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
December, 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 Eight: Vayishlach ("And he sent")
Torah: Genesis [B'resheet] 32:3(4)-36:43
Haftorah: Obadiah [Ovadyah] 1:1-21
Brit Chadashah: Matthew [Mattityahu] 26:36-46
Sections: 1. Welcome 2. Weekly Commentary 3. Study and Hearing 4. Prayer 5. Conclusion
Section 1: Welcome to the Word
ד
Dalet. Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, one whose composition is in verse and that uses the Hebrew alef-bet, 22 letters in their order, to begin the verses of the corresponding twenty-two sections, each of which contain eight verses. Dalet is the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The letter means “door,” and is drawn to resemble part of a door. Thus the letter symbolizes a swinging door or opening, a pathway, a gate into or out from something. From dalet evolved the Greek letter delta with the “d” sound. It has become the English letter “d.” The letter directs us to Messiah, who said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9). The letter dalet teaches us that we must choose day by day what door and which path to enter.
“My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, so I will meditate on your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word” Psalm 119:25-28).
The soul of the writer is depressed and lies prostrate, so to speak, in the dust. He calls out to YHVH to quicken him afresh and raise him up to higher spiritual life and vitality. He has poured out his heart and desires a more perfect understanding of Elohim’s Word. God’s Word is his meat and portion. He hungers for a greater knowledge of the breath and height and depth of YHVH’s Law and looks forward to reverently musing upon the marvels, the wondrous truths, to be revealed. This is the portion had chosen as his joy and strength.
“And Hilkiah the High Priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the Book of the Law in the house of YHVH” (2 Kings 22:8).
King Josiah was refurbishing the Temple as a part of his reformation program for Judah when Hilkiah discovered, in the Temple, the scroll of the Law. YHVH’s Law had been neglected by the nation and the book of the Law, the storehouse and treasure of divine truth, had been shamefully disregarded and placed on a shelf in a back chamber where it gathered dust and eventually became lost. The Almighty nevertheless watched over His Word and divine providence saw to its timely recovery. Once found the copy of Holy Writ was reverently examined by the king who recognized immediately its unspeakable worth. Josiah is another example of reverence for Scripture, for he trembled at God’s Word (see Isa. 66:2). “This is how God’s Word ought always to be received—with humility, with faith, with trembling of heart…with joy and hope in His promises.” [1] Josiah had hearkened diligently to the Word of Elohim and from it learned of the judgments coming upon the nation. He sought to call a great assembly, bring reforms, and renew the Covenant in the hearts of the people, but he could not change the people or avert judgment. King Josiah had a tender heart and chose to walk the path of the peacemaker between God and the nation, but calamity came nonetheless. However, he himself was taken away from the evil to come. YHVH never rejects the person who approaches Him with a contrite and humble heart.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt. 5:9). Peace is the desire and need of everyone, all societies and every nation. It facilitates stability of health for the body, soul, and spirit of man. Problems arise between people from disagreements regarding the terms for peace. In the Kingdom of God [also the Kingdom of Messiah; Mt. 13:41; 16:28; etc.] the conditions [terms] for peace are rather straightforward--"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16). In other words, believe on the Son, be empowered by the Spirit, and enter into His ways. Peace is a state of tranquility. It is freedom from any disturbance or sickness, and from oppressive thoughts and emotions. Peace is harmony in personal relations, and an ending of hostilities. The word peace can be used as a command. "He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, peace, be still..." (Mk. 4:39). The word can be used as a greeting or farewell also. "Peace be unto you..." (John 20:26). Peacemakers are people who strive to make peace by reconciling two parties who are at odds with one another
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Yeshua is our Peacemaker who makes for peace between (1) the believer and God, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Yeshua Messiah, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18), and between (2) Jew and Greek "For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition...to make in Himself one new man, so making peace" (Eph. 2:14-15). He has called us to peacemaking by giving us the ministry of reconciliation, which is the work of settling and resolving differences, and restoring friendship and harmony. Those involved with peacemaking [not peacekeeping, which avoids disturbances and unpleasantness] will be accounted as (and already are) God's sons. This is a ministry of a warrior. Peacemakers are not indifferent to evil, but instead confront that which divides God's people, and are very often regarded as an enemy by those on both sides of a dispute. So they must be strong. But the peacemaker loves peace, and seeks to follow peace with his fellow man. The believers today who are endeavoring to be reconciled with their brethren from the House of Judah and the House of Israel are true peacemakers. They are vineyard workers, Elohim's own children that labor for the restoration of the kingdom, power, and glory of YHVH to all Israel. Warriors. Tamid kadima—Always forward!
