TORAH and GLORY SCHOOL
Torah and Glory School Parsha Commentary Course
Word and Spirit
An education ministry of Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
October, 2011
Introduction: The Torah and Glory School lessons are based upon the whole Word of God—the Torah (Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, the Tanakh (includes the remaining books of the Old Testament, also referred to as the Prophets and Writings), and the Apostolic Scriptures (entire New Testament of Brit Chadashah). Throughout our lessons we exalt Yeshua and emphasize the nature, value, and necessity of living and serving within the full, active ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe the return of Believers to (a) the study and standards of the Torah, (b) the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), and (c) their Hebraic heritage will usher the Body of Messiah into greater intimacy and identification with Yeshua, separate His people from the spirit of the age, and equip us more completely for discipleship and service in the end-times.
We invite you to invest one year of your life in study and spiritual growth. The Torah and Glory School offers two levels of association: 1. Reader level. The lessons are available for use to everyone. 2. Student [Talmidim] level. Here, people actually enroll in the school, commit to working our program, and invest one year of their lives into intense spiritual transformation. For information concerning the Torah and Glory School, and the process, requirements, and advantages of enrollment, click HERE. You will be taken to our school's Introduction Page where the program will be explained.
Parsha Lesson One: B'resheit ("In the beginning")
Torah: Genesis [B'resheet] 1:1-6:8
Haftorah: Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 42:5-43:10
Gospel: John [Yochanan] 1:1-5
Sections: 1. Welcome 2. Weekly Commentary 3. Personal Study 4. Prayer 5. Conclusion
Section 1: Welcome
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8).
The eternal Word of YHVH, the Holy Scriptures, speak with fresh authority and power to each generation, and even to every person who starts anew in the parsha schedule each year. His Word gives wisdom that leads man to salvation, that men may serve Yeshua to the glory of God. As we prepare for a new year in the Scriptures may we be reassured of the sureness of the promises of the Almighty. His faithfulness is our abundant comfort. In the midst of the world’s turmoil and decay, and human frailty, failure, and demise, we are reminded that there is one thing that does endure, holy and unchanged—YHVH’s living and active Word (Heb. 4:12).
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you" (Psalm 122:6). As we enter the new Torah cycle, it is both important and profitable for all Believers who are connecting with their Hebrew roots to renew their love and prayers for all Israel, especially Jerusalem, the beloved city of the great King. In fact, there is a particular promise of prosperity [shalav (Hebrew), or "be at rest"] for them who love the Holy City and seek her welfare. To pray for her is good, but to love her and pray is better. Yahweh will supernaturally place a love for Jerusalem, the city to which Messiah Yeshua is returning, in your heart when you ask, and He has provided ample incentive for such a request. The Almighty will prosper those who love Jerusalem and become watchmen who commit to pray for her peace/shalom. The most common word in Hebrew for "prosper" is tsalech. A form of this word appears over eighty times in the Old and New Covenants. It means "to advance, make progress, succeed, be profitable; to experience prosperity." When we meet God's conditions, believers will see His prosperity spring forth in the three areas that envelope the height, depth, and breadth of our lives. He will bring strength to: (1) the soma, or body. Physical well-being is essential. We want and need our bodies to benefit from good health. Without it, we may not be able to fulfill completely our individual and corporate mandates of participation in the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel; (2) the psyche, or soul. Many regard this aspect of man's nature to be the seat of the intellect, emotions, and will. Worries often beset the souls of people, and fear about the future suffocates their faith and hope. Mental and emotional health are needed and included in the scope of prosperity; (3) the pnuema, or spirit of man. We must be filled with the Spirit, flowing in His revelation and ministry, and enjoying intimacy with the Most High. But prosperity includes material well-being also. When we live according to His principles, and obey His commandments, financial blessing will also be found in our lives. And, despite the mundane ups and downs of life, our pilgrimage on earth will be free from fear, greed, worry, excessive debt, and poverty. Hence, Abba has provided a means whereby "...in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). This may be a good time to re-consecrate time and resources to Him.
We are redeemed Israel and our heritage includes divine strength for sustaining health in the body, soul, and spirit, and prosperity, not feebleness and lack! “For the law of the Spirit of Life [the life-imparting, life-sustaining Spirit; the new principle of life] in Messiah Yeshua has set you free [from mental confusion and sin to give full allegiance to Elohim’s law with a clean conscience, faith, and inspiration] from the law of sin and death [requirements and discipline which could not deliver Israel from the domination of sin or its consequences]” (Romans 8:2). This speaks of a glorious new beginning, a new spiritual birth and a release from bondage that liberates Believers to grow in grace. The righteousness of life that is divinely imparted through faith by one’s union with Messiah vanquishes condemnation. Thus we, as New Covenant Believers, are liberated and empowered to follow Yeshua and make His priorities our priorities. And we do well in so doing because then we find His redemptions realities becoming increasingly manifest in our lives to the glory of YHVH. Therefore, we exhort each reader to commit for the year to study, praise, and prayer. Remember Israel and especially Jerusalem: "May they prosper [shalav-be at peace; free from affliction or torment] who love you.”
“Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). We are confident that throughout this parsha schedule’s time frame you will (a) experience much spiritual growth in the kingdom, power, and glory of Yahweh, (b) enjoy increase in faith, hope, and love, (c) experience communion with Yeshua through the Spirit that will become more intimate, (d) encounter and be blessed by His manifest, tangible presence, (e) undergo spiritual, mental, and emotional transformation, and if necessary, (f) be healed. Further, while all this is occurring, your over-all estate should not only be protected but noticeably and favorably increased by the hand of the Holy One of Israel by the end of the parsha cycle (Mt. 6:25-34). Think big. Have a blessed year. Tamid kadima-Always Forward!
Section 2: Weekly Commentary
Last week: The yearly Torah reading cycle ended with Ve'zot Habracha ("And this is the blessing"). It included the last words of Moses to Israel, which took the form of his blessing and prophecies over the tribes. The parsha concluded with Moses ascending Mount Nebo to view the Promised land, and then die. "Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom YHVH knew face to face" (Deut. 34:10).
This week: Introduction to B'resheet ("In the beginning") B'resheet/Genesis is the first book of the Torah. It starts our annual Torah reading cycle and is appropriately call the "Book of Beginnings," since it provides the narrative of creation. It was written by Moses around 1440 BCE and includes the period of Adam through to Joseph, a time span of approximately 2400 years. It is said that creation is the story of the birth and establishment of Israel as the nation that inherited the task of Adam and Eve, which was to guard the Garden, multiply, and restore and establish the worship of Yahweh, the one true Elohim, in the earth.
B'resheet brings us an account, in chapters one through eleven, of the creation of all things. Further, it reveals Elohim/God as the divine Originator of creation and redemption and provides an account of the origin of the nations. The four most notable events in this long period are creation, the fall of man [the Antediluvian Stage of human history], the flood, and the Tower of Babel [the Postdiluvian period]. In chapters twelve through fifty, B'resheet makes known the beginnings of the Hebrew nation [Patriarchal stage of human history] as chosen and established by Yahweh to be the particular people through whom the promise of man's redemption would be fulfilled. There are four outstanding characters in this section of Genesis/B'resheet with whom the Almighty made and confirmed a covenant of redemption and blessing. They are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
B'resheet has been referred to as the "Seed Book" of Scripture. It gives account of the first marriage (2:21-24) and the start of blood sacrifice (3:21; 4:1-7). It is the source of revelation and redemption doctrine that develops as it courses through the entire Bible, finding consummation in the Book of Revelation. For instance, it establishes the doctrine of salvation by faith and the promise of a coming Redeemer. In the Old Testament that promise, and the picture, of the Redeemer begins in Genesis, and continues to be developed (like a picture) in the subsequent books of the Torah, and then in the Writings and the Prophets. In the Gospels the promised Redeemer is presented in four dimensions [Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] to Israel. In Acts the truth of the Redeemer, the Seed of the Woman, and salvation by faith is propagated in the power of the Holy Spirit to Jerusalem, Judea, then Samaria, and eventually to the known world, just as prophesied. The Epistles present further commentary on Yeshua and His salvation for Israel and the nations. The Book of revelation reveals the consummation of redemption and the restoration of all things at the coming of Messiah the second time, as promised in the beginning.
