BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Va Yishlach "And he sent"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
December, 2009
Torah: Genesis 32:3(4)-36:43
Haftorah: Hosea 11:7-12:12; Obadiah 1:1-21
Sugg. N.T.: Matthew 26:36-46
Gosples/Acts: Matthew 17 and 18
Welcome. "...to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad [the whole nation of Israel, Jews and all the dispersed, scattered tribes], greeting [shalom]" (James 1:1).
This lesson plan will help Believers, through prayer, study, and worship exercises to return to and mature spiritually in the kingdom, power, and glory of the God of Israel. Each individual lesson is designed to help students--who truly desire to be instructed/led directly by the Holy Spirit in their parsha reading and study--to hear, discern, and respond appropriately to His voice/word in whatever form it may take.
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use [practice, effort] have their senses exercised to discern both good [what is of Elohim] and evil" (Heb. 5:14). We are alive in a time when the Saints (we) must develop their senses to know the voice/word of the Almighty personally, and become complete in the knowledge and experience of the Word (Torah) and Spirit. This will empower us to participate more effectually in the fulfillment of end-time renewal and restoration prophecy. These senses are our inner faculties of intuitive judgment, conscience, mental and emotional perception and discernment by which we recognize the impressions and stimuli that are of direct divine origin--that would be the Holy Spirit moving, stirring, speaking into our human spirit--that we can respond obediently and intelligently.
Hence, our emphasis at Bless the Land is learning from both the Word and hearing directly from the Spirit. "For all who are [regularly, consistently] led by the Spirit of God, these are the [mature, fruit-bearing, empowered, over-coming] sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
Remain committed. "...we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith..." (1 Thess. 1:4).
Persist in your pilgrimage toward greater understanding of the Word, personal transformation, and pursuit of intimacy with Yeshua. You will be blessed in your well-doing. "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Please be reminded: The parsha study portions--the Torah, Haftorah, New Testament, and Gospel/Acts Scripture readings and questions--are: (1) the heart of the commentary, (2) the intended, primary exercise for practicing hearing the voice of the Almighty, and (3) the means of personal instruction directly from the Spirit of Truth concerning the student's Israelite birthright, identity, heritage, destiny, gifting, and calling, as well as personal edification. The parsha study section follows "Knowing His Voice."
Introduction to Va Yachlach "And he sent"
Last week: "And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad" (Gen.31:24).
In the previous parsha Jacob had prospered, then fled from Padan-aram with his family, and Laban pursued him. YHVH warned Laban in a dream not to speak to Jacob "either good or bad", which literally means "from good to bad". In other words, when Laban caught up to Jacob as he returned to Canaan, he was not to go from a peaceful greeting to harsh, violent accusations, or say anything in an attempt to manipulate or persuade/reverse Jacob from his path. Laban was hostile toward Jacob but divine intervention took the edge off his anger and thus their tense meeting evolved into an amicable agreement. Jacob went forward unobstructed. Again we observe the demonstration of Elohim's (unannounced, behind the scenes) care for His people.
This week: "And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom" (Gen. 32:3).
Here is the message of Jacob's return to Canaan in a nutshell: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). This word also applies to all of us from the house of Ephraim who are returning to our Hebraic identity, being restored to our biblical heritage, and growing in Spirit and truth. In this YHVH deserves the glory because He is the One, by His mercy and faithfulness, who provides the heart with inspiration, sustains motivation, and gives daily guidance in our restoration journey. This week we will be aroused to "trust in YHVH with all thine heart [stay in the light no matter what you feel or see], lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5-6). The conditions for walking in divine guidance we herein observe are: (1) Self-surrender-which means allowing Him to enlighten our intellect and discern His wisdom from our own; (2) whole-hearted faith-which means having an honest intent to acknowledge His will; (3) active faith-which means to actually follow through with His leading.
The title of the parsha, Va Yishlach-"and he sent", along with the opening passage, (1) speak of the self-reliant, manipulative nature of Jacob that was still active, and (2) suggest that he would need to become entirely submitted/ dependent upon YHVH for the fulfillment of the covenant promises. Consequently, in this study we will read about Jacob's journey to self-surrender and active, whole-hearted faith.