Section 2: Weekly Commentary
Last week: In Parsha VaYetze ("And he went") we read about Jacob leaving his comfortable home and familiar surroundings to go forth to find a wife in Mesopotamia, the home of his relatives, and take the first steps toward fulfilling his destiny. We read about his marriage to Leah and Rachel, their handmaidens, and the children the four women bore him. Also, we observed that while working for Laban Jacob had prospered, but eventually fled from Padan-aram with his family. Offended, Laban pursued him. But 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 insincere peaceful, mis-leading greeting to harsh, violent accusations, or say anything in an attempt to manipulate, persuade, or 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. Laban returned to his home and Jacob went forward unobstructed. Again we are encouraged by the Torah's story by reading about another demonstration of Elohim's unannounced, behind the scenes protection and care for His people as they journey forward, trusting Him
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This week: In Parsha VaYishlach ("And he sent") Jacob's flight back from Padan-aram to Beersheba did not go as he had first envisioned, we are sure. In a nutshell the message of his return to Canaan could be: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). This word 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 our pilgrimage YHVH deserves the glory because He is the One, by His mercy and faithfulness, who provides the heart with inspiration, imparts vision, implants sanctified ideas, sustains motivation, and gives us daily guidance in our restoration journey. This week, as we read about the miraculous events that took place in Jacob's return home, we will be inspired to "trust in YHVH with all thine heart [to stay in the light no matter what we 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 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 and follow His will; (3) prophetic vision-which is the enablement to perceive and hold fast to the object of faith despite the ups and downs, twists and turns, detours and delays found on the pathway of faith and obedience. The title of this week's parsha is Va Yishlach-("And he sent"). In its narrative we will read about Jacob's journey to self-surrender and active, whole-hearted faith.
Torah
Torah Note #8: We have included a brief comment from the Jewish Virtual Library which cites the basic reason for the Oral Law. We include it only as a means for better understanding and appreciating our Jewish brethren, and their perception and love for the Torah. Although we believe the Oral Law contains wisdom, meaningful traditions, and helpful teachings (James 1:5), we maintain that only the Written Law, the Torah, is divinely inspired (Ex. 24:1-4; Deut. 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:16). "The Written Law is another name for the Torah. The Oral Law is a legal commentary on the Torah, explaining how its commandments are to be carried out. Common sense suggests that some sort of oral tradition was always needed to accompany the Written Law...For example, the fourth of the Ten Commandments ordains, 'Remember the Sabbath to make it holy' (Exodus 20:8). From the Sabbath's inclusion in the Ten Commandments, it is clear that the Torah regards it as the signature holy day of Israel, and an important holiday of rest. Yet, when one looks for the specific biblical laws regulating how to observe the day, one finds only injunctions against lighting a fire, going away from ones dwelling, cutting down a tree, and plowing and harvesting. Would merely refraining from these few activities fulfill the biblical command to make the Sabbath holy? Indeed, the Sabbath rituals that are most commonly associated with holiness--lighting of candles, reciting the kiddish, and the reading of the weekly Torah portion are not found in the Torah, but in the Oral Law." [2] The oral tradition attempts to clarify Torah commandments and explain practical applications of the Written Law, but we believe it is not equal to, or on the same spiritual level as the divinely inspired Torah Books. Therefore, we are free to honor the wisdom and truth we find in the oral tradition, but we are bound to obey Scripture. "You shall not add to the word which I command you...you shall not add thereunto, nor diminish from it" (Deut. 4:2; 12:32). With this in mind, as New Covenant believers returning to the study of the Torah, may we remember to always be led by the Holy Spirit in how we obey and to what traditions we should adopt. Further, may our studies always draw us into deeper intimacy and fellowship with Yeshua
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1. "Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom" (B'resheet 32:3).
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 not merely a vision but a supernatural manifestation of heavenly ministers. Jacob recognized them as Elohim's host, Mahaneh Elohim; i.e., the camp or the army of God, in contrast to the Mahanoth of Jacob; i.e., the house or band of Jacob. He named the place Mahanaim, plural--meaning two armies or camps, one before and one behind. The heavenly escort is an emblem of angelic guardianship which “encampeth round about them that fear the Lord, and delivereth them” and “keepeth them in all their ways” (Psalms 34 and 91). They obviously informed Jacob of Esau's approach, which knowledge enabled Jacob to send messengers before him and his family to intercept Esau at Seir, and speak to him concerning Jacob’s return. [Note: 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 descendants. Edom eventually became Idumea, a Greek word meaning, "pertaining to Edom."] The messengers returned and told Jacob that Esau was coming with four hundred men, he naturally feared possible hostile consequences. So Jacob did his utmost. He dutifully and wisely divided up his people, and also the herds and flocks, into two camps for protection, and then prayed humbly and fervently.
"Deliver me I pray thee..."
Jacob did all he could under the circumstances to prepare and protect his family against the advancing threat. He fulfilled his domestic duty and, at the same time, made a gesture to assuage [appease, pacify] his brother of the errors and ills of the
past.
2. "Jacob said, 'Oh God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord..." (32:9).
When the messengers returned and reported to Jacob that Esau was coming attended by 400 armed men, it was proof that Esau had become a powerful chieftain. It is probable that he was already invading and occupying the region of the Horites with his small army, and living by the sword in Seir when Jacob arrived in the region. Esau had not yet removed himself entirely from Canaan. That he was approaching with such a formidable force, even though his intensions were probably not antagonistic, caused Jacob to fear the worst. "Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed [perplexed]" (v. 7). He thus prayed with humility and power unto the personal God of Abraham and Isaac, Who, Jacob remembered, had made the wonderful promises to his fathers of which he was the heir.
Jacob prayed with faith. The threatening circumstances before him were beyond his reach or ability to handle. So he called upon the One Who had said to him, "I will surely do you good, and make your seed as the sand of the sea" (V. 12).
Afterwards Jacob sent a series of gifts, flocks and herds, to (a) soften the temperament of Esau (whom he had not seen for twenty years) and lift his countenance, and (b) show respect to his elder brother through gracious and courteous words, "...my master (lord)" (v. 18). [Kindness works wonders.] Then he sent his family over the Jabbok tributary, now called Way Zerka, or Blue River, which flows into the Jordan near Shechem. Jacob remained on the north side of Jabbok.