There are many lessons we will learn as we go through B'resheet, the "Book of Beginnings." One phenomenon we observe is that man will turn to God only after he--because of his defeat, failure, feebleness, breakdown, stalemate, destruction, and other human afflictions and unfavorable conditions--has recognized his weakness, insufficiency and need. Correspondingly, this first Torah book also provides great hope for all readers. This is because we see in it, again and again, that every circumstance and condition of failure, defeat, and weakness of man can be met and overcome with the grace, mercy, and salvation of the Most High Elohim of Israel.
Thus, we can say that B'resheet is not provincial [limited], but truly cosmopolitan [worldwide/international] in scope and purpose. It, like the rest of the Torah, is not limited in reach or range, but rather has a worldwide bearing. It reveals: (1) the absolute need and nature of the essential, indispensible redemption economy made necessary by the fall of man into sin (chapter three); (2) the corruption of the entire human race [chapter six), which was made apparent by man's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, sin's rapid expansion into every family and human institution, the judgment of the flood, and further evidenced later in the Tower of Babel narrative (chapter eleven).
Torah
The Torah refers to the Five Books of Moses, which is also known as the Pentateuch. The word Torah means "teaching," "instruction," or "law." It is the first of the three parts of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, which also includes the Writings (ketuvim) and the Prophets (Nevi'im). The Torah consists of (1) Genesis (B'resheet), (2) Exodus (Semot), (3) Leviticus (Vayikra), (4) Numbers (Bamidbar), and (5) Deuteronomy (Dvarim). The Torah is written with allegories, historical narrative, genealogies, poetry, and includes a wide spectrum of social, civil, and religious laws of divine origin. In fact, it contains 613 commandments, called mitzvot, that are divided into 365 restrictions (negative commands; "Thou shalt not...") and 248 positive commands ("Honor thy father and mother..."). A Sefer Torah is a Torah scroll, a copy that is written under strict conditions on parchment by a trained scribe. Authorship of the Torah is ascribed to Moses by the process of divinely imparted inspiration. This is supported by (a) the Talmud [a collection of Rabbinic teachings, traditions, and oral laws divided into the Mishnah and Gamera] and (b) textual analysis of the Torah and other books of the Old Testament. Dates of the writing vary somewhat from author to author, but we will place the time circa 1450 BCE at Mount Sinai, and in the wilderness. Interestingly, the Zohar [books relating to Jewish mysticism], states that the Torah was created before the world, as a blueprint for creation. “G-d looked into the Torah and created the world. Man looks into Torah and sustains the world.” This statement could be supported on the basis of John 1:1 which says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The “Word” speaks of pre-incarnate Yeshua (John 1:14; Rev.19:13) who “became to us the wisdom of God…” (1 Cor. 1:30). The verse better reads: “Who was made unto us [manifested] from God—both righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” The closer and more intimate is our union and fellowship with Yeshua, the greater will be our wisdom. He has shared with us the future and instructs us in preparation for it.
Concerning divine wisdom, it is written: "YHVH possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established...while He had not yet made the earth...when He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep...I was beside Him, as a master workman..." (Prov. 8:22-30). The Stone Edition Chumash states, "...man's highest privilege and loftiest attainment is in the study of Torah itself--the light--whereby mortal man unites with the thought and wisdom of God Himself." [pg.xxiv]
Note: As you read the parsha, listen for His Voice.
“The woman [at the well] said to Him, I know [as a matter of common opinion and intuitive insight] that Messiah is coming (He Who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us. Yeshua said to her, I who speak to you am He” (John 4:25-26).
The woman speaking to Yeshua was clear in her opinion. Her idea of the Messiah was that He would be one who knew the hearts and secrets of people; a prophetic figure who would know about her and her family altogether, and would declare unto them what is needful. The truth Yeshua conveyed to this woman was of great significance, even universal importance, and it changed her and the community in which she lived, just as it has affected the world. For one thing, He admitted His Messiahship, something He did not do with the Jews until the end of His ministry (see John 17:3; Mt. 26:64). His words changed her into a missionary and a harbinger of good news to her community—“…they went out of the city, and came unto Him.” Of such messengers it is written: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him [her] who brings good news, who announces shalom [peace, well-being] and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, Your God reigns!” (Isa. 52:7).
Learning to be led by the Spirit of Messiah, and hearing and obeying His voice, even the personal word of Elohim, is a great life-long and exciting undertaking. It is an adventure growing numbers of Believers are becoming embarked upon in these last days. Moses predicted of Israel, “…in the latter days you will return to YHVH your Elohim and listen to His voice” (Deut. 4:30). This Believers are now doing through the study of His entire Torah and by knowing His Spirit. We should expect our hearts and minds to be awakened and sensitized in this hour to His voice. Yeshua wants to speak to us today concerning the plans He has ordained for us, and give us wisdom, joy, strength, and success in our enterprises. What He has to say to you and me is always helpful, can even revolutionize our lives and labors, and even change the lives of others. We do not want to fail to recognize His voice, perceive His direction, recognize His leading, and as a result fall off His pathway, or waste time and resources by turning in wrong directions. In fact we need the Holy Spirit speaking to us every day, guiding and correcting our steps, and giving wisdom and discernment. He wants to speak to us daily, even as a parent wants to address, direct, and bless a listening son or daughter. We have the Holy Spirit’s guidance, comfort, and wisdom made available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week (John 14:1-31 and 16:1-15). YHVH’s voice is within us. As you begin your Torah reading, listen for and hear His voice each day. His fresh word may change your life.
1. Traditionally, Deuteronomy [Devarim] 34:12, the last verse of the Torah, is read to begin the new Torah cycle. “And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel.” It is then followed with B’resheit: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…” (Genesis/B’resheit 1:1). This is done to affirm that the Torah is one book, an unbroken continuum of divine wisdom and revelation. The final letter of Devarim 37:12 is lamed. As we read B’resheit 1:1 we notice that the first letter of the first word is bet. By uniting, or connecting lamed and bet together, there is formed the word leb [lev], the Hebrew word for heart. The message: The Torah is a never-ending, united testimony of divine truth and man’s purpose, and reveals and represents the heart of the YHVH. [1]
Note: The Hebrew word used for "God" in B’resheit 1:1 is Elohim Aleph-Taf. Aleph-Taf are the first and last letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and are used to describe YHWH's Son in the Renewed Covenant: “I am Aleph and Taf, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Rev. 22:13 RS). Colossians 1:16 and Proverbs 30:4 confirm that the Son is the true Creator and the Abba is the Master Designer." Restoration Scripture; True Name Edition. See John 1:1-5.
“And the earth was formless and void [a waste and emptiness], and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving [hovering] over the face of the waters. Then God said let there be light; and there was light” B’resheit 1:2-3).