After the episode with Laban, Jacob was headed southward to the Jabbok River when angels, the messengers of Elohim, intercepted him [fell in with him] and informed him that Esau was nearby. The angelic company was apparently not a subjective vision but an objective, supernatural manifestation. Jacob recognized them as Elohim's host, Mahaneh Elohim; i.e. the camp or the army of God, not the Mahanoth of Jacob; i.e. the house or band of Jacob. He named the place Mahanim--i.e. two armies or camps. The heavenly escort informed Jacob of Esau's approach, so he sent messengers before him to Esau unto Seir. Seir means the "rough or bristling mountain" and was originally occupied by the Horite people. Afterwards Seir became Edom, the homeland of Esau and his descendents.
When Jacob heard of Esau coming with four hundred men he naturally feared possible unfriendly consequences, so he divided his camp, prayed humbly and fervently, and sent gifts of flocks to appease his brother (whom he hadn't seen for decades) with a show of respect, and gracious, humble words, "...my master (lord)" (v. 18 ). Then he sent his family over the Jabbok, an area now called the Wady Zerka, or Blue River, which flows into the Jordan near Shechem.
"And Jacob was left alone and there wrestled a man with him..." (Gen. 32:24).
The scene of the verse was on the north side of the Jabbok river, at night, where Jacob remained alone, communing/supplicating with Elohim in the solitude of his soul. It was at that time, when Jacob was intensely engaged in fervent, earnest prayer, that the heavenly visitor approached and the physical struggle began. In Hosea 12:4 the "man" is called an angel. He is recognized as Elohim by Jacob (verse 30), who sought a blessing from Him. The two wrestled [The linguistics in the narrative indicate that this was a bona-fide physical contest between YHVH and Jacob.] until dawn. At last persistent Jacob, who became physically de-commissioned with a hip displacement and thereby left without physical or personal wrestling resources, reverts back to supplication. When he was at his weakest, most desperate condition, by the grace of Elohim, Jacob secures the blessing and the name Israel (which means, "for thou hast contended with Elohim") from the lips of the Almighty. Jacob had begun at last to understand his self-reliance and personal striving were of themselves insufficient, even troublesome to Elohim's purposes. He was the heir of the Covenant and the appointed steward of glorious, divine promises, and as such, the human weapons of his warfare could not be carnal, but spiritual and thus mighty through Elohim. Jacob's destiny would only be accomplished through his faithful reliance upon YHVH. May we be reminded that we are Israel also, and it is the same with us.
Jacob now goes forth as one who has power with Elohim and man. His plan of repetitious gestures of kindness and humility, along with gracious words, had worked favorably with his brother. The two men met. Esau "...ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him..." (v. 3), apparently harboring no bitterness. He accepted Jacob's gifts evidently out of courtesy, and offered to escort him to his destination, or at least to leave his men behind to help him on the way. [Note: "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him' (Prov. 16:7).] But Jacob, still in the after-glow of divine visitation and not desiring worldly company, declined the fellowship and assistance of Esau with excuses. It is true that Esau had shown kind and honest behavior toward Jacob, but he was still a "profane person". So after meeting with Esau, in order to assure his family's privacy, Jacob secretly changed his route of return. He decided to enter Canaan by way of the Jordan instead, and he drove his herds toward Shechem, the first stop-over of his grandfather, Abraham. The decision to delay at Shechem was a mistake. He was in Canaan but not at Bethel, which YHVH identified Himself with when He spoke to him about leaving Laban. His journey was not completed, but he pitched his family tent anyway, and built an altar to thank YHVH for a safe trip to his homeland, and settled.
Jacob had matured during his exile but still had not become perfected in faith, as had his grandfather Abraham at Mount Moriah, evidenced by his manipulation of circumstances to evade Esau's prolonged company. Jacob's spiritual maturing had born fruit, but the perfecting of his faith and patience would continue later at Bethel, and finally reach maturity as he sojourned in Egypt. Do not be discouraged if your faith and halacha are not yet perfected [whose are?], because, as we are noticing in the parsha, sanctification is a life-long process.
Jacob, by nature a "supplanter/heel grabber", but by grace, the heir of the Abrahamic covenant, is an example of the combination the natural and the supernatural co-laboring together in Elohim's management of his life. He was naturally crafty, yet in some instances his cunning plans were divinely assisted when they represented the higher purpose of YHVH. We have read: (1) "And the man increased exceedingly." He manipulated Laban's herds for his own profit and his cunning efforts were blessed and successful. (2) "And Jacob went his way and the angels of God met him." As Jacob hastily journeyed he was, without solicitation, divinely escorted. (3) "And he said thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel." After having carefully arranged for his meeting with Esau, Jacob receives yet another blessing in time for his family reunion, this time directly from YHVH. As "Israel" [Elohim preserves], his plans to gain favor with Esau work. Thus we see that the employment of a man's regular, ordinary faculties, abilities, and talents are often use in connection with the Almighty as He guides, protects, and blesses His chosen ones, and leads them on to their destinies, and His purposes.