Jacob was wise and his experiences had given him understanding of human nature. He knew kindness could soften a hard heart. “I will appease him with the present.” A repetition of generous presents would act upon Esau in the same way as a blacksmith’s hammer, through repeated strikes, shapes the nature of hot iron. There would be a noted affect. May we learn that friendships, even receptivity to the Gospel, are usually won or restored through kind words, and deeds of grace and mercy.
3. "Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him..." (B'resheet 32:24)
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The scene in the following verses took place on the north side of the Jabbok river at night, where Jacob remained alone, communing in the solitude of his soul with Elohim, and making supplication and confession. 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 until dawn. [The linguistics in the narrative indicate that this was a bona-fide physical contest between YHVH and Jacob.] At last persistent Jacob, who became physically de-commissioned with a hip displacement and thereby left without physical or personal wrestling resources, reverted back to supplication. When he was at his weakest, most desperate condition, by the grace of Elohim, Jacob secured 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, of which his new name was an emblem, 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. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith YHVH Sabaoth" (Zech. 4:6).
4. "Then Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming..." (B'resheet 33:1).
Jacob went forth as one who has been encouraged and refreshed, endued by a revelation and spiritual transformation by YHVH. His plan of repetitious gestures of kindness and humility, along with gracious words, 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 simple excuses. It is true that Esau had shown kind and honest behavior toward Jacob, but he was still a "profane person" who would thus end up living away from his family of origin, and outside of the Holy Land. 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 during his life-journey, a holy pilgrimage which took him to the great test on Mount Moriah. The residue of Jacob's self-reliance is 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 [a disciple’s walk with Yeshua] 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: A. "And the man increased exceedingly." He manipulated Laban's herds for his own profit and his cunning efforts were blessed and successful. B. "And Jacob went his way and the angels of God met him." As Jacob hastily journeyed he was, without solicitation on his part, divinely escorted. C. "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 used 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" (3 John v. 2). John wrote to Gaius and other brethren wishing that they would prosper with a healthy body to house a good mind, and by these to 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, but is only received by faith and obedience to His Word. Divine prosperity is exemplified by a soul filled with faith, hope, and love, those enduring qualities that enrich, extend, and actually make possible an enduring healthy, fruitful, successful and joyful life. "...but godliness is profitable in all things..." (1 Tim. 4:8).
Note: The words prosperity and prosper have evolved over time. For example, euodoo, the Greek word for prosper found in 3 John 2, is translated "to help on the road; to succeed in reaching; to succeed in business affairs; to have a prosperous journey." The word prosperity also stems from the same root word for shalom, which is translated, "peace; safe; welfare; health; favour." Based on these definitions, we see that prosperity involves success in every area of life-total life prosperity. [3]
Some lessons we can clean from 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 and victory 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. 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 readily 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. Pray to receive them. 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 religious training. 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."
Thus the brothers met, conversed, were reconciled, and then parted company. Esau returned to Mount Seir and Jacob journeyed to Succoth. Sometime later he moved on to Shechem. Let us remember from the story the power of kindness in disarming anger and breaking down opposition. “A soft answer turns away wrath…” and, “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone [of contention]” (Psalm Proverbs 15:1 and 25:15).
5. "Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan...then he erected there an alter and called it El-Elohe-Israel" (B'resheit 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.
6. "And Dinah the daughter of Leah...went out to see the daughters of the land (B'resheet 34:1).
Dinah was indiscrete. Curious and vain, she was (we assume) lured to mingle and flirt with the surrounding pagan people. The prince of the region, Shechem, the son of an Amorite, became infatuated with Dinah and dishonored her. When Jacob and his sons learned of the gross violation they grieved over the incident, and the boys, especially Simeon and Levi, became exceedingly angry. The two, assisted to some extent by the other sons, attacked the city and massacred the men while they were recovering from circumcision, and took the spoils which included woman, children, and all livestock. Their great anger is understandable but it was no excuse for the mayhem and excessive violence. Jacob scolded the sons for their rage and cruelty, and complained that he would be despised in the land for the vengeful action, but the rebuke was weak. Shechem had abused and wronged Dinah, but he did love her, did not disdain or shun her, and was willing to be circumcised in order to marry her. Apparently he did not intend to treat her like a harlot. There is a place for justice, but in this case the punishment visited upon the city was excessive. Everyone suffered immensely. The narrative teaches us that unrestrained anger fosters excess and produces wrong-doing which is a hindrance to the work of Messiah. "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath...let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" (Eph. 4:26,31). Let us not provide the enemy with a stronghold from which to operate. Yeshua said, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24).
Dinah’s curiosity about the Shechemite neighbors led her into mingling with them, and she ended up being shamed. A cruel and heavy-handed reaction followed. Because he feared for his family’s extermination at the hand of the outraged people of the region, Jacob prayed for divine assistance and fled. This is the last we hear of Dinah.
We can learn several lessons from the narrative including: A. There is always a danger in mingling with worldliness. We are warned to not love the world or be enticed with its baubles and trinkets. B. Unbridled lust bears bitter fruit and leads to destruction. C. Good men can fall into wickedness when calm, godly counsel is rejected and they are left to their own passions. D. The massacre of the Shechemites shows us again that the innocent often suffer along with the guilty. E. Jacob’s name was dishonored more by his sons’ reckless revenge than it was by Dinah’s misfortune. It is true that, sometimes, a man’s worst foes and difficulties are found within his own household. Hence, YHVH’s counsel for New Covenant leaders is found in 2 Timothy 3:1-16: “A bishop [leader, elder, spiritual father, so forth] then must be…one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection…moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” This is the standard for which we aim.