There was a beginning to our terrestrial globe, to the heavens, and the rest of the universe, which constitutes one vast, expanding, complex system. The universe is indeed spread out and far reaching, but not infinite. It is old, but not eternal; existent, but not self-existent. Neither is it self-energized or self-sustaining. It is obedient to the omnipotent Elohim of Israel, its Creator. He is the strong and mighty One. Elohim is a word in plural form. As such, it expresses the fullness of Yahweh's Divine nature, the multiplicity of His Divine powers, and foreshadows the revelations of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The Hebrew word for created is "bara", which is used exclusively of God and carries the idea of a distinctively creative act whereby "the visible universe neither existed from eternity, nor was fashioned from pre-existing materials, nor proceeded forth as an emanation from the Absolute, but was summoned into being by an express creative fiat [command]." It is understandable why Jeremiah, upon hearing that Yahweh would restore houses, fields, and vineyards to fallow Israel, exalted Him in a burst of praise: "Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heaven and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for you..." (Jer. 32:17). And YHVH responded to the praise and declaration of His prophet. "Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?" His power is beyond our comprehension. With these Scriptures in mind, we today can confidently say with Paul: "I can do all things through [in] Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). [2]
"The earth was formless and void. And darkness was upon the face of the deep." (verse 2). Literally, earth was an empty wasteland and emptiness, or tohu vabohu. The word is used in Isaiah 34:11 [applied to nations] and Jeremiah 4:23 [applied to Judah] to indicate a ruined, desolated and depopulated land. Whether or not there was a previous cosmos wherein the earth became shipwrecked and void because of the sin and fall of angels is an ongoing discussion. The prevailing thick and foreboding dense folds of gloom offered no hint that the world of chaos would be transformed into a place of light and life. But Yahweh wanted the planet to be have form and be populated with life, and therefore He brought it forth. The chaos of the pre-Adamic world revealed in B'resheet is a picture of the unregenerate spirit and darkened soul of fallen man, who is thus, apart from YHVH's mercy and salvation in Messiah. Following along, the human soul, devoid of divine light, is also: (1) without order, existing in confusion and ruin, and needing restoration and Torah structure/form; (2) without life, dead in trespasses/sin; (3) without light, cloaked in darkness and ignorance, and devoid of Torah truth; (4) without hope, living outside God's covenant and helplessly dominated/driven by the power of his fallen, sinful, selfish nature. But (5) not without God. Our Abba made provision, and "demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us" (Rom. 5:8). Grace was at the beginning. “…for He is good; because His mercy endureth forever” (Ps. 118:1).
"...and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters..." (verse 2).
The Holy Spirit “is uniformly represented as the source and formative cause of all life and order in the world, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual (Job 26:13; 27:3; Ps. 33:6; 104:29; 143:10; Isa. 34:16; 61:1; 63:11). As it were, the mention of the Ruach Elohim is the first out-blossoming of the latent fullness of the divine personality, the initial movement of that sublime revelation of the nature of [Elohim], which advancing slowly…throughout the Old Testament times, culminated in the clear and ample disclosures of the Gospel.
“The special form of the divine Agent’s activity is described as that of ‘brooding’ (merachepheth, to be tremulous, as with love…to cherish young—see Deut. 32:11) or fluttering over the liquid elements of the shapeless and tenantless globe, communicating to them, doubtless, those formative powers of life and order which were to burst forth into operation in answer to the six words of the six ensuing days.” [3]
The passage could also be taken as a picture of the houses of Ephraim and Judah, both of which descended into disobedience, disorder, dispersal, and disintegration, but by the mercies of the Most high, not complete destruction. As once with a void and empty earth, the whole house of Israel is experiencing the "Spirit of God moving over the surface of the waters" mightily in this hour to restore the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all of Israel.
We read that the creation activity took six days. There was light, air and water, dry land and plants, lights, fish and fowl, animals and man. It is said that time itself was actually first to be created—“In the beginning,” or when time began.
2. "Elohim saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day" (B'resheet 1:31).
Everything was not just good, it was very good! [Day two, however, when the division of the waters from the waters occurred, is not reported as good. Perhaps because it was a portent of the eventual division among YHVH’s people, Israel, from one another.] Elohim not only looked upon man, but on all He had done, and saw all that all things were existing and integrated in perfection, and He was entirely satisfied. All creation, with man as its pinnacle, was a glorious attainment and the fulfillment of the Divine plan, according to Torah blueprint. And the angels were astounded and rejoiced, as it is written of creation, “…who hath laid the measure…who laid the cornerstone thereof, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy?” (Job 3:86-7). He will do great things for you and me to rejoice over also. After all, He loves us greatly! “…eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9 and Isa. 64:4).
3. "Then Elohim blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because He rested from all His works which God created and made..." (B'resheet 2:3).
YHVH blessed the seventh day. Thus, it was declared to be a special day, one of divine favor. It would be a day of blessing and benefit for all creation. And YHVH sanctified the seventh day. That is, He declared it to be holy, distinct from the other six days and set apart for a divine purpose, just as Mount Sinai, Aaron and his sons, and the year of Jubilee were all sanctified and invested with a holy character. The seventh day, or Sabbath, was consecrated as an eternal institution, a day of resting from labor, by Elohim. It is meant to be a memorial: A. To His creative power. B. To the rest He took after six days of creative works.
Shabbat, the Hebrew word for Sabbath, means "rest" or "cessation." [Ashkenazi pronunciation is Shabbos; Yiddish is Shabbes.] It is a day of rest. Actually, it is the element of rest that distinguishes the seventh day as the Sabbath and connects it to YHVH. Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. Shabbat is a day when believers are freed from normal, common labors and thereby are to rest, spend personal time with Elohim, family and friends, contemplate and engage in spiritual pursuits, and do good (Mt. 12:12). The seventh day Sabbath directive is the fourth of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Ex. 20:8). Most believers correctly regard the Ten Commandments as God's code of conduct for man, especially incumbent upon all them who name Yeshua as Messiah.
After the passing of the Apostles and their peers, the early Ecclesia was still growing, but experiencing persecution. When Constantine became Emperor of Rome he officially instituted Christianity as the national religion of the state, ended official persecution, and incorporated into the Nazarene faith the customs and beliefs of ancient cultic Mithraism, Rome's popular sun-god worship. Established Jewish religious customs and belief were thus boldly challenged and systematically removed from the faith and practice of true believers by the stream of pagans that flooded the "church." During the reign of Constantine, the Sabbath day was changed from Saturday to Sunday. With no sanction or basis from Scripture, in either the Old or New Covenants, institutional Christianity, in the form of the Roman Catholic Church, endorsed the emperor's decree. The protestant churches eventually followed suit. In 1894 the Catholic Church officially "took credit" for the change in the Sabbath observance. The apostles and early church believers followed the pattern of faith demonstrated by Yeshua, and honored the seventh day Shabbat. The Hebrew Roots and Messianic Israel movements are restoring the Sabbath to its proper purpose and time.
4. "Then YHVH Elohim formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (B'resheet 2:7).
The first man was fashioned by the hand of the Almighty from the dust, or elements, of the earth. He did not emerge from primordial slime, nor did he evolve from an animal species to a place of nobility. He was lovingly and personally formed directly by divine creative power, and was the crown of Yahweh's creation. Adam's body was constructed by the fine atoms and molecules of earth and animated by the very breath of the Ruach Elohim, or Spirit of God, making him immortal, a spirit-material being made in the likeness and image of Elohim, a proto-type for many more to come, and distinguished from the lower creation. Let us consider several things the creation of Adam's body brings to mind. A. The body of the believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and should be respected and stewarded. B. Man's spirit is a creation from God. A believer's regenerated, Spirit-born spirit is a gift of the Most High (Eccles. 12:7; Isa. 57:16; Zech. 12:1), a fact that should motivate us to humility and gratitude. C. Disciples of Yeshua are called to glorify God with both their bodies and their spirits (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:20).