The increase and favor that had come upon Jacob was added by YHVH directly in answer to prayer, obedience to His Word, and maturing faith. The greatest blessing is spiritual prosperity, for all other true prosperity comes forth and is stabilized by it. "Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in could health just as [in proportion to] your soul prospers" (1 John v. 2). John wrote to Gaius and other brethren wishing that they would prosper (the word means "have a good career") with a healthy body to house a good mind, and then enter into sound fortunes. The lower material prosperity [money for instance, which anyone can earn] is not to be favored above the higher spiritual prosperity [peace and fellowship with YHVH, which cannot be earned], that of the soul filled with faith, hope, and love, those enduring qualities that enrich, extend, and actually make possible a healthy, fruitful, joyful life. "...but godliness is profitable in all things..." (1 Tim. 4:8).
The surface lessons in the story of Jacob's return to Canaan are: (1) Human plans and efforts do not bring to pass or prevent from coming to pass Elohim's purposes and plans. Jacob represents the people of Elohim who are appointed unto victory, but it is Elohim, Who is faithful to watch over His elect, Who brings such success to pass for each of us. Zechariah reminds us, "...not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech. 4:6). We must remain dependent on Him in order to fulfill our destinies. (2) Effectual, prevailing prayer, to which we must regularly resort, is: first, the prayer of faith, next, it is the prayer of importuning, and finally it is the prayer of intense desire. "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." And, let it be said, it is the prayer that moves the heart and hand of the Almighty.
When we are on the road of Elohim's commandments and making our way to a better country, we can expect helpful divine visitations/encounters as did our fore-fathers in the faith. The Almighty is no respecter of persons. Holy experiences with His manifest, tangible presence should be expected and highly desired. A visitation of His glory can do more for/in a Believer [transform, deliver, empower, equip, enlighten] in just a few moments than can years of religion. Scripture is full of such divine occurrences which are openly and generously written for us as examples and encouragements. Therefore, seek Him as Jacob did on the north bank of the Jabbok, and do let go of Him... "except thou bless me."
The Torah reading continues with Jacob at Shechem, the episodes with Dinah, Simeon, and Levi, Benjamin's birth and Rachel's death.
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach ha Kodesh
"Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan...he erected an there an altar and called it, El-Elohe-Israel" (Gen. 33:18, 20).
Jacob and Esau had met, were reconciled, and then separated from one another. Esau traveled to Mount Seir, ultimately withdrawing from Canaan altogether at a later date. Jacob traveled to Succoth. There he and his family built booths/coverings for the cattle and stayed for a considerable period. Later he moved to Shechem where he purchased a field (without employing trickery), and built an altar to YHVH that he named, El-elohe-Israel, which means "the altar of the God of Israel". Jacob was then acting as the priest of his house by affectionately remembering and honoring the Elohim of his fathers, who had delivered his family from ruin.
It is our role as well to personally, intimately know our Elohim, and to become the priests and witnesses of our generation. For this reason Yeshua said, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and earth, go ye therefore...You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and [thus supernaturally empowered and enabled, equipped] you shall be [sanctified, set-apart, anointed] witnesses [disciples and teachers] unto Me..." (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Yeshua made the promise that Believers would receive victorious power by the Spirit coming upon them, realizing we would need the Spirit to be truly effective Disciples and workers in His harvest. It is our duty to have such divine power, the Spirit, come upon us. We must keep in mind that our heritage as born-again, grafted-in, and returning Israelites is not only Hebrew roots truth and traditions, but is also the glory and power of YHVH as revealed in His Torah!
To know the Holy Spirit better it would be helpful to know the symbols used to represent Him, and which teach us important truths about Him by shedding light upon His personality, actions, and functions. They include:
1. Water: Symbolizes refreshing, washing, and strength [flood], and what is more, it is crucial for existence. "For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13). Also, "...out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this he spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified" (Jn. 7:38-39). The Spirit is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of our spiritual lives. Water symbolizes birth, life, and life-giving action. Jesus said, "...a man must be born of water and the Spirit..." (John 3:5). The term "water" in the verse is descriptive of one of the great operations of the Holy Spirit, quickening, or imparting life to the spiritually dead. "Holy Spirit and fire" is a similar phrase referencing the function of providing life accompanied by enlightenment, energy, zeal, and the burning away/elimination of dross.
