The Open Bible

Study Guide to Torah Portion BO

2010-01-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

Parasha Bo

· Exodus 10:1-13:16

· Jeremiah 46:13-28

· Romans 9:14-29

The Torah Portion at a Glance

The last three of the Ten Plagues are visited on Egypt: a swarm of locusts devours all the crops and greenery; a thick, palpable darkness envelops the land; and all the firstborn of Egypt are killed at the stroke of midnight of the 15th of the month of Nissan.

YHWH commands the first mitzvah/commandment to be given to the people of Israel: to establish a calendar based on the monthly rebirth of the moon. The Israelites are also instructed to bring a "Passover offering" to YHWH: a lamb or kid is to be slaughtered and its blood sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel of every Israelite home, so that YHWH should pass over these homes when He comes to kill the Egyptian firstborn. The roasted meat of the offering is to be eaten that night together with matzah (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs.

The death of the firstborn finally breaks Pharaoh's resistance and he literally drives the Children of Israel from his land. So hastily do they depart, there is no time for their dough to rise, and the only provisions they take along are unleavened. Before they go, they ask their Egyptian neighbors for gold, silver and garments, draining Egypt of its wealth.

The Children of Israel are commanded to consecrate all firstborn and to observe the anniversary of the Exodus each year by removing all leaven from their possession for seven days, eating matzah, and telling the story of their redemption to their children. They are also commanded to remember the Exodus and their resultant commitment to YHWH. (adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

Pharaoh could have stopped the path of death and destruction in this week’s Torah portion by simply submitting to YHWH and obeying His voice. All Pharaoh had to do was heed the sign of the blood. Egypt could have been spared if Pharaoh would have paid attention to the first plague. The firstborn of each family could have lived if Pharaoh would have understood the message behind the Nile River turning to blood.

In ancient times, the Egyptian society depended upon the Nile River for its existence. Thus, the Nile was considered the life-force of Egypt. The people considered the Nile the embodiment of their many gods. Each morning Pharaoh would rise and bathe in the beautiful water. When the Nile flooded or dried up, the Egyptians considered their god to be unhappy. To appease the Nile and calm the waters, they would even offer human sacrifices. 80 years before the Exodus, Pharaoh had commanded that every son born from the Hebrew slaves was to be cast into the river and drowned. Later, when Pharaoh ignored the prophet's command, the water turned to blood again. Through this blood YHWH was calling out to Pharaoh to repent of his sins and release the Israelites. Sadly, Pharaoh's response is repeated by millions each day. We read in Exodus that after watching the Nile turn to dahm / blood, Pharaoh simply turned away. He saw the blood and turned His back upon salvation.

"And the magicians of Egypt/Mitzrayim did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he listen to them; as YHWH had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house neither did he set his lev (heart) to this also. And all the Egyptians dug all around the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after YHWH had smitten the river," Exodus / Shemot 7:22-25.

The Scriptures declare that "YHWH declares the end from the beginning" in Isaiah 46:10. When the Nile River was first turned to blood, YHWH was warning Pharaoh of a coming disaster. YHWH was offering Pharaoh an escape. "Life is in the blood," Leviticus 17:11. Pharaoh ignored the blood and brought death upon his entire family and people. The wages of sin is death but the blood offers life!

The blood remained for 7 days giving the leader and his people plenty of time to repent. YHWH is so gracious that he always gives us time to turn to Him. During the time YHWH gives, man will either grow sorry for what he as done or he will allow his heart to harden. Pharaoh chose the latter. Notice too that Pharaoh turned to his magician's to see if they could duplicate the blood. Through the power of demons, the enchanters were able to seemingly copy the miracle of YHWH. However, they were not able to make the blood leave and allow the Nile to return to normal. The occult and the world have many false promises and false manifestations that seem to mirror moves of YHWH. The evil powers may be able to duplicate some of YHWH's miracles BUT the dark side can not stop YHWH's judgment. Life is not found in false fabrications but in the blood of the lamb of YHWH. Today, millions know the message of the gospel but turn to mediums, horoscopes, and witchcraft. Even Messianic believers have to battle the demonic powers behind the teachings of reincarnation and "practical" Gnostic kabbalah. The Messiah's message is pretty simple - life is in the blood!

When Y'shua celebrated Passover he lifted the cup and said "this is the blood of the brit/covenant, unless you drink my blood and taste my flesh you can not enter the kingdom of YHWH." Again, He was proclaiming that life is in the blood.