"YHVH Elohim planted [specially prepared] a garden ["gan" in Hebrew] in the east, in Eden ["delight"]; and there He placed the man whom He had formed" (B'resheet 2:8). Eden, luxuriant, prophetic, exceptional in usefulness and beauty, was divinely prepared and tailored for Adam and Eve. But they fell into sin, were ejected, and their failure swept through all succeeding generations of mankind into a catastrophic condition [inheritance of the sin nature] and fearful penalty: "The wages of sin is death." But Eden is a prophetic picture, a foreshadow of (a) a renovated, restored earth, and (b) what Israel--whose biblical boundaries we believe encompass the area of ancient Eden--will become in the fullness of her restoration at the advent of the Second Adam, Messiah Yeshua.
5. "And the rib, which YHVH Elohim had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her to Adam" (B'resheet 2:22).
Adam was nobly created, comfortable in Eden, given world-wide dominion--and lonely. He had the company of Yahweh Elohim, and the presence of the animals, but there was none like himself, a complement, a peer companion.
Eve was made from the material of the man, under God's watchful superintendence, by His personal handiwork. Then, with the Garden home in readiness and the animals having been named, "...and He brought her to Adam." Eve was divinely presented to her mate, not behind closed doors, but in what was probably a grand and glorious ceremony to which all the animals of the forest and heaven's ministering angels were invited and in attendance. [Of course, Satan and his demonic horde, seething in envy and hatred, were observing from a distant ethereal vantage point...and planning.] This was creation's first marriage, another "beginning," and we can be confident it was a memorable affair. Here we see the foundation of a strong union, and the representation of an ideal marriage, a marriage laureate, so to speak. A. The marriage was between a man and a woman, a hallowed alliance approved by the Almighty. B. The father's consent is seen in Abba giving away the bride. C. The woman's full consent is pictured in Eve's ready compliance. D. The man's consent is shown in Adam receiving the bride and bringing her into his heart. "This is now bone of my bone [she is part of me, united in one life]...She shall be called Ishshah..." (v. 23). They were married under the canopy of heavenly glory and divine affections. [Note: The chubbah is the canopy under which Jewish couples stand during their wedding ceremonies. It is representative of the wedding in Eden.] Thus we agree, Yahweh is the world's best Matchmaker. The marriage was the plan and work of the Most High and we can only try to imagine the celestial benedictions and prophesies of potential that were breathed out upon the innocent, radiant pair as they stood before their Maker and united in love. After the marriage, which was ceremonially and officially endorsed and celebrated by their Creator, there followed what could only be the happiest of honeymoons, in a specially prepared place in a private location in Eden for the joyful bride and groom. Today the Bride of Messiah, redeemed Israel, is being restored in Spirit and Truth by the Spirit of God for the advent of Messiah, and to go with Him to a specially prepared place (Jn. 14:1-2).
Lesson: (1) May we believers be patient, and allow the Most High to select our spouses and lead us to them. (2) May we, the Body of Messiah, be watchful and found with oil in our lamps when the call comes, "...Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him" (Mt 25:6).
6. "...she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (B'resheet 3:6).
Sin is apparently possible with the most pure and noble person. Adam and Eve, undefiled and innocent as they were, sinned. They may have fallen into disobedience to YHVH's will even if they had not been tempted (Jas. 1:14; Jude 1:6). But, the fact is, they were tempted, and that is an important distinction between man's rebellion and that of the angels (Heb. 2:16; 2 Pet. 2:4). Satan, motivated by malice and using his perverse skills, manipulated the first couple into disobedience and sin. The "tempter" coaxed them into their spiritual fall; he seduced them into forfeiting their God-given dominion in the earth to him. He has been tempting mankind, even Yahweh's set-apart people, ever since. Notable examples include Job (Job 2:7); David (1 Chron. 21:1); Yeshua (Luke 4:13); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3)] Today, demonic activity and satanic powers still labor to deceive all mankind, blind them to the truth of Messiah, bring confusion and strife to the current revival of the Body of Messiah, and interfere with the restoration of the whole house of Israel.
In the narrative of the fall of Adam and Eve we catch a glimpse of the nature of satanic temptation. A. It urges people to doubt the divine goodness and love of Elohim, and undermines confidence in Him. B. It causes people to question divine wisdom and Scriptures, and removes the fear of retribution. C. It suggests people can become as knowledgeable as the Most High, and fills the soul with selfish ambition and arrogance. The "tempter's" primary weapon is the lie, which he uses to draw men away from truth (2 Thess. 2:11; 2 Cor. 11:3). The wickedness of temptation will stir up hidden unbelief, selfishness, and the love for the world. Adam's and Eve's sin had disastrous results. The couple knew they had fallen from a holy estate to a carnal plateau of existence. They had lost their purity, covering and authority, mourned their loss, were naked, felt deeply ashamed, and therefore uncomfortable with the company of Yeshua. Guilt and fear had preempted innocence and joy. They learned from a tragic experience that sin is morally contagious and brings havoc everywhere it reigns.
Let us keep in mind that Yeshua, the Second Adam, faced essentially the same threefold temptation, and was victorious (Mt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13). We, who trust Him, share in His victory and can therefore say, "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer ["are more than conquerors," KJV] through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). Yeshua has clothed us in His righteousness. His love for us is so strong that nothing can, by its own power, come between Him and His people or separate them from His love. He takes all things, even those with harmful intentions, and works with them for our good and His glory. That weapon or evil work forming or formed against you therefore cannot prosper on its own, but will be turned to serve His purpose and transformed to our good (Rom. 8:28). So not only can we conquer our opposition in His Name, that which works against us shall sooner or later become for us; that evil sent to harm us will have a divine hook put in its mouth and be turned to our good; we will discover our enemies becoming our supporters, helpers, and even friends. That is what being "more than conquerors" means. Therefore, let us not be persuaded by the temptation of unbelief and fear that hovers over and shapes the world system, but live by faith in Messiah, trust in His Word, and keep going forward in the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshus to all Israel.
“They heard the sound [voice] of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and the man and his wife hid themselves…”(Beresheit 3:8).
Sweet fellowship had been broken by sin and the couple, who before had no doubt welcomed YHVH’s approach and companionship, hid themselves because of a sense of guilt. YHVH called out to them, a sure indication something was terribly wrong. The criminals had fled his Presence, but were found, examined, and sentenced. The serpent, whose chief weapons had been distortion and lies, received no mercy; the woman and the man, sorrow and physical death became their portion, but with the sentence came a prophecy of hope (Gen. 3:15), a glimpse of the Messiah to come. The promise of redemption came forth in the midst of the chaos and turmoil that sin had loosed into the couple, Eden, the earth and all therein, and even the cosmos (Rom. 8:22-23). “I will put enmity between thee and the woman; and between thy seed and her seed; He shall bruise [crush] you on the head…” (B’resheit 3:15). This prophecy is called the Proto-evangelicum. It speaks of the doom of Satan and the hope of mankind. [Note: The seed of the serpent refers to Eve’s posterity, or descendants, who “should imbibe the devil’s spirit and obey the devil’s rule (Mt. 23:33; 1 John 3:10); and the seed of the woman implying those whose character and life should be of an opposite description, and in particular the Lord Jesus Christ, who is styled by preeminence ‘the Seed’ (Gal. 3:16, 19) and who came ‘to destroy the works of the devil’ (Heb. 2:4; 1 Jn. 3:8). This we learn from the words that follow, and which, not obscurely, point to a seed which would be individual and personal—“He.” [5]
In the promise, which was given on the first day of man’s rebellion and sin, we observe the wondrous grace of the Almighty bringing to the forefront YHVH’s intention of salvation for the tempted and fallen. He is compassionate. Paul encouraged the Corinthians concerning YHVH’s care, assuring them that no sinner or backslider is beyond the reach of YHVH; “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
We learn quickly from the account that it is foolish to hide from the Almighty. It is best to flee to Him than run from Him. We discover quickly that the short road of repentance leads to mercy. The sinner and backslider, even though discipline is meted out in some measure, will receive mercy and acceptance once they bow and ask forgiveness. Adam and Eve, while on earth, would never enjoy the same level of personal fellowship with their Maker again, but they had the hope of eternal life.