2. Oil: Signifies anointing with oil done by holy men to confirm, position, and empower a person to an office. This type of the Spirit symbolizes the healing and authorizing functions of the Spirit. For example in the Old Testament priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil. "Then thou shall take anointing oil and pour it upon his head, and anoint him" (Ex.29:7). Aaron and his sons were consecrated in this way. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One...the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you..." (1 Jn. 2:20, 27). Likewise, Yeshua has anointed and consecrated us to our N.T. priesthood role by the Spirit. At His baptism by John the Baptist Yeshua Himself received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Later He said in Capernaum, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for He hath anointed me..." (Lk. 4:18). The Spirit lubricates (eases friction in) all areas of a yielded Believer's life. The Good Shepherd stands ready to anoint our heads with fresh oil daily. See Psalm 23 and James 5:14.
3. Fire: Signifies divine energy, zeal, illumination, light, empowerment (to witness), and the burning away/purging of dross in the Believer's soul, as functions of the Holy Spirit. "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:3-4). It is written of Messiah Yeshua, "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Mt. 3:11). Fire warms, purifies, and illuminates. In the Old Covenant we read, "And the Lord [YHVH] went before them...by a pillar of fire by night" (Ex. 16:21).
4. Dove: Yeshua came up from the waters of baptism and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended and lit upon Him. "...and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him" (Mt. 3:16). The Holy Spirit is a gentle, persistent, and powerful Comforter. But as a dove, He can be callously shooed away, and thereby grieved, quenched, and resisted. He will not come forth in His fullness where His ministry is ignored or rejected. The dove represents also the purity and peace of the Spirit.
5. Wind: The Spirit, like a "wind that blows where it will" (Jn. 3:8), cannot be seen or controlled by man, and His arrival in power on the Day of Pentecost is described as " a sound from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind" (Acts 2:4). In the creation account, the divine power of the Spirit of God [Ruach Elohim], like a holy wind, or breath, was the initial movement of Elohim for life and order in the chaotic world, "moved upon the face of the waters" (Gen. 1:2). The Spirit was the initial revitalizing presence of Elohim in the earth. The word "Ruach", which we know is interpreted, Spirit, means wind, breeze or breath, and symbolizes strength.
6. Cloud: The Holy Spirit came upon Mary [Miriam] and over-shadowed her. "...the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall over-shadow thee..." (Lk. 1:35). And the "cloud came and over-shadowed" Yeshua, Peter, John, and James on the Mount of Transfiguration. [Lk. 9:34] When the Israelites left Egypt, "the Lord [YHVH] went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them [in] the way..." (Exodus 13:21). Further, the Spirit manifests the glory of YHVH. "...they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud" (Ex. 16:10). The Spirit, as a holy cloud leads, covers, provides outpouring, and protection.
As we each walk in the that light He provides for us, we shall experience the multi-faceted work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, go on to bear fruit, and develop in the likeness of Yeshua. The Spirit has been sent to gather and bring forth a prepared, sanctified, Torah-centered and Ruach- honoring Bride.
In the coming parshas we will look at the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, and then in the New Covenant.
Hearing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"Then God said to Jacob, Arise, go to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God who appeared to you when you first fled from your brother Esau" (Gen. 35:1).
After twenty years Jacob returned to Bethel to fulfill his vow (which did not lose force as the years passed) and built an altar there. Elohim appeared visibly to him again, and spoke, (1) affirming Jacob's new name, Israel, and (2) re-confirming the covenant. "...be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; and the land I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land" (Gen. 35:12). Abraham and Isaac had only one son of promise each. However, now, through Jacob, the time for increase had arrived. [Note: Israel: refers to: Jacob; descendants of Jacob; Northern Kingdom; regenerated, born-again, grafted-in Believers; Jewish State; Yeshua. Means: God preserves.] Thus we are cheered and reassured, first, because our Elohim never forgets or ignores His people or His promises, and secondly, because sometimes He will speak directly and personally to remind us and encourage us in our duty. Therefore, let us all appreciate the importance of hearing the voice of YHVH and of being led by His Word. But, someone might ask, is it that important to listen? Can't we "returnees" just wait around for the translation and in the meantime do our own thing? No! Paul enforces our answer clearly in Ephesians. We have been made alive in Messiah, and "...are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). It has been said that a life without a commitment to duty is empty, bereft of satisfaction and joy. Solomon, after years of seeking every kind of carnal pleasure and indulgence, finally wrote out of divine wisdom, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty [joy, contentment, fulfillment, reward, self-actualization, reason for being] of man" (Ecc. 12:13).