His blood was the fulfillment of the prophetic blood of the Nile and the lamb's blood on the doorposts. We read in the book of Matthew that the disciple that betrayed Y'shua dipped his hand in the dish before the cup was offered. Even in the face of death, Y'shua offered eternal life to those at his table, including the one who would trade his life for silver. The blood covers all sin and all reproach, no matter what you have done, said, or thought. "And the dahm/blood of Y'shua ha Moshiach His Son cleanses us from all sin," 1 John 1:7. Forgiveness is found in the blood.

The story is told of a man who has built up a huge debt and can't pay it. The man's wealthy boss comes along and pays the bill without telling his employee -- then calls him in to give him the good news. The man sits down, is handed the dossier of debts, and flips through the pages to see the list of bills he has accumulated. He thinks, "I'll never be able to pay all this. They're going to throw me in jail!" When the CEO sees the man's fearful countenance, he is perplexed. He says, "Excuse me -- did you look at page one?" The man flips back to the first page, which reads: "Paid in full." Our sins have been covered the debt of sin has been paid in full.

Pharaoh could have been forgiven but he ignored the first and then the last sign of the blood. For our generation the first sign of blood is the dahm/blood of Y'shua shed for the forgiveness of sin. The second sign of blood will be seen by all when the "sun will be turned to darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day," Acts 2:20.

When Y'shua returns the world will once again see a sign of blood and be given another chance to repent. On that day millions will look upon the one whom was pierced and call upon Y'shua for salvation. As we await His return let us continually keep the dahm/blood of Y'shua in our minds. It is through His blood that we have been redeemed, forgiven, and given the victorious life. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives even to the end,” Revelation 12:11.

We have the right to draw a faith blood line that the enemy can not cross. By remembering the blood of Y'shua and applying it to the door posts of our lives, no evil can triumph over us.

"Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver, or gold, from your futile spiritual conduct received by tradition from your fathers. But with the precious dahm/blood of Moshiach, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in YHWH, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your emunah (faith) and tikvah (hope) are in YHWH. Since you have cleansed your beings in obeying the emet/truth through the Ruach in sincere ahava/love of the Yisraelite brothers, love one another fervently with a clean lev, Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of YHWH which lives and abides forever, because all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of YHWH endures forever. Now this is the word that by the good news was proclaimed to you," 1 Peter / Kepha Alef 1:18-25.

Applying the Portion to Life Today

"Egypt rejoiced when they went," says Psalms 105:38. “This is comparable to a fat man who is riding on a donkey. The donkey longs: "O when will he get off me"; and the man longs: "O when will I get off the donkey." As soon as he gets off, the man is happy and the donkey is happy. Still I do not know: who is the happier? So, too, when the Hebrews were in Egypt, and the plagues were befalling the Egyptians, the Egyptian were longing: "O when will the Israelites get out!" And the Yisraelites were longing: "O when will YHWH redeem us!" As soon as they went out, both were happy. Still, I did not know: which was the happier? Until King David came and said: "Egypt rejoiced when they went," says one Rabbi in Midrash Tehillim.

Perhaps the Egyptians wanted the Israelites to leave because Pharaoh had finally conceded defeat. The Egyptian gods had failed. The cataclysmic spiritual battle was finally over. The white flag of surrender was being raised as Pharaoh himself was finally permitting the exodus to occur. The Hebrews and their Elohim had prevailed.

The plagues against Egypt had culminated with the tragic killing of the firstborn. The darkness of death had swept the land and mourning was just beginning. “At midnight YHWH struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Mitzrayim (Egypt), for there was not a house without someone dead. During the night Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aharon and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship YHWH as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me,” Shemot/Exodus 12:29-32.

This devastation of death had shattered Pharaoh’s hardened heart to pieces. Yet this plague did more than just break Pharaoh’s will. A great deal more had occurred than just the killing of the firstborn. The tenth and final plague sent a resounding message to every home in the land. The message of redemption was sounded where every firstborn Egyptian was slain and where every firstborn Hebrew was saved. What was the message? YHWH is the only Elohim worthy to be worshipped. It is a message that is to be remembered to this day. “Bring to mind the former things, those of long ago; I am Elohim, and there is no other; I am Elohim, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please,” Isaiah 46:9.

Forget for a moment the war between America and Al Queda. Stop to consider the battle between YHWH and the gods of Mitzrayim (Egypt). Their fight is over who controls Yisrael. Their battle is over who does Yisrael acknowledge as Supreme. In this week’s parasha, a worship war is being waged between tov (good) and ra (evil.) Pharaoh wants to keep the Israelites in bondage to slavery, subjective to the false gods of Egypt. YHWH wants His people to be free to worship Him and Him alone in Spirit and in truth. Just who is Elohim of Yisrael? What took place between Egypt and Yisrael in the natural was reflective of what was actually taking place in the supernatural. YHWH was defeating the gods of Mitzrayim (Egypt). Here are a few points of this battle to consider:

YHWH first wants His people to journey for three days to worship.