7. "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, (a) affirming Jacob's new name, Israel, and (b) 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, the descendants of Jacob, and the Northern Kingdom. Israel also points to regenerated, born-again, grafted-in Believers, the Jewish State, and Yeshua, Who is the perfect, quintessential Israelite. Israel 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 who are called by the name of Israel appreciate the privilege and 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 [rapture] and in the meantime do our own thing? Absolutely not! 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 education, carnal pleasure and indulgence, finally wrote out by the inspiration 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 Israel (His restoration workmanship) should walk? List them. Returning to Hebraic truth, supporting Israel, esteeming the Spirit, knowing His voice, being led by Him, sarvice, and giving 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, by inner and open visions, dreams, and through the still small voice mentioned earlier. Keep in mind, when one is born-again through faith in Yeshua, the Spirit (1) regenerates [recreates/revitalizes] his human spirit, then (b) enters with His life, power, and voice to dwell/remain therein, and (c) 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 and 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 Him 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 His still small voice, in which he sensed true personal fellowship, not just a legal covenant relationship, with the Almighty as was greatly lifted. 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 ill-conditioned in these exciting and demanding days of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. Let us sight the reasons why some of us are dull of hearing His voice and seeing His visions, and be then finished with excuses altogether, and grow up. First, many Believers simple do not listen or look for His voice or revelation when in prayer. They just talk. Prayer and study are supposed to be 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 carnal amusements. Thirdly, there are the "voice-stifling" snares of unbelief and disinterest. Fourthly, the fear of mistakes, innocent errors, (such as does occur with the Saints functioning in the gift of prophecy, for instance) dulls hearing and responding to the voice of YHVH. Fifthly, many are content with expanding their knowledge only, but not with experiencing His manifest glory, in spite of the fact that such encounters are absolutely necessary for strong, balanced spiritual growth. Avoid these pitfalls. They cause stumbling, and are barriers harassing [interdicting, interfering with] those trying to enter further into the kingdom, power, and goodness 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 that they, without fully comprehending the divine orchestration of events, would end up in just the prophesied 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).
“Then Jacob said…put away your strange gods…change your garments…and let us arise and go to Bethel. And I will make there an altar unto Elohim” (vrs. 2-3).
Jacob went forth to Bethel. The crime of his sons made his removal from the land necessary. Further, his direction was a direct invitation from heaven. He was to build an altar on the same spot where he had received his dream of the ladder and angels. It was fitting that Jacob’s entire family should worship YHVH with sincerity and purity of heart. All the hidden idols and unholy objects, even such things as garments and earrings brought from Haran or gathered at Shechem, were discarded. The removal of strange figurines from Jacob’s family and servants, along with their washings and putting on of clean clothing, symbolized their consecration as they prepared for the journey to Bethel. In this way he went forward. The troup was unmolested as he journeyed to Luz, and in time the family arrived safely at Bethel.
8. "Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Padan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him...you shall no longer be called Jacob, But Israel shall be your name" (B're. 35:9).
As we’ve noted, Jacob had his company put away all heathen icons and images, and they journeyed to Luz in the land of Canaan. There he built an altar, and he called the place El-beth-el, meaning "God of the House of God." He was blessed with an appearance of Elohom. This was a visible manifestation, not just audible voice as at Shechem, or a dream, as at Bethel earlier. YHVH further blessed the patriarch with a renewal of the promises of the covenant and confirmed the name, Israel. This confirmation of the name of Israel was YHVH's assurance to Jacob that his seed would prosper, all the covenant promises would, in the end, be fulfilled, and His seed would one day stand triumphantly upon Mount Zion with Messiah. In the chapter we also read of Rachel's death after giving birth to Benjamin and being buried in Bethlehem. The passage includes the shameful and sorrowful incident of Reuben lying with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine.
Some things the story of Jacob’s return to Bethel teaches: A. Good people need to listen, and be reminded and re-encouraged by the Almighty of their responsibilities. B. True worship is established upon faith, heart purification, repentance and reformation. C. YHVH is well able to protect and provide for His people as they walk in His appointed paths. D. Believers are not exempt or kept from the afflictions and troubles of life. We must endure to the end. E. The Elohim of Israel loves His people and forgets none of His promises. He must not be lightly esteemed, overlooked or forgotten by whom [us] He loves and remembers.
9. "Now there were twelve sons of Jacob...And Jacob came to Isaac his father unto Mamre, which is Hebron...And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, an old man of ripe age..." (from 35:16-28).