In your opinion, what are the prepared "good works" [divine decrees] in which those of the House of Ephraim (His restoration workmanship) should walk? List them. Returning to Hebraic truth, supporting Israel, esteeming the Spirit, knowing His voice and being led by Him certainly would qualify.
A person may experience the Holy Spirit in different ways, including through the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, signs and wonders, in the conscience, inner and open visions, dreams, and the still small voice mentioned earlier. Keep in mind, when one born-again through faith in Yeshua, the Spirit (1) regenerates [recreates/revitalizes] his human spirit, then (2) enters with His life, power, and voice to dwell/remain therein, and (3) communicates/bears witness to us primarily from that [Holy of Holies] position. His words, thoughts, ideas, leadings, impressions, confirmations, et al, engage the soul, which we will regard as composed of mind (all levels), heart, and will, to direct, comfort, edify, and encourage. The Holy Spirit will also quicken/alert and awaken Believers to the validity, falsehood, and thus dependability of external counsel, circumstances, and other worldly communications/stimuli that impress our senses.
Elohim graciously gave us the Holy Spirit for divine fellowship, and so we could have intimate communication with Him from within. [John 16:7.] Intimacy, hearing within, is the most desirable, personal means of hearing, however. If we are outside of the intimate (whisper) range--dull of hearing and discerning because of hearts that have waxed gross through sin, unbelief, apathy, immorality--then louder, external ways can be effective to gain our attention. In Kings 19 Elijah heard from YHVH in external, spectacular signs but also by the still small voice, in which he sensed true fellowship, not just covenant relationship, with the Almighty. Because Yeshua ascended after His resurrection and sent the promise of the Father, the Spirit, nothing less than personal, divine, supernatural fellowship and guidance is our holy inheritance in the Messiah. "Hear and understand" (Mt. 15:10). Receive all that He has purchased and provided for you through His atonement!
Yeshua spoke in parables to the crowds because, "...they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (Mt. 13:13). Judah, Ephraim, and their companions must not be found so conditioned in these exciting and demanding days of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. Let us sight the reasons some of us are dull of hearing His voice and seeing His visions, and be finished with them altogether. First, many Believers simple do not listen or look for His voice/revelation when in prayer. They just talk. Prayer and study are dialogues. Secondly, many lead lives that are overly/un-necessarily busy, and like Martha of Scripture are upset/pre-occupied/distracted about unimportant details and amusements. Thirdly, there are the voice-choking snares of unbelief and disinterest. Fourthly, the fear of mistakes, innocent errors (such as do occur with the Saints functioning in the gift of prophecy) stifles hearing and responding to the voice of YHVH. Avoid these pitfalls that cause stumbling for those entering the Kingdom of Elohim.
Finally, one more point is necessary to make about the Spirit's internal witness. It is true He will lead you internally, from within your re-born, recreated spirit, and His voice/word will resonate and leaven your mind and heart with His Mind, alerting you to His ideas and feelings concerning your walk of faith. But He is Elohim, and therefore His ways are above our ways, His understanding is higher than is our understanding. He can even lead you when you are not conscious/cognizant of His influence and control. With that is mind, carefully maintain your daily priestly devotions of prayer, study, and worship, and commit your way to Him. In this way, you will always end up in the right place at the right time--as you walk in obedience to His Word/Torah (all divine revelation). The holy family provides us with an example. "...there went out a decree...that all the world should be taxed...and Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto...Bethlehem...to be taxed [or so he thought] with Mary" (Luke 2:1,4,5). The righteous couple went forth toward the fulfillment of ancient prophetic Scripture, unaware they were being led by the Spirit. Joseph and Mary were small (albeit important), precisely positioned cogs in the great machinery of prophecy that the hand of YHVH was slowly turning, so they, without fully comprehending the divinely orchestrated events, would end up in just the right place at just the right time! Yeshua was born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:3-4.
Go forward in developing your fellowship with Yeshua and His Father, your Abba. Listen for the voice of the Almighty and share with others your experience. Do not fear making mistakes. Spiritual growth is a life-long process and none of us has "arrived". If you are sincere, He will protect and deliver you even from mistakes. "...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance [performance], but the Lord looketh on the heart [the desire for communion]" (1 Sam. 16:7).
