (7) unto peace with: Elohim, our consciences, and one another (1 Cor. 7:15; Acts 24:16). This manner of walk-halacha-is the call, the obligation of redeemed Israel, and the means whereby disciples of Yeshua can honor the Saviour with whom we are joint-heirs of the kingdom. A "worthy walk" is powerful, will break down ancient strongholds between Judah and Ephraim, and "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" between the two houses. A yielded, "worthy walk" will make room in your own life for the presence and work of the Spirit to progress greatly, enlightening and transforming your soul, breaking personal yokes, augmenting faith and love, and enhancing conscious intimacy with Yeshua. Therefore, this week turn to the Spirit. Walk with integrity.
Complete the Study and Prayer Questions.
To be continued.
Hutch Church, D. Min.