Pharaoh does not allow this, and calls the people lazy.

YHWH desires an offering of sacrifice from Yisrael in a specific manner.

Pharaoh tells Yisrael to do it his way and just sacrifice while still in Mitzrayim.

YHWH seeks total obedience to His will.

Pharaoh releases the Hebrews but not their herds or flocks, so they cannot sacrifice in accordance to YHWH’s will.

The war for Yisrael continues up until the tenth plague and finally a winner is declared. A knockout punch is made to the gods of Mitzrayim by the mighty hand of YHWH! The winner is YHWH Eloheynu. “I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am YHWH,” said the Creator in Shemot 12:12. Through the ten epidemics YHWH Elohim brings judgment upon the elohim or gods of Egypt. Does all this talk of “elohims” sound confusing?

“In any language other than Hebrew, the term “God” comes down to us through numerous pagan cultures and does not accurately represent the Eternal One of the Hebrew Scriptures. Although perhaps you have probably come to know Him by the term “God,” for the sake of truth and clarity, you need to know that “god” is actually a word etymologically connected to pagan deities…the term you need to learn is Elohim,” wrote Avi Ben Mordechai in his book Messiah Volume Three.

“Elohim” is the plural Hebrew term found throughout the Bible for “gods.” Most English Bibles translate this same Hebrew statement as “God,” or “god,” or “gods.” While the Hebrew word Elohim is unchanged, the only difference in the English is the capitalization by the publisher. This is because the Hebrew word “Elohim” is a general term used throughout the Scriptures to describe spiritual beings or “mighty ones.” The Egyptians, for example, had many elohim or “gods.” According to Strong’s Exhaustive Dictionary the word “elohim” carries with it the connotation of judgment and literally means “gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God; occasionally magistrates.” Elohim comes from the root word prefix “El” meaning “strength; as an adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):—God or god, goodly, great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong.” The term Elohim appears over 1,100 times in the Bible as a “title” describing YHWH.

The problem is that the Egyptians worshipped many elohim, or spiritual beings, including Pharaoh himself. The majority of the Egyptians did not acknowledge nor worship YHWH THE Elohim. Remember the words Pharaoh spoke when Moshe first told him to let the Hebrews go… “Who is YHWH that I should obey when he says to let Israel go? I don’t know YHWH, and I also won’t let Israel go.” Well, Pharaoh and all of Egypt would soon find out exactly who YHWH is.

The events of Exodus occur to share the fact that YHWH is the Almighty El. Mitzrayim and the world have many Elohim while Israel has the One true Elohim. The elohim/gods of Mitzrayim/Egypt were defeated and YHWH was proved the true Elohim in plain view of the world through the ten plagues. “Who among the elohim is like you, O YHWH? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Shemot/Exodus 15:11.

Here is a short list of some of the false elohim/gods that were judged by YHWH. This is just more proof that, “Elohim presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the “gods,” Psalms 82:1.

Plague	False elohim/gods judged
Nile	Osiris, Nile, Hathor,
Frogs	Heka, pride
Lice	Egyptian priests, Ra
Insects	Scared beetle, Ba’alzebulb
Animals death	Osiris, Hathor, Ptah
Boils	Imotep, ritual of casting ashes
Hail	Pharaoh, Osiris
Locusts	Seth, Isis, Anubus
Darkness	Egyptian priests, Hathor, Ra, Suber, Amon-Re
Death of Firstborn	Pharaoh, Isis, Osiris, Horus

In the above chart you will find the name of Pharaoh many times. Pharaoh was defeated when his own son was killed. The ruler’s firstborn, literally considered to be “god incarnate,” was just one of the various gods that were defeated. “For YHWH Eloheynu is Elohim of elohim and Adon of adons, the great EL, mighty and awesome,” says Deuteronomy 10:17.

Through the building up of the plagues and the culmination of the final affliction Yisrael is finally released to worship YHWH. Pharaoh no longer exhorts his supposed “control” over the Hebrews. They are no longer subject to false Elohim of Mitzrayim. They are free to worship YHWH Elohim. No wonder Yisrael was happy to leave. Yet it wasn’t just the Hebrews who left the land of idolatry and paganism. “A mixed multitude went up with them also,” says Exodus 12:38. Many left Egypt and the elohim of Egypt behind.