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Va Yishlach "And he sent"
"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" (2 Tim. 2:15).
We study to know and to please our divine Abba, and to mature as disciples and apologists of Yeshua. Study is worship.
Read the parsha sections and expect to hear from your Elohim. Your participation in this commentary program is a divine appointment, and a practical means of helping you ascend [make aliyah] to higher levels of discipleship/fellowship with Yeshua in the Word and in the Spirit. As you study the Torah, Haftorah, and New Testament Scriptures make room and give time for the Ruach ha Kodesh to move upon and among you, individually or corporately.
Genesis 32:3(4)-36:43 [Torah]: Jacob prepares for Esau/Wrestles with Messenger of YHVH/Name changed to Israel/Jacob and Esau meet and part company/Jacob arrives at Shechem/Dinah abused and avenged/Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin/Jacob and Isaac meet/Isaac's death/History of Esau.
Hosea 11:7-12:12 [Haftorah]: House of Israel/Ephraim was self-reliant, proud. He did not call on or worship YHVH, but became idolatrous. Ephraim was warned, judged, scattered, exiled as prophesied. 1. Israel would be scattered to the ends of the earth. Deut. 4:26-28; Is. 41:5, 9; 45:22; 52:10; Hosea 1 and 2; Acts 3:47. 2. Exiles will return from the north. Jer. 3:18; 16:14-15; 31:8-10. 3. Exiles will return from the isles of the sea at the proper time. Jer. 31: 9-10; Isa. 24:15; 42:4; 51:4-5.
Obadiah 1:1-21 [Haftorah]: Edom will be humbled (1-14) on the Day of the Lord (15-21).
Relate the parsha readings and their main theme with the Gospel and Yeshua.
Matthew 17 and 18. [Gospel]: Includes the Mount of Transfiguration and rank in the Kingdom. Compare the Mount of Transfiguration with Mount Sinai. Consider how the Kingdom of God is manifested in the world.
Questions
1. In your opinion, what is the prominent teaching or lesson of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting or complimentary truth found in the Haftorah sections?
3. What is the corresponding truth or idea revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the entire parsha's common teaching/central truth, as you see it.
5. Relate the entire parsha's main theme/central truth with this week's Gospel reading. How does Yeshua demonstrate/illustrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's parsha reveal to you about your Israelite/Hebraic: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, e. duty?
7. Did the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter and Helper, anoint you and speak to you this week while in prayer or study? How?
8. In your study time did you sense/perceive/experience intimacy with Yeshua? How? Please comment in your answer notebook.
Israel
"And Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments, and let us arise and go up to Bethel; and there I will make an altar to God...the land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, to thee I give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land" (Gen. 35:2-3, 12).
Jacob takes YHVH's lesson book of life in hand again as he goes up to Bethel. There is always more to learn in the school of Messiah, as our spiritual development/growth, which is ongoing, never ends on this side of eternity. Jacob's spiritual maturing was evidenced in the trek to Bethel, for in it we notice for the first time his concern and responsibility for his family's spirituality. Similarly, Judah's and Ephraim's character will not be perfectly developed until Elohim's Torah and Spirit form in us a true concern for the welfare of the whole Israelite family, that is, one another.
Jacob, for decades, had been slowly tutored in the service of household leadership. Before going back to Bethel where he had encountered YHVH in the dream, (1) he "put away" from his house all strange gods, selfishness, worldly goals, covetousness, and became single-minded. (2) He chose to "be clean", renounce evil, and be upright, not just in word [rules] but in spirit [a walk with Elohim]. See: The Sermon on the Mount. (3) He followed his own directive to, "change your garments", which speaks of purification. In New Testament language we would say, "put on Christ." Jacob's transformation came from him rejecting self-righteousness and embracing the sacrifice of YHVH for the covering of sin.
Jacob had to come to know the power, majesty, and holiness of YHVH as did his fathers, and to thereby worship and reverence Him with sincerity. It is said that the larger we are in our own sight, the smaller and less significant we imagine Elohim to be. At Bethel, the second time especially, YHVH became even more greatly in Jacob's life, and accordingly Jacob became smaller in his own eyes, and was thus better prepared, as the heir of the Abrahamic Covenant, to tutor and lead his household. Quality leadership is crucial in the molding of a family or a nation, and as we observe in the lives of the patriarchs, it can only be forged and tempered in life by trials and testing.