Jacob needed the spiritual uplifting that resulted from his confrontation with pre-incarnate Yeshua at the Jabbok. His trials in the school of faith would continue. A. There was "on the way to Ephrath" the death of Rachel, whom he buried in a lonely grave. A pillar was erected over the site in order to show his deep affection and mark the resting-place of a beloved ancestress of Israel. B. There was the grotesque sin of Reuben, which was his incest with Bilhah. It was/is a sin punishable by death according to the Torah. "Israel heard" of the affair. Burdened with deep grief and shame over the transgression between his wife and first-born son, and wondering if this horrible episode would bring an end to YHVH's mercies on his house, he did not rant or curse but remained speechless, sullen in silence. We are reminded of Yeshua's humility: "...and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth" (Isa. 53:7). The School of Messiah, in which we are being made conformable to His likeness, has two required majors for graduation. They are: (1) Learning the power of His resurrection, and (2) learning the fellowship of His sufferings [trials, struggles, difficulties, etc.]. See Phil. 3:10-11. Jacob serves as our example and inspiration. C. There was also the death of Isaac, Jacob’s father. Isaac stayed alive long enough to enjoy the return of his son at Mamre. His end was peaceful and he was honored with a reverent and respectful funeral with both his sons in attendance.
“Now these are the generations of Esau [Hairy], who is Edom [Red]” (B’resheit 36:1).
The chapter details the descendants of Esau. He had three wives. He took his wives, family, servants, and all that pertained to him and left Canaan altogether. Though Jacob and Esau had flocks and herds that needed space, the most compelling reason for Esau’s withdrawal from Canaan was his sense that (a) the decision of YHVH was opposed to him remaining and, (b) what’s more, that the land had indeed been given to his brother’s by the will of Providence.
10. "Then Esau took his wives and his sons and his daughters and all his household and his livestock...cattle and all his goods which he acquired in the land of Canaan and went to another land away from his brother Jacob" (36:6-7).
Esau removed his house from Canaan peacefully and permanently, and settled in Edom, east of Jacob. He grew into a numerous and mixed people who prospered and eventually developed a national government. Esau became an exiled people also, for they originated in Canaan but developed into a nation entirely outside its borders. Only the house of Jacob, YHVH's heirs of promise, remained within the boundaries of the land of promise.
In the end we observe that, in world and as well as in the Kingdom, the last can often become first and the first last (Luke 13:30). One thing is certain though—the heirs of the covenant will, sooner or later, obtain their inheritance.
Haftorah
1. "If you go up high like an eagle, and if you place your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, says the Lord...and the house of Jacob will be fire and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau shall become stubble..." (vs. 4, 17).
Obadiah's ministry covered a period of about eight years. He confirmed the promises of deliverance and restoration for Israel. Edom, who was treacherous with Judah, was given no promise of restoration after punishment. This book reveals the divine law of retribution: "...as thou hast done...so it shall be unto thee" (V. 15). The root of the conflict is found in the original relationship between Jacob and Esau.
Yeshua: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
“He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with Him…” (Mk.3:14).
“The primary call of a disciple (i.e., a disciplined learner and devoted follower of Messiah) is to ‘be with’ Yeshua—to develop a close personal relationship with Him. Serving YHVH’s purposes involves instruction and practice of various ministries, but these things must [best] flow out of time spent with Yeshua. Anyone who desires to serve Messiah must first practice His presence (Jn. 15:26-27; Acts 4: 13)…out of a deep relationship with Messiah comes the power and sensitivity to [most] effectively serve and minister for Him.” [4]
1. "And He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father..." (Mt. 26:36-46).
Jacob was very distressed upon hearing the messengers' report concerning Esau's approach. He cried out, "O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac..." (B'reshhet 32:9). His travail reminds us of Yeshua praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. "Oh My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (v. 46). Fully aware of the coming suffering, the physical, mental, and emotional agony He would have to endure, Yeshua went to a place for solitary prayer, a place to which He had resorted before, the Garden. He was accompanied by His three closest disciples, James, John, and Peter. Leaving them behind a short distance, Messiah proceeded to a quiet spot. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me."
Isaiah reveals the Messiah as "a man of sorrows" (Isa. 53:3), but He was also a Man of gladness, and there was much joy in His life. In John we read, "These things I have spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you..." Jn. 15:11). In the Scroll it is written of Yeshua: "I delight to do thy will, O My God..." (See Ps. 40:7-8). A life of purity, of blessing men and of obeying the Almighty, produces happiness that the world cannot bestow. So it was with the Master. His joy was full, yet He also had sorrows that we cannot fully comprehend, whose source was the dark cloud of sin that permeates and covers the world. It is an indescribable evil that carnal men cannot feel with much sensitivity, but the holy, unflawed Lamb of God could, and did, as He bore its entire heinous, disease-producing, soul-damning, polluted weight on the cross. He endured the shame through prayer, and submission to the Father's will. The fruit of Messiah's sorrow--obtaining a name above every name, securing the salvation of man, and winning a full victory over Satan, sickness, and sin--was by submission to His father's will. His everlasting reward will be complete with the transfiguration of all Israel as the Bride of Messiah, His eternal companion who will be like Him, and without spot or wrinkle.
The Holy Spirit "But you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
“These signs will accompany those who believe…” (Mark 16:17).
The signs and wonders accomplished through true Believers (Luke 10:17; Acts 5:12; 6:8; 14:3) confirm that the Gospel message [the “Good News” of Messiah’s atonement and resurrection] is true and endorsed by supernatural, divine, providential power. Signs by the Spirit show openly that “…God’s kingdom (His ultimate power, authority, purpose and way of life) has come to earth in a powerful and supernatural way. Miracles and supernatural signs done in Yeshua’s name (i.e., as His representatives, with His authority) also reveal that Jesus is alive, active, present and working through His people (see John 10:25; Acts 10:38).” We, Messiah’s followers, “…are not only to bring the message of God’s kingdom (28:19-20; Mk 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47) but also the power of the kingdom.” A signs and wonders ministry “reveals the completeness of Messiah’s salvation, which is able to liberate and heal the entire being—body, soul, and spirit (Isaiah 53).” [5] “…go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils…” (Mt.10:7-8).