The Egyptians were humiliated because their gods had been defeated. They were also frightened that another plague would hit them if they held the Hebrews back. They were happy to see the Israelites come and they were happy to see them go. The Israelites were happy to go and the people of Mitzrayim were happy to let them go. Who was happier? Probably YHWH was the happiest of all.

Portion Points to Ponder

The Hebrew name for this portion is “Bo.” What does this mean?
Read Jeremiah 46:13-28. How does this relate to the story of Exodus this week?
Consider the words found in Romans 9:14-29. What did you learn from studying this passage?
How does this Torah portion speak of the Messiah Y’shua?
Describe two ways that you can apply this week’s Torah portion to your life.
What was the eighth plague?
Explain how a person can fulfill Exodus 11 and explain the Passover story to their son’s and their son’s sons?
What kind of insect is a locust? According to Leviticus 11:20-23 is this animal kosher for man to eat?
Who recognized the need to let Israel go first – Pharaoh or his servants? Explain how leaders sometimes are blind to what is best for the people.
Moshe said the families of Israel were going to worship YHWH together. Why did Pharaoh have a problem with the family unit leaving Egypt? Explain how Satan tries to stop families from worshipping together today.
What did the locusts eat?
What type of wind brought the plague of locust into the land of Egypt? What is the meaning of this direction of wind?
Pharaoh stated that he sinned against YHWH and then asked Moses to pray for Him. Was this true repentance?
Pharaoh didn’t pray to YHWH for forgiveness but asked Moses to do so for him. How is this type of false repentance prevalent in churches today? Compare to 2 Corinthians 7:10.
What type of wind took away the locusts? What is the meaning of this direction?
What does it mean that “YHWH hardened Pharaoh’s heart?”
The thick darkness lasted for three days. Describe the significance of the three days in relation to Hosea 6:2.
Were the children of Israel protected from the thick darkness? How?
Moses and the nation of Israel could have left Egypt with their families after the plague of darkness bud didn’t. Why not? Didn’t YHWH just want His people to be free from slavery or did their mode of worship matter?
Explain the last plague against Egypt.
Why would the Egyptians willingly give up their riches to their Hebrew slaves? How does the favor of YHWH cause your enemies to live at peace with you?
At what time would the first born be killed?
What protected the children of Israel from the death of the first born?
Pharaoh saw the multiple signs of miracles against the pagan nation. The Newer Testament states that a “wicked and perverse generation looks for a sign” but still does not believe. How was the stubbornness of Pharaoh like the obstinacy shown by people today?
When is the Biblical New Year, as explained in Exodus 12:1?
Why do Jewish people celebrate the New Year in September with the month of Tishrei?
The Hebrew Bible names the first month “Aviv.” Why do people call this month “Nisan?”
On the tenth day of the first month a lamb was to be taken as a future offering. How is the number 10 full of meaning?
Was one lamb enough for an entire household? What if the family was too small? How does this compare to Acts 16:31 that states, “you will be saved, you and your entire household.”
How old was the Passover lamb sacrifice? How long was it to stay at the home of the Israelites?
Exodus 12 states that the sacrifice was to be eaten “between the evenings.” Was the Passover meal on the night of the 14^th of Aviv or on the 15^th of Aviv? Why do you believe this?
How was the lamb to be cooked and then eaten? Could there be leftovers the next day?
According to Exodus 12, what three foods must be part of any Passover remembrance meal?
Is communion a Passover meal? Where does the Eucharist originate?
What is the meaning behind the unleavened bread called “matzah?” What can be learned from eating bitter herbs or lamb?
How were the Israelites to eat the Passover meal – reclined or in a hurry?
According to Exodus 12:27, is this the “Jewish Passover” or the Passover of YHWH?
Who passed through the land of Egypt and executed judgment? Was it YHWH or the death angel?
The blood was a sign to whom on the night of Passover?
How is Passover night a memorial to Bible believers today? Explain how Christians keep the Passover? What about the Jewish people? How do you celebrate Passover?
How many days were the Israelites to eat unleavened bread? What is the Hebrew word for unleavened bread?
Why would YHWH command “leaven” to be removed from the homes of the Israelites?
What is the Hebrew word for “leaven” or “yeast” as found in exodus 12:20? What type of foods include this ingredient?
How many days is the Passover festival? Is the “Festival of Unleavened Bread” a separate holy day?
How many days were the people of Israel to eat matzah?
What actions are allowed to take place on the first and last days of the “Festival of Unleavened Bread?” Why is some type of work permitted but others prohibited?
On what day of the first month does the Festival of Unleavened Bread begin? When does it end? Why would YHWH command this time of worship?
Exodus 12:19 states that for “seven days shall no leaven be founding your homes.” What should you do with your leavened items if they can not be on your property?
What type of tree branch was used to spread the lamb’s blood on the door posts? How does this verse correlate with Psalm 51:7 and Exodus 14? Study these passages and explain.
How were the Hebrew people to explain the Passover to future generations? How are you sharing your faith with those younger than you?
What happened to the first born on the night of Passover? What happened to them after that Passover night?
How did the death of the firstborn recall the evil actions of Pharaoh when he ordered the murder of all Hebrew boys? Did Pharaoh reap what he sowed?
Pharaoh finally releases Moses and the nation of Israel to leave in Exodus 12:32. When he does this, Pharaoh also asks for a blessing. Why the change of heart? How does tragedy soften people’s stubborn attitudes towards YHWH?
How did the Hebrew people plunder Egypt? What would the gold, jewels, and cloth later be used for? Why is this offering from the Egyptians important for the future worship of YHWH?
How many men left Rameses in Egypt? Where did they go?
Was it only “Jewish” people that left Egypt? What about the “mixed multitude” in Exodus 12:38? Why is it important to recognize the great rabble of people that left Egypt and later received the Torah?
How long was Israel in Egypt as slaves?
According to Exodus 12:44, could uncircumcised people keep the Passover? Should uncircumcised people celebrate Passover today? Does circumcision still matter?
Where any bones of the Passover lamb broken? How is this symbolic of the Lamb Y’shua whose bones were not broken according to John 19:36 and Psalm 34:20?
How were the living firstborn consecrated to YHWH?
How is the Exodus a sign on the hand and a reminder on the forehead of the believer today? How do Jewish people apply Exodus 13:9?
Does it matter what day we celebrate the Passover?
What did you learn from this Open Bible study?