Yeshua said to him, have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me Philip?” (John 14:9). Intimacy with Yeshua is a privilege and a joy. May nothing enter our lives that weakens or interferes with that sweet spiritual companionship that we disciples are called to enjoy. Close fellowship is important to our Master also. Hence, in the referenced verse we believe Yeshua was not rebuking the apostle but was instead encouraging him to spend time drawing closer and getting to know Him better. Indeed, He said to all His disciples, “No longer do I call you slaves…but I have called you friends, for all things I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). This statement tells us that the Master desires relationships with His followers that involve heart, mind, and spirit intimacy and identification, qualities of friendship that are extremely rare, if existent at all, on earth. He invites us to break bread with Him (Rev. 3:20) which is another invitation to enter into friendship fellowship. While Believers receive His blessings and truth as did Philip, we wonder how many really know Him? The result of intimacy with Messiah is abundant fruit (see John 15:1-4 and Acts 4:13). To walk intimately with Yeshua, hear Him speak, and allow Him control of our lives produces a life that is strong and calm, joyful and filled with peace. He satisfies every deep need. We believe the heavenly call of this hour is for Believers to return to “garden intimacy” with the Creator, and happily accept His invitation into holy friendship.
"...therefore YHVH Elohim sent him [Adam and Eve] out of the garden of Eden to cultivate the [now cursed] ground from which he was taken...He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword...to guard the way to the tree of life" (B'resheet 3:23-24).
However severe and uncomfortable (albeit necessary) Yahweh's judgment and eviction were, Adam and Eve were not left abandoned or without hope, but had reasons for some degree of consolation. First, His Spirit did not depart, but Yahweh's presence remained with them as evidenced by the emblems of His Glory, the Cherubim and the Flaming Sword. Secondly, the way to the Tree of Life was not shut, it was only guarded, implying [remez interpretation] the way would be open again. Thirdly, the way for them and subsequent generations, to enjoy regular relationship and worship with the Almighty was established through the blood sacrifice. "YHVH Elohim made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them" (v. 21). This action served to provide covering for sin and shame, and was an instruction in the practice of sacrificing an innocent animal to make atonement. It was also a clear sign of His ongoing affection and care for the first couple. So it has also been with Israel, YHVH's chosen witness, throughout her tumultuous history (Isaiah 43). Whenever judgment was pronounced, the promise/the hope of future restoration followed close on its heels. "In an outburst of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you, says your Redeemer" (Isaiah 54:8). God provides the promise of hope. He imparts the faith to believe and also gives the inspiration and power to go forward. All three aspects of motivation are born of His everlasting agape love for His people. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three...: (1 Cor. 13:13). He has a current word of encouragement, a rhema for today, for each one of us who call on His Name. Stop and listen for a moment before proceeding.
7. "Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain...Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel..." (B'resheet 4:1-2).
Abel was the keeper of sheep and Cain was a farmer, a tiller of the ground. The brothers worked the same land and worshipped the same God, and offered Him their oblations together. Cain offer crops, a bloodless sacrifice, which only acknowledged his dependence on Yahweh. Abel brought the best of his flock, a blood sacrifice, which was a more excellent offering (Heb. 11:4). It acknowledged Abel's consciousness of sin, his faith in the atoning blood, his belief in the divine promise and hope in divine mercy. Abel's offering was thus favored by Yahweh. It was of faith, obedience, and sincerity, and therefore he was regarded as righteous, and justified. Cain was not accepted because, by offering fruit from the ground, he showed himself to be unbelieving and irreverent regarding God's promise and way of salvation. The brothers were divided in their religious worship. Cain became jealous and wrathful. "Who is able to stand against envy?" (Prov.27:4). In a fit of jealousy and rage, he murdered Abel. Cain was thereafter banished from the presence and fellowship of God, and Abel was taken to glory. Lessons: A. Give Him your first-fruit offerings. B. Follow peace with all men, and holiness. C. Only the atoning Blood of Messiah, the promised Seed, will keep a person safe and upright in life and confident in death. D. You are your brother's keeper.
8. "This is the book of the generation of Adam" (B'resheet 5:1).
The book, or written account, enumerates the generations from Adam to Noah and his sons. Seth, not Cain or Abel begins the account. This is because Abel had no children and Cain's seed perished in the flood. "Rambam explains why the people of that era lived such long lives. As God's handiwork, Adam was physically perfect [so was Eve] and so were his children. As such it was natural for them to live a long time. After the flood, however, a deterioration of the atmosphere caused a gradual shortening of life until it would appear that in the times of the Patriarchs, people lived a normal lifespan of seventy and eighty years, while the most righteous lived longer." [Chumash; Bereshis; p. 25.] The short catalog with names and life-spans follows: Adam (930), Seth (912), Enos (905), Cainen (910), Mahalaleel (895), Jared (962), Enoch (365 before he was taken to heaven), Methuselah (969), Lamech (777), Noah (950), and we include Shem in the godly line. Calculations place Noah's birth 126 years after the death of Adam, who lived long enough to see seven generations, which ended with Lamech.
The antediluvian saints, the descendants of Adam were sinners who had been begotten in their father's, Adam's, sinful likeness. Thus, they were long-lived but, because of sin, they were also a dying race. The names listed, from Adam to Noah, were the spiritual leaders of the Ecclesia (Church) of Yahweh in the generations of the primeval world. We are not informed of their secular achievements, status, or inventions. The distinction of these men is founded in: A. They possessed faith in the Creator God. They understood and believed in the promise of the woman's seed. B. They observed the divinely prescribed religious observance. These believers practiced sacrificial worship. In the first generations such worship was probably a private, family ritual, but in the days of Enos it may have become more of a community, or social practice with the Sethites as they developed their reverence and faith in defense against the increasing ungodliness around them. C. They were non-conformists in the surrounding societies/world. In the third generation we note that there began to develop a more obvious separation/demarcation between the holy ones who identified themselves by the name of Yahweh, and the world-oriented Cainites. D. They bore witness to righteousness in a wicked, ungodly world. Enoch, who prophesied the coming of the Lord (Jude 1:14), and Noah in particular were cited as righteous in their generations, and what was true of these two we can safely believe was true of the rest of the listed men. They walked with Elohim Almighty. They were the biological forefathers of the promised Seed, Messiah, who represent character or history features that to point Him. Observe:
(1) Adam points the Messiah Yeshua as the Second Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) who defeated temptation and restored lost dominion. (2) Abel was the first martyr and prefigured Yeshua by dying by his brother's hand. Seth was born and substituted for him, and is a shadow of Messiah who took our place (Rom. 5:8) (3) Enos, the Frail One, whose human nature spoke of "a tender plant, and a root out of dry ground" (Isa. 53:2). (4) Cainan, Possession, hints of Him who was a gift of God (2 Cor. 9:15). (5) Mahalaleel, Praise of God, suggests the Redeemer as Him who "was not ashamed to call us brethren, saying, I will declare My Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" (Heb. 2:11-12). (6) Jared, Descent, prophecies of Messiah Yeshua who came forth [down] from the realm of Glory/Heaven (John 6:38). (7) Enoch, the dedicated and instructed one, who walked with God and was translated that he should not see death, speaks of our Redeemer (a) who for his people "sanctified Himself" (John 17:19) and (b) "in whom were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col.2:3), and (c) who could say concerning His heavenly Father, "I do always those things that please Him" (John 8:29), and (d) who having finished His divine mission on earth ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:11). (8) Methuselah, Man of the Dart, also reveals the Son as He whom the royal psalmist sang, "Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies" (Psalm45:5). (9) Lamech, Strong Youth, gives a glimpse of the strong One whom King David saw in a vision raised up to help Israel (Psalm 89:19). (10) Noah, Rest, speaks of Messiah who sacrifice Yahweh smelled as a sweet savour/aroma of rest (Gen. 8:20-22; Eph. 5:2). [5]
Challenge: As disciples, the spiritual offspring of Yeshua who are born of His Word and Spirit, may we determine to reflect Him in the same way as did the forefathers of Adam’s genealogy.