The New Covenant indicates that signs and wonders are not giftings restricted to a few special people, but have been made available through the Holy Spirit to all Believers who obey Him, proclaim His truth, and trust His promises. If the gifts and works of the Spirit are not manifesting in our assemblies, whether they are large or small, it is not the failing of Yeshua by any means. The failure indicates a possible shortage of faith, a lack of interest, or maybe an incomplete perception of duty on the part of his followers (Mt. 17:14-21). Messiah Yeshua has taught us that, as we remain loyal to Him, His authority, power, and manifest presence will always remain with us as we do warfare with the kingdom of darkness (Mt. 28:18-20; Lk. 24:47-49; Eph. 6:10-18).
1. "Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:15).
It is our role as followers of Messiah is 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 Israelites is not only to return to our Hebrew roots truth and traditions, but also to 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 and resistance in) all areas of a yielded Believer's life and ministry. 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, His work and Word can be callously shooed away, and thereby leave Him 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. Pray for His breezes to refresh you regularly.
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. Remain under His cloud (Ps. 91).
As we each walk in the 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 begin to look at the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, and gradually progress into the New Testament.
Glory Note #8: "Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, as the glory which I saw by the River Chebar: And I fell on my face" (Read Ezek. 3:22-23).
Ezekiel was commanded to withdraw from Tel-Abib and go to a certain valley where he could retire into undistracted, undisturbed communion with the Most High. "I will there talk with thee." The prophet went forth to the assigned destination and beheld the glory of YHVH, and His visions. "Behold, the glory of the Lord stood there." What was the effect of the divine visitation of glory upon Ezekiel? "And I fell on my face as dead." He was humbled. Every revelation a person receives of YHVH's glory and greatness always produces a revelation of Yeshua’s greatness and the recipient’s own inferiority. [The Messiah said, “He [the Spirit] shall glorify Me” (Jn. 16:14).] Such self-perception is actually healthy, for it tends towards obedience with thanksgiving and is conducive to hearing and understanding more clearly the word of the Lord. Visions of His glory are the heritage of all Redeemed Israel and we are encouraged to believe for them. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest [reveal] Myself to him" (John 14:21)
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Parsha Summary
1. "Then Jacob sent messengers..." (B'resheet 32:3).
Jacob had to leave comfort and familiarity behind as he went forward in his journey of faith. He found along the entire way that both blessings and tribulations, of one sort or another, were always present with him. When returning from Aram where he had faced numerous struggles, Jacob found his family threatened with yet another problem--the approach of his brother Esau and his four-hundred man army. The prospect of a happy reunion with his father, Isaac, was marred by the prospect of an unhappy reunion with his brother, Esau. Such is the nature of life. Good times and not-so-good times generally run concurrently. Some say life consists of mountains and valleys, highs and lows, ups and downs. A few others say life is like a railroad track, where one rail represents the blessing, and the other rail represents the sorrow [trials, struggles, et al], and both run together and are always present in life, to one degree or another. We agree with this latter view and think it is supported by Scriptures. "He prepares a table for me [blessings] in the midst [presence] of my enemies [amid sorrow, trials, troubles]." (Ps. 23:5). Jacob became an over-comer through prayer and obedience. He learned to cope with the negative and rejoice in the positive, and he thus continued forward to fulfilled his destiny. Wherever our tracks lead, if we will not become discouraged with the trailing "little foxes", but follow Jacob's example of persistence in pressing into the kingdom of God, and submission to His will in all things, we will fulfill our destinies and prevail over our enemies also.
Hear His Voice
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:9).
Elohim loves us too much to allow us to stay the same spiritual place and condition for long, or settle in familiar comfort zones. He wants His people to continually grow stronger in faith, and move into deeper and more intimate fellowship with Him. When we sense something stirring within us, a sanctified idea or feeling that suggests a change in coming, we need to seek Abba, ask what is happening, and wait upon His answer. Our time of prayer and study is vitally important to our growth in grace and spiritual maturity. Little changes He might want us to make in our lives can produce big results.
“Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee [increasingly and progressively], that I may find grace in thy sight…” (Exo. 33:13)
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The prayer of Moses is ours also. The more time we spend in His presence, the better we will come to know Him, the more sensitive we will be to His love and will, and the more like Him we will become. YHVH told Moses he had found favor in His sight (v. 12). In other words, “Ask whatever you desire and it will be done for you.” [See John 15:7, 16.] Moses wanted to know YHVH more intimately and his prayer was answered. May that same desire burn in us. We can hear Him and know Him to the extent we want. It just takes time.
Section 3: Personal Parsha Study and Hearing
"Out from the throne came 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 God [seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit]" (Rev. 4:5).
Messianic Israel is called to make, by faith and obedience to His Truth, His anointing, His tangible presence, and His discernible, manifest glory, dominant internal and external realities in our lives. With this intent in mind, we have provided a study methodology for your examination. Please read it and follow the study instructions. They explain the pathway of progress toward this pursuit of regaining the fullest possible measure of our spiritual heritage, the knowledge and experience of the Spirit and Truth of the Holy One of Israel. May the time we spend in prayer and study become times of divine encounters.