The patriarchal fathers were the progenitors and leaders of embryonic Israel. As the nation developed, YHVH developed and provided the leadership potential/character best suited for the times, such as Joshua, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Hosea, and later, Peter, and Paul.
In more recent times, the political leaders of modern Israel included David Ben-Gurion (David Gruen), Golda Meir, and others of Eastern European descent. The Jews of Eastern Europe were educated, had learned Hebrew, and expectedly dominated the commerce, military, education, and politics of the Land for many years.
The Sephardic and Oriental Jewish immigrants were originally less educated, often originating from under developed, non-demographic areas, and did not attain to high levels of authority at first. They currently compose about forty percent of the Jewish population and are making inroads into leadership arenas of Israeli society.
The Latter Days
"And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him" (Gen. 35:28-29).
When Isaac was 180 years old, Jacob was 120 years old. When he stood before the throne of Pharaoh in Egypt he was 130, and Joseph had been viceroy of the land for 10 years. Jacob was therefore 120 when Joseph came out of prison and was promoted. That makes Jacob 107 when his son Joseph was sold by his brothers. Accordingly, Isaac was 167 years old when Joseph was sold and reported as killed. Thus, he must have lived through the incident and was probably around to console/comfort his son Jacob for 13 years. Isaac was blessed. He saw his son Jacob's return, lived to a good old age, was favored with a peaceful death, and he was honored with a respectful family funeral.
Just as each person born of a woman reaches the end of his life and dies, so also do ages, epochs, eras, and kingdoms come to an end. Everything created as recorded from Genesis has a lifespan. Speaking of our age Peter said, "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" (1 Pet. 4:7). Peter, who lived with an anticipation of change and the end of the age, speaks of the nearness of that end [a time span the length of which we cannot be sure] and of our responsibilities in view this fact. The duty of all Messianic Believers is set forth in general terms and can be summed as: (1) calmness unto prayer and (2) the ministry of intense and practical love. For now, we will leave the end of the world date-setters with their calculations and lunar cycles, and be content with the words of Messiah, "It is not for you to know the times and the seasons..." (Acts 1:7). While we can perceive the end approaching, may our energy and resources be invested in prayer and the demonstration of love. In this way our lamps shall be kept full for His coming.
"...and those who were ready went in..." (Mt. 25:10).
In the previous parsha we looked at six signs Yeshua said to look for that would mark the end of the age, and two characteristics of those days. Now we would like to share twelve Bible prophesies which are being fulfilled at this very hour. They should help us understand that we are in the latter days, and thereby urge us to embrace our biblical Hebraic heritage, and take on the ministry of prayer and love motivated service, be filled with the Spirit daily, and be ready.
1. The house of Ephraim and his companions are finding salvation and returning to faith in YHVH. Hebrew roots movements, along with the outpourings of the Spirit, are divine, end-times preparation signals. Is. 32:15; 44:1-5; 59:20-21; Jer. 31:18-20, 31-40; 33:7-8; Ez. 37:14; Hosea; 1:10; 2:23; 14:4-7.
2. The seed/descendants of Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim have become wealthy and have risen to prominence among the nations. Gen. 48:15-22; 49:22-26; De. 7:6; 28:1-14; 33:13-17.
3. House of Judah has re-conquered and is resettling the Promised Land. Is. 11:11-14; 27:13; Jer. 3:18; 23:3,7-831:4-10, 13-21; 32:37; Hos. 2:17-20; Obad. 17-21; Amos 9:9; Zech. 10:3-10.
4. Emergence of the Roman/European Community with both 15 western members and 13 possible eastern members. Dan. 2:32-33; 40-43.
5. The existence of a two-hundred million member army in the east. China/Gomer. Rev. 9:16.
6. Hebrew language restored to Israel. Before 1948, and the statehood of Israel, Hebrew was a forgotten language. Today, Hebrew is Israel's national language. Zeph. 3:9.
7. The increase of knowledge and travel. Air travel, internet, and media. Dan. 12:4.
8. Return of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Operation Moses/15,000. Operation Solomon/20,000. In 1999, 3,000 more arrived in land. Zeph. 3:10-11.
9. Rise of Russia. Russia will become strong, equipped for end-time events. Ezek. 38:2-8.
10. Russian Jews Immigrate to Israel. Mass exodus in the 70's and 80's, continues into the 90's. Jer. 23:7-8 [applies also to the House of israel/Ephraim].