9. "Then YHVH said, My Spirit will not strive with man forever, because he is also flesh, nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years...[We believe this not a reference to human age, but to the number of Jubilees mankind would inhabit the earth before the Millennial Sabbath Rest. Note: One-hundred twenty times fifty equals six thousand years.]...the Nephilim ["fallen ones, giants"] were in the earth in those days...then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth...but Noah found grace [the gratuitous favor of Elohim given to sinful mankind] in the eyes of the Lord" (B'resheet 6:3-8).
Chapter six of B'resheet describes the "latter days" of the Antediluvian world. The day of grace that had extended over a long period was nevertheless limited, and the Spirit would soon quit striving for sinful man. Corrupted human society had fallen away from fearing God, and become depraved, licentious, hellish, ruled and abused by Nephilim tyrants whose behavior was characterized by brute satanic force. During the pre-Flood centuries the morally degraded, occultic, mercenary societies of earth had altogether removed themselves from any opportunity for repentance or hope for redemption. "There is a sin [apparently, sins so corrupt, so disfiguring of soul and character, that they take destroy and erase the desire for redemption and represent crossing the spiritual line of no return. The outcome of such yielding is a seared conscience leading to sociopathic, demonic control.] leading to death" (See Romans 1:18-25; 1 John 5:16). The civilizations of that primeval world had spun away from monotheism and gravitated to idolatry and the worship of many demonic gods. The result was absolute moral and social chaos on a scale that still exceeds what we witness today. However, on the midst of the misery, violence, suffering, and spiritual darkness there existed a ray of light, the undefiled Noah and his family. He was declared by the Almighty to be righteous in his generation, unblemished by the multi-fold corruption that polluted the planet. Yahweh's grace was upon him, not because he deserved it but because he had been faithful to that which was entrusted to him. He never left his estate as had the fallen angels before him (Jude 1:6).
Haftorah
1. "Thus says El-YHVH, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring (vegetation), Who gives breath to the people in it" (Isaiah 42:5).
The Haftorah points back to creation and connects itself to B'resheet. In the passage, the prophet Isaiah exhorts Judah that, just as YHVH sent light into the chaotic earth in the beginning of restoration and order, so too are they, even all Israel, to return to YHVH and be a light for the surrounding nations. They were appointed to "open blind [darkened, cloudy] eyes, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon [of ignorance and paganism, etc.]; those who sit in [spiritual] darkness out of a [their] prison." Isaiah's word continues (43:1-10) with a vision of the final redemption, of all creation singing praise in that day, and the judgment of the nations that have persecuted Israel.
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. "In the beginning was the Word [He was not created nor did He begin to be], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him..." (John 1:1-3).
Yeshua is an Eternal Being existing is a continuous state. He is divine, in Whom is the Life, and Light was the emanation of that Life. He was the Word before He became man. "In the beginning..." all things were created by Him. Yeshua, Who is currently gathering and restoring the lost sheep of the House of Israel, one redeemed and converted person at a time, is seen in numerous types throughout the book of Genesis/B'resheet. We'll look at three:
(a) "In the beginning..." (Gen. 1:1). There was a beginning of creation, and only Elohim was before it. YHVH has an order. Disorder and chaos--that which is not His will, but the produce of sin--are not the beginnings of things, but are only permitted until His restoration--that which is very good--has returned all things to their ordered and useful place. To that end, the brooding, hovering, and vitalizing presence of the Spirit moved over the chaotic deep, and God spoke, "Let there be light..." Yeshua, Who is the Light of men, declared with august authority, "I am the Aleph (Beginning) and the Taf, says the Master YHVH, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" Rev. 1:8). The authoritative words speak of "being," not "becoming." In other words, there is no "coming to be" in His divine nature. He was, and is, and always will be. Yeshua is the "I Am that I Am." All things seen and unseen came into being through Him, the eternal instrument of divine counsel and activity of Elohim. In all things He has pre-eminence. Yeshua is seen in B'resheet as the Beginning.
(b) "...God [Elohim. Mighty One, Highest Being, Plurality in perfect oneness. Deuteronomy 6:4] created..." (B'resheet 1:1). The epistle speaks of the Son in the following way: "For by Him were all things created, both in the heavens and in the earth, visible and invisible...all things have been created through Him and for Him" (Col. 1:16). Yeshua is the Creator. The entire universe-- every galaxy, system, star, planet, moon, molecule, atom, electron, quark; everything organic or inorganic, material or non-material thing--is held together and sustained, each in its duration and sphere, by Yeshua's power! Everything visible and invisible, including principalities and rulers of spiritual darkness, nations and rulers, things known and unknown, and all the energy and power in the far-flung cosmos, are subject to His sovereign authority and under to His control. Consequently, He is well able to fulfill His promises and do great and marvelous things in the lives of them who believe. The Holy One of Israel, the Ancient of Days whose going out has been from eternity, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has said through His prophet: "Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand" (Ezek. 37:19). We can observe this prophecy coming to pass before our eyes today through the Hebrew roots movement and the effort toward reconciliation between Jew and Gentile and their gradual coming together to form [create] "one new man" in Messiah. Our Creator and Redeemer does great and mighty things.
(c) "And I will put enmity [animosity, rancor, malice] between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise [crush, trample down] you on the head, and you shall bruise [wound] him on the heel" (B'resheet 3:15). In this prophecy we foresee the defeat and destruction [crushing of the head, power, authority] of the devil by the 1. seed of the woman [Messiah in His atonement first, and Him by the Spirit through the seed of Abraham. Rev. 12] and 2. the hope of salvation presented to mankind. Yeshua is the Seed of the woman, who was born of the virgin, lived in perfect obedience to His Father's covenant, and made atonement for man. Because Yeshua fulfilled the law and surrendered His life by shedding His holy blood, we can say, "In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us: (Rom. 8:37). Let us ponder how great is the love of our great King Yeshua, who proclaimed on the first day that sin brought chaos and disorder into Eden His glorious plan for mankind's redemption.
As you read you'll discover other types and shadows of Messiah, such as the Ark and Isaac, the son of promise.
The Holy Spirit "But you will receive power...(Acts 1:8).
1. "...the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters" (B'resheet 1:2).
The mention of the Ruach Elohim [Spirit of God] opens to the reader a broader understanding of the fullness of the personality of Elohim, which subject advances through the Old Testament to greater disclosure in the Gospels and Acts. He is described here as moving, or brooding (with love) over the formless, void of earth. The Spirit imparts life and brings order where there is disorder. He is the Father's gift for believers in Yeshua (John 14:16-26, 14:26; 16:5-15; Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4; 37-39).
"Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be unaware" (1 Cor. 12:1). In B'resheet we begin a new journey toward (a) developing greater sensitivity to and discernment of the voice and word of the Holy Spirit, (b) experiencing in a broader ministry in the gifts the Spirit, and (c) yielding more readily when being consciously led by the Spirit. These advancements will help us more effectually and joyfully participate in the fulfillment of last days restoration prophecies. During the year's parsha cycle, as you seek and wait upon Him, He will reveal Himself to you. Read these references as encouragements to your faith: Jer. 29:13; Jn. 10:3; 5:27; 18:37; Rev. 19:10.