Torah and Glory School Method: "...search for Me..." (Jeremiah 29:13). This section is provided to help the student read beyond the basic commentary that we have presented, and study carefully all the Scriptures in the week's parsha for themselves. As each reader presses more deeply into the Word and learns to depend more consistently on the Spirit in his/her search for greater knowledge and intimacy with Yeshua, increased personal enrichment and spiritual transformation will be experienced and enjoyed. Section 3 contains a review of the weekly parsha's Scriptures, their topical content, and our questions. Working with each week's Scriptures and Questions is very important to our purpose. They are designed to assist the student to (1) develop a vision for the restoration and reconciliation of the whole house of Israel, (2) grow in foundational knowledge of the Torah, (3) recover the principles, practice, and Holy Spirit power of the early, first-century Nazarene believers, and (4) experience and enjoy greater dimensions of the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua.
The assigned Scriptures and Questions, along with Section Four's prayer and bless activities, comprise (5) the heart of the Torah and Glory School's study program by which the student can be most edified and advanced spiritually. By them the student learns on his/her own while depending on, and thereby coming to know more personally, the Holy Spirit. We strongly encourage each student to rely upon the Spirit/Ruach--for understanding, revelation, insight, illumination of the Word, edification, and divine fellowship--during prayer, worship, and study. He is the close-at-hand primary Teacher of the course, not this author. Learning the Almighty's voice and experiencing His manifest glory, not just acquiring more information, are central goals of the Torah and Glory School. The Scriptures--reading them while listening for the Holy Spirit, and the Questions--writing answers while under the Spirit's unction and receiving divine input, work together to comprise (6) the student's chief means of personal practice/exercise/training in seeking, waiting on, listening for, and promptly responding to the voice/word of Elohim. And by such seeking, faith-motivated students position themselves [spiritually, mentally, and emotionally prepare themselves] for experiencing a visitation of Yeshua's presence and glory through the Spirit. In this way the Scriptures and Questions also become (7) the channels through which the Spirit of Messiah will directly communicate personal instruction, direction, wisdom, and comfort to each engaged person. The students who faithfully follow the "game plan" and remain committed to do so for the year, will be transformed. They will enjoy much closer fellowship with the Father, and Yeshua, His Son, and hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially by the end of Deuteronomy.
We exhort each reader to trust the Ruach HaKodesh to guide and teach from His Word. In the week’s readings listed below, find common themes. Look for types of Messiah Yeshua. Listen for His Voice.
Scripture Review and Questions: Now, read through the parsha while allowing the Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures, and then answer the questions using your own words.
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Genesis 32:3(4)-36:43: Jacob fears Esau/ Jacob wrestles/ Israel/ Jacob meets Esau/ Shechem/ Dinah/ Jacob's sons/ Bethel/ Sons of Israel/ Esau leaves/ Esau's descendants.
Obadiah 1:1-21: Judgment of Edom.
Matthew 26:36-46: The Garden of Gethsemane.
Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15). Trace the theme, the main idea, through each questi
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1a. In your opinion, what is the main theme or teaching of each of the listed readings individually? Starting with the Torah: What is its title? What is the interpretation? What truth/idea does the interpretation of the title suggest? What is the Torah section's main truth, as you see it?
1b. What is the corresponding idea in the Haftorah? In the Brit Chadashah?
2. What is the outstanding, central idea or subject that runs through and unites all the individual readings, as you see it?
3. Find in the Gospels where and how Yeshua declares, demonstrates, exemplifies, or exhibits the parsha's central truth, and explain. Give chapter and verse
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4. In what way was the glory of YHVH [manifestations of His goodness] revealed in the parsha lesson?
5. What does the parsha teach you about your Hebrew roots, your identity, your destiny, your duty?
6. In what way did the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh personally speak to you during prayer and study this week? Did He impress you about how to apply the parsha lesson directly to your life? Explain.
7. "...because of practice [by reason of use] have their senses trained [exercised] to discern..." You and I are called to return to hearing the voice of Elohim and to functioning in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Progressing in these vital areas will require spiritual hunger, faith, and practice. He is waiting for us to approach Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into your spirit/heart as you pray each day. Look for opportunities to lay hands on the sick, or to be used in prophesy. Faithfully record the prophetic words and experiences you receive, and be sure to share them with your brethren.
It is helpful to share your answers, insights, and revelations with your study group (table class). We recommend meeting regularly in a small group. This allows for healthy interaction and exchange, and militates against stagnation. Practice operating with your spiritual gifts under the anointing of the Holy Spirit while among your friendly, supportive peers. Allow for open participation in leading praise and worship. Give altar calls at your table for healing, refreshing, and prophetic words. These are effective ways for all present to mature in their calling and gifting. The non-threatening small group provides a favorable and encouraging environment in which to learn the ministry of the Spirit.
Section 4: Prayer, Declaration, and Blessing
"On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto [over] them, the Lord bless thee...keep thee..." (Num. 6:23-24).
Important: Participate each week in the Bless the Land prayer, benediction, and singing exercises/activities, both individually and with your group. This is important for yourself and others. Your joining in with vocal participation--blessing and strengthening Israel with your spoken words, prophetic utterances, sung psalms, and intercessions--will also help develop and enlarge your prophetic anointing and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Daniel, who daily faced Jerusalem and Israel from his house in exile to pray, is an example of what we can do weekly 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 Elohim" (Daniel 10).