11. Technology for marking citizens of a global, one-world economic and political government. Rev. 13:16-17.
12. Instant global communications. Rev. 11:3, 7-10.
For several prophecies to be fulfilled (as we understand them) the Temple must be rebuilt (Rev. 11:2) and a Red Heifer will be required for the purification process described in Numbers.
Our conclusion: "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Mt. 24:44).
Learn: The current, divinely ordained, prophetic restoration of Spirit and Truth (Hebrew roots, etc.) taking place today, the purpose of which is to revive, transform, and empower the Ecclesia is not an option. It is a supernatural sign-of-the-times, a Spirit-led renewal intended to prepare Believers in their heritage for their latter days functions, one of which is to bless Israel, the land.
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel.
"The freeze on construction in Judea and Samaria which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared last week will cause hundreds and possibly thousands to lose their employment and sustenance." Arutz Sheva
2. Pray for America.
In Florida last week, in a middle school, "Kick a Jew Day" was inaugurated, apparently by some students via messaging. Many Jewish students were assaulted by other students. Ten students were identified as participating in the assault, and they received only one-day, in-school suspensions.
3. Sing the New Song of the Lord over Israel. A Teaching and Exhortation.
"And Jacob set up a pillar where he talked with him...and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon" (Gen 35:14). Jacob had a practice of setting up pillars. There was one at Bethel, one at Galeed, a second at Bethel, and one over Rachel's grave. He also poured drink offerings and oil over them, reverently sanctifying them because they were hallowed meeting places with Elohim and merited being memorialized.
The sanctified, set-apart, Spirit-inspired song of the Lord is also a place of union and dialogue, for Elohim and New Covenant Believers. There are two categories, or functions, of the new song, the song of YHVH. One aspect is the song [voice] of the Bride. The second aspect, or category is the song [voice] of the Bridegroom. In the previous parsha we began to discuss this two-fold nature of the song of the Lord, which is illustrated in some of the Psalms. This week we will focus a little on the song of the Bride aspect, and next week we will discuss the song of the Bridegroom.
The song of the Bride is sung to Yeshua. It is a song of love, devotion, veneration, praise and thanksgiving. He wants to hear such outpourings from His holy ones, and we should gladly accommodate Him. We can learn about this as one of His heart's desires in the book, "Song of Solomon." In chapter 2: 12-14 it reads, "The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, the voice of the turtle [dove] is heard in the land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is lovely."
The Book of Revelation provides an example of a new song as one of adulation. "And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof..." (Rev. 5:9). The Bride sings a new song to Him in this verse, exalting the Lamb for His redemption of man, which was prophesied and that had been accomplished. Fresh mercies, fulfilled prophecies, restoration truth, and outpourings of the Spirit all merit new songs to herald them, and to exalt the Almighty for His wondrous deeds as they are sung to Him.
This week, ask the Father in Yeshua's Name to stir you with a Spirit-inspired new song, and under His anointing sing it directly to Him.
Conclusion
"And their riches were more than that they might dwell together..." (Gen. 36:7). Esau and his house were removed from Canaan in the end. He retired completely to Edom and became a numerous, mixed, aristocratic, progressive, but permanently exiled people. Though Esau was born in Canaan, his descendants developed outside of its borders. Of the House of Isaac, Jacob and his family alone, the divinely appointed heirs of the covenant promises, remained secure within the boundaries of the Promised Land.
New Covenant Living
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ " (Phil. 1:6). From our study we have gained a renewed confidence that He who begins a work shall indeed complete it. The ground of our confidence is not ourselves, but the character, faithfulness, and resources of the divine Worker, YHVH. Declare His promises over your circumstances and commit your way unto Him, and He shall establish you, even as He did Jacob. Surely, through faith and perseverence, "...we are more than conquerors through him [Messiah] that loved us" (Rom.8:37).
1. Complete the Study Questions.
2. Maintain your Prayer Journal.
"...and His sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out...and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice" (John 10:3-4).
A. Did you encounter/experience Yeshua's manifest, tangible presence this week during prayer and worship as you ministered to Him? B. Did you hear the word/voice of the Spirit in your inner man (regenerated spirit)? C. Do you believe your senses (discernment) are being conditioned/exercised to discern His voice? D. Have you been able to meet with other returning Israelites this week for study, ministry in the Spirit, worship? What were the results?
To be continued.