Our study this year will systematically cover all aspects of the Holy Spirit and His ministry, and also provide encouragements and suggestions for group exercises. Returning Israelites, even all believers from both houses, Judah and Ephraim, must mature in the knowledge of restored truth and in experiencing the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit in order to be adequately equipped for the end times. Yeshua wants to speak directly to us, and develop intimate fellowship with each of His people in this dynamic hour. The enhancement of our fellowship will be accomplished through our walking with integrity in His revealed truth, and by entering into deeper communion with the Spirit in the days ahead. "This I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16). As a result of diligent, faith-filled effort this year in our parsha course, many will experience new realms of the Spirit and greater manifestations of the Glory of Yahweh, and be further transformed in His likeness.
Kabod is the Hebrew word for "glory." It means weight, and refers to the substance or mass of an object, thing, or person. The kabod, or glory, of Elohim is the glorious goodness of Yahweh's character, power, holiness, and love (1 John 4:16) made apparent. The emanation of His magnified attributes and beauty when revealed openly, visibly and tangibly is His Shekhinah, His evident, bright "materialized" presence. The manifestation of His glory coming to bear upon a person inwardly (bringing powerful revelation, healing, and intimacy) or outwardly (radiant splendor) is life-changing. It produces a transcendent encounter with the holiness and love of YHVH that will transfigure the soul of the recipient, impart faith, and give birth to a hunger for righteousness and His presence. Such experiences afford a higher level of intimacy with Messiah. His anointing can be felt tangibly, and thus His glory, whether visible or not, is experienced often as "a weight." Kabod is His manifest presence laden and radiating with the substance of the goodness of the Most High. When the Almighty so desires, He is well able to demonstrate His goodness, healing, love, and power to our inner and outer senses, and is doing so in increased fashion among His people today.
"...I pray [Moses beseeched; he was fervent.] You, show me Your glory!" (Ex. 33:18). This was Moses' desire from the beginning: to know YHVH more intimately. Yahweh's reply was, "I will make all my goodness pass before your..." In preparation for the revelation, He placed Moses into a cleft in a rock, a position of protection and stability. It symbolizes Yeshua. Lesson: We who trust Messiah have been positioned in Him. He is the Glory and Goodness of the Eternal Elohim, the manifested Source of the Father's divine revelations and manifestations of Spirit and Truth. Let us call out as did Moses…”show me!” We would do well to commit to one year of seeking greater intimacy with Him. There may well be a cleft waiting for you.
Parsha Summary
1. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah" (Mt. 24:37).
For more than a century Noah's preaching, along with the construction of the ark, were trumpet calls to repentance for the surrounding pre-Flood world. His preaching about impending judgment went unheeded, and hardened, depraved mankind, who had observed the ark being built, continued spiraling down into ever-worsening violence and moral confusion, until the judgment of the Flood could be withheld no longer. The doomed people had refused to comprehend and thereby benefit from the signs of the coming judgment. “With their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes” (Mt. 13:15). They continued pursuing their carnal and disobedient lifestyles, and preferring debauchery over the nurturing and care of their souls. The pre-flood humans who had heard Noah preach became hardened to his sermons and bored with his sensational building project, and thus did not amend their lives. Yeshua warns that the same recklessness, dullness, and unbelief will be prominent at the time just prior to His coming (see 1 Tim 4:1-5).
The Holy One of Israel has alerted us with other prophecies that provide clues to the signs and the timing of His coming [parousia], and we should be careful to study and understand them. Many prophetic Scriptures deal with the return of Israel, and the restoration of the House of Ephraim prophesied to occur in the latter days. We list five signposts of the times: A. The restoration of the house of Judah in the land of Israel. B. The establishment of the State of Israel. C. The nations dividing the land of Israel. D. The punishment /discipline of the House of Ephraim, which was once spiritually blind, scattered and alienated among the nations, and not in covenant with the Almighty, coming to an end. E. The beginning of the restoration of Ephraim to his historic Hebraic identity and heritage. [See: Jer. 30:18; Joel 3:2; Isa. 66:8; Jer. 31:18-20, 31,40; 33:7-8; Ez. 37:14; Hosea 1:10; 2:23; 14:4-7).Zech. 10: 9-10; 12:7.]
"Watch therefore..." (Mt. 24:42). We are strongly exhorted to be alert, in a condition of preparation for His coming. The wise and faithful servant, we are told, is the the one who watches for Yeshua. This means to live in a intimate state of faith in Messiah as a present Master that whenever He does come He will be welcomed. "Blessed is that servant."
Section 3: Personal Parsha Study
"Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned, which are the seven Spirits of YHVH [Seven-fold Holy Spirit; Isa. 11:2]" (Rev. 4:5).
The spiritual heritage of Israel is the Torah and the Glory of Yahweh. The two correlate because they are the foremost expressions of His holy character, love, and mercy. [For now, we will simply describe the glory of Elohim as the totality of the goodness, righteousness, and splendor of His character, as revealed in His Torah and expressed supernaturally, even visibly, by His weighty, tangible, manifest Shechinah Presence that Moses viewed.] "It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of stone were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him" (Ex. 34:29). Both the essence of His Torah [the Ten Commandments written on the tablets] and His glory [carried by Moses down the mountain] are divinely birthed into the spirits/hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit and regeneration through faith in Messiah Yeshua (Jer. 31:31-34; Ez. 11:14-21; Joel 2:27-28; John 3:1-16; Acts 1, 2, 10; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Therefore, we believe YHVH's will for all Yeshua's followers is for us to experience His manifold goodness and His manifest presence increasingly as our individual and corporate habitation, our tangible spiritual mantle, and blessed covering (see 1 Peter 4:14). Our hope: "I will cause My Shekhinah [His glorious, manifest presence; the supernatural brilliance which is the outward expression of His character and goodness; read about Yeshua in Mt. 17:1-8] to dwell [settle, inhabit] in the midst of [within and upon] thee" (Zech. 2:10). Messianic Israel must be a people who live with His manifest glory and goodness. With this intention in mind, please read the entire explanation below and follow the lesson instructions faithfully. They propose the pathway for progress in the worthy pursuit of gaining the fullest measure of our inheritance possible. The effort will bear much fruit and bring quality transformation to our lives.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: B'resheet ("In the beginning")
Explanation: "...search for Me..." (Jer. 29:13). This section is provided to help the student read beyond the basic commentary presentation that we have provided, and study prayerfully all the Scriptures in the week's parsha for themselves. As each reader presses more deeply into the Word and depends more consistently on the Spirit in his search for greater knowledge and intimacy with Yeshua, increased personal enrichment and spiritual transformation will be experienced and enjoyed. Section 2 contains a review of the weekly parsha's scheduled Scriptures, their topical contents, and our questions. Each week's Scriptures and Questions are very important to our purpose. Our desire is to assist the student to: (1) develop a vision for the restoration of all Israel, (2) grow in the foundational knowledge of Torah, and (3) experience and enjoy more the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua through knowledge and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
The assigned Scriptures and Questions (along with sections three's prayer and blessing activities) comprise (4) the heart of the Torah and Glory School's study program by which the reader/student can be most edified and advanced spiritually. By them the reader learns on his/her own while depending on the Holy Spirit, upon Whom we strongly encourage each person to rely--for revelation, insight, edification, vision, illumination of the Word, and divine communion--in prayer and study. He is the close-at-hand, personal, primary Teacher or our course, not this author! [Note: Learning the Almighty's voice and experiencing His manifest glory, not just gaining more information, are central goals of Bless the Land's education ministry.] In this way, the Word [reading while listening for the Spirit] and the questions [writing answers while experiencing divine input--under the unction of the Spirit] comprise (5) the student's chief means of personal practice /exercise/training for seeking, waiting on, listening for, and responding to the voice/word/communication of Elohim. And by such seeking, students position/acclimate themselves spiritually and mentally for experiencing visitations of Yeshua's presence and glory through the Holy Spirit. As such, then, the Scriptures and Questions also become (6) the channels through which the Spirit of Yeshua will directly communicate personal instruction, direction, and comfort to each engaged person. Therefore, if the reader/student faithfully follows the game plan, and remains committed for the year, he/she will be spiritually transformed and rejoice in close fellowship with the Father and Yeshua.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Ps. 119:18).