Bless the Land: "On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto them [declaring the Word to and over them], the Lord bless thee...keep thee..." (Num. 6:23). YHVH wanted to bless, keep, and shine His glory on His people. So He had his priests stand in His place [stand in for Him] and proclaim the blessings, which He in turn would perform for the believing recipients. Believers have a similar role today, as did Aaron and the priests in ancient Israel. "But you are...a royal priesthood..." (1 Pet. 2:9). When we take our place as a responsible priesthood and begin to declare the written and prophetic word and will of YHVH, even spontaneous songs, over His people, He will rise up and perform that which has been declared. He works in partnership with his set-apart royal priesthood. Therefore, "...bless, for to this you were called, that you may receive a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).
Note: "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life" (Prov. 10:11). Believers' mouths are connected to the spiritual power that created the universe. Our words possess/carry both constructive power (building up) and destructive (tearing down) power. Job 22:28; Luke 4:18-19; Mt. 21:21; 28: 18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:4; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12: 1-11; Eph. 6:17-19; Rev. 8:3). "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:2). Therefore, let us fulfill our priestly role and declare with confidence His Word over Jerusalem, Israel, and the nation this week.
1. Pray for Israel.
Isaiah 43:1-7. Please continue to meditate upon and use this Scripture passage (and those that follow) throughout our time in Genesis/B'resheet. Commit to pray at least once a week for the land, Judah, and all the people of Israel; for their welfare, safety, and return to righteousness. Use the prophetic words of Scripture as prayers and declarations.
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:1-9. Speak this passage over the Holy City.
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
1 Chron. 7:14. Intercede for the nation. Pray for repentance, a spiritual awakening, and a harvest in all the cities your nation.
4. Sing the Song of the Lord/prophetic songs.
"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 unto 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.
Section 5: Conclusion
On our own pilgrimages through life, we Believers may also trust in supernatural protection and provision as we press forward in our appointed service. Take heart and persevere in good works. As it was with Jacob, our enemies and obstacles are really opportunities for our growth, transformation, advancement, and victory. Overcoming enemies is accomplished through faith in Yeshua’s redeeming Blood and His redemption promises, and by the power of His Spirit. We should not fear trials and challenges. They will come. Without them, though, we tend to atrophy morally and spiritually. What would have become of Jacob without Esau and Laban? What would have happened to David if there had been no Goliath, or Saul, or Nathan? Where would much of the Apostolic Scriptures be if it were not for Paul's prison? How could John have written the Revelation [the consummation of all things] without his exile on Patmos? Hence, right behind your own trials and struggles is an open door to our destinies too. Therefore, press forward in faith. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper..." (Isa. 54:17). And remember, the "double host" is assigned to us as well. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them" (Psalm 34:7). And, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands..." (Psalm 91:11-12).
1. "Blessed is the man who does not walk after the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scorners! But his delight is in the law of the Lord...his leaf shall not wither..." (Read Psalm 1).
Jacob walked in righteousness and faith. Likewise, if our delight is in pleasing YHVH and honoring His law, whatever we put our hand to He will cause to prosper. The blessedness alluded to in Psalm One includes (a) the fruit of righteousness—peace, (b) having true purpose—doing God’s will, (c) citizenry in a chosen society—Israel, (d) enjoying moral and spiritual advancement—our pathway is upward and onward in His strength and character, (e) usefulness—doing good and bearing fruit [the unrepentant wicked are intrinsically worthless, dead, unserviceable], and (f) having His eternal love within—being attracted by YHVH’s divine Instructions. “There is nothing in the world worth living for, but doing good and finishing God’s work—doing the work Messiah did.” [Brainerd. W.F., Eerdmans, p. 9.] His blessedness is the vigor of the soul. “Whatever he does shall prosper.”
2. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).
True corporate unity occurs through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. He is the Substance Who bonds believers together in faith and practice. A great outpouring and harvest are on the horizon for this generation if we will pray. With a national spiritual awakening there will arise a multitude of believers who will awakened and returned to their Hebraic heritage solely through the power of God. "Not might, not by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord" (Zech. 4:6). The much needed visitation will come forth and bond the Body of Messiah together in a fresh and glorious revelation of the glory of Yeshua.
Pray: "Let me see thy glory." Expect a profound season of refreshing to come from heaven! "You will see greater things than these" (John 1:50).
Next week: Parsha Va Yeshev ("And he settled")
Remember! Growth takes "lifting." Complete your answers and exercises. They represent the "weights" that the Holy Spirit will use to build a strong, well-proportioned spiritual physique.
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, Eerdmans; Torah Club; Restoration Scriptures, Your Arms to Israel Publishing; Chumash, Stone Edition; Hearing from God, J. Meyer; 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; 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; Living Israeli Hebrew, Dr. D. Ben-Gigi, Living Israeli Hebrew Publications; Hebrew Word Pictures, Dr. F. Seekins, Living Word Pictures, Inc.; Torah Insights, R. Fischer; FireBible, Student Edition, NIV, Life Publishers International; Internet Sites; Jewish Encyclopedia. com.
References: 1.Pulpit Commentary, Eerdmans, Kings, p. 450. 2. Reference unrecorded. 3 .Hosea, Pulpit Commentary, Eerdmans. 4. FireBible, Student Edition, Henderson, Life Publishers International, p. 1346. 5. Ibid, p. 1377.