May you have a truly blessed year as you start relying upon the Spirit to move, guide and teach you from His Word. Find the common themes. Look for types of Yeshua. Listen for His Voice.
Genesis [B'resheet] 1:1-6:8: Creation/Adam and Eve/Garden/Satan/Sin/Promise of the Seed/Cain and Abel//Antediluvian world/Judgment/Noah.
Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 42:5-43:10: Yeshua is the divine Servant of YHVH. He calls Israel to righteousness. Israel will be redeemed. He will gather His people.
John [Yochanan] 1:1-5: Yeshua is the Word, Elohim incarnate, the Light of the world.
Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15).
1. In your opinion, what is the main theme or teaching of each of the listed readings: the Torah, the Haftorah, and the New Testament?
2. What is the common, central idea, or subject, that runs through all the readings, as you see it?
3. Find in the Gospels where and/or how Yeshua demonstrates or exemplifies the parsha's common truth/central subject, and explain. Give chapter and verse.
4. What does this parsha teach you about your Hebrew roots/Hebraic heritage; your destiny; your duty?
5. In what way did the Ruach HaKodesh personally speak into your life during study and prayer this week? Did He show you how to apply the parsha lesson to your life? Explain.
6. Exercise: "The word of the Lord came to me saying..." (Ezek. 37:15). Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into your spirit/heart. Listen and discern His thoughts from your own. Write down the inspired thought/prophetic words (record the vision) you are hearing/sensing/seeing. Then be sure to share it with your brethren.
Recommendation: Share your answers/insights/revelations with your study group. Meet weekly in a small group. Meet monthly, if possible, in a larger assembly of combined groups. Practice functioning with your gifts [discern them] in the anointing of the Spirit while among your friendly brethren. Give altar calls at your table and lay hands on one another. This is an effective way you can consistently mature in your calling. The unthreatening table-group is a user-friendly environment in which to learn the ministry of the Spirit, and be encouraged in your progress by non-judgmental peers.
Section 4: Prayer, Declaration and Blessing
“And I will bless them that bless thee” (B’resheit 12:3).
Note: Be sure to participate in the recommended Bless the Land prayer, declaration, and singing exercise/activities, individually and with your study group. This is important for yourself and others. Your (1) joining in and support will help develop your prophetic unction and sensitivity as you (2) bless and strengthen Israel with your words, prophetic utterances and intercessions. Further, practicing ministry in this way will prepare you (us) for singing and proclaiming Scriptures, psalms, and Spirit-inspired Songs of the Lord from the hills of Israel over her valleys, fields, towns, and cities. Daniel, who daily faced Israel and Jerusalem from his house in exile to pray, is an inspiring example of what you and I can do weekly in /from our homes today. "...Daniel...entered his house (Now his roof chamber had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling...praying and giving thanks before his God" (Daniel 10).
Bless the land: "On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them [declaring the Word to and over them], the Lord bless thee...keep thee..." (Numbers 6:23).
1. Pray for Israel.
Consider committing to just one year of prayer for Israel's welfare and safety. "For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake, I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness...: (Isa. 62:1).
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
Likewise, intercede weekly for the City of the Great King. Declare His prophetic word of blessing over the Holy City. "...announce to Jerusalem...May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces" (Isa. 40:2).
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
The Almighty One of Israel is not through with America. Is it possible our greatest hours are ahead? Let's not throw in the towel yet, but believe for a Third Great Awakening, and pray that our people will "...humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways..." (2 Chron. 7:14).
4. Sing the Song of the Lord.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth!" (Isaiah 42:10). The Song of the Lord is a prophetic exchange with melody. It is His new, unpublished song; a spontaneous praise and prophetic utterance often sung with music, whose composition is from the Holy Spirit. It is praise and worship inspired and energized from a supernatural, divine Origin. In this prophetic activity--singing the Song of the Lord--Yeshua sings exhortation, edification, and encouragement to His people, His people sing Spirit-inspired responses of praise to Him, and he also sings comforts and strength through His people over Israel, the land, Judah, and Jerusalem. It's a glorious and powerful exchange we want to participate in week to week this year!
"For thus saith the Lord, Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief nations; proclaim, give praise..." (Jer. 31:7). Sing in the Spirit. Sing psalms and spiritual songs over the land of Israel from your home.
Section 5: Living the Parsha in the New Covenant
Conclusion: "...those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
1. "But we should always give thanks to YHVH for you, brethren beloved by the Lord [Master] because He has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth: (2 Thess. 2:13).
We have been recognized and chosen for salvation by the YHVH Elohim from before creation, before “in the beginning,” from eternity, and called through faith in the Gospel to share in the glory of the risen Redeemer. Man is not passive in the acquisition of this great salvation and sanctification, for YHVH’s truth must be believed (Jn. 3:16). Hence, He, through the Scriptures, urges us to steadfastness. Let us follow the example of the godly pre-flood saints—those mentioned in the “generation of Adam” (Genesis 5)—and stand fast, holding firm to the faith once delivered to the saints. In this way we will please our Master Yeshua, prosper, bear fruit, do good works, and grow in grace.
2. "...with 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. There is one body and one Spirit..." (Eph. 4:3-4).
May we remember that salvation is not just a personal or family matter, but carries profound social and national implications. When we come to Messiah, and are born-again and grafted into Israel, we are given a new identity and spiritual heritage, and presented ipso facto with a corporate responsibility. It is to promote and "preserve the unity of the Spirit" within the whole house of Israel through participation in that which is close to the heart of Yeshua, of which things of importance we submit four: A. Sanctification (1 Th. 4:3). B. The Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20). C. The reconciliation of Judah and Ephraim. D. The restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of Yahweh to all Israel (Acts 1:6-8).
"If anyone love Me , he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our abode with him" (John 14:23).
Prayer for and expect visitation. This will be a great year!
Next parsha: Noach ("Noah"). The time of transition. Sinful man is judged. Earth leaves the Antediluvian period, is cleansed, and with Noah enters a new beginning in the post-flood, Patriarchal era of biblical history.
Remember: Enrolled students/talmidim, be sure to submit your answers this week. Use email w/attachment. Shalom.
References: Weekly references generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Kehot Chumash; Spirit-Filled Life Bible; Pulpit Commentary, H. Spence and J. Exell; Torah Club; Restoration Scriptures; Chumash, Stone Edition; Chabad.org. Parashah; Old Testament Survey, K. Conner; www.familybible.org/BeitMidrash/FAQ/Torah.htm; Torah, A Modern Commentary, W. G. Plaut; Fodor's Exploring Israel, A Sanger; Hearing from God Each Morning, Faith Words, J. Meyers; Who is Israel, B. Wootten, Judaism 101 Torah; The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, AMG Publishers; Restoration: Returning the Torah of God to the Disciples of Jesus, D.T. Lancaster; Christianity Reconsidered, W.L. Bowles; Torah Insights, R. Fischer; Internet Sites; Jewish Encyclopedia. com.
Footnotes: 1. Adapted, no quotes; House of Yeshua.Org. 2. Genesis, Pulpit Commentary, Eerdmans, p. 2-3. 3. Ibid, pg. 4. 4. Ibid, p .66. 5. Ibid, p. 100. No quotes, only reference.