The Open Bible is a teaching series written by Daniel Rendelman of Emet Ministries. Daniel Rendelman is the found and leader of Emet Ministries and the author of the book “Finding the Truth.” He, his wife, and five children live in Newberry, South Carolina. He can be reached at emetministries@gmail.com. Find more teachings, audio messages, videos, and music at www.emetministries.com.

Torah Portion Shemot

2010-01-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

By Daniel Rendelman of www.emetministries.com

Torah Portion: Shemot

· Exodus 1:1-6:1

· Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23, and Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

· 1 Corinthians 14:13-25

The Torah Portion at a Glance

The children of Israel multiply in Egypt. Threatened by their growing numbers, Pharaoh enslaves them and orders the Hebrew midwives, Shifrah and Puah, to kill all male babies at birth. When they do not comply, he commands his people to cast the Hebrew babies into the Nile.

A child is born to Yocheved, the daughter of Levi, and her husband, Amram, and placed in a basket on the river, while the baby's sister, Miriam, stands watch from afar. Pharaoh's daughter discovers the boy, raises him as her son, and names him Moses or “Moshe” in Hebrew.

As a young man, Moses leaves the palace and discovers the hardship of his brethren. He sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and kills the Egyptian. The next day he sees two Hebrews fighting; when he admonishes them, they reveal his deed of the previous day, and Moses is forced to flee to Midian. There he rescues Jethro's daughters, marries one of them - Zipporah - and becomes a shepherd of his father-in-law's flocks.

YHWH appears to Moses in a burning bush at Mount Sinai and instructs him to go to Pharaoh and demand: "Let my people go, so that they may serve Me." The sacred name “YHWH” is given to Moses as a sign of the Almighty’s power and existence. Moses' brother, Aaron, is appointed to serve as his spokesman. In Egypt, Moses and Aaron assemble the elders of Israel to tell them that the time of their redemption has come. The people believe; but Pharaoh refuses to let them go, and even intensifies the suffering of Israel.

Moses returns to YHWH to protest: "Why have You done evil to this people?" YHWH promises that the redemption is close at hand.

(adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

Moses was never the same after YHWH spoke to him through the burning bush. This event changed Moses and altered the course of human history. Let’s look a little closer at this account and find the Messiah right in the middle of one of mankind’s greatest moments.

First, Moses saw the bush from far off. The brightness of the flame attracted him to go closer. Before we come to Y’shua we are in spiritual darkness. But, there is something about the goodness and mercy of Messiah’s light that attracts us to Him. Our journey of faith is not always an easy path but it is one towards light. Moses, as well, had to climb up Mt Sinai to get closer to the Light of YHWH. As he approached, he found a bush that was on fire but was not consumed.

In Hebrew, the word used here for bush in Exodus 3 is “seneh.” This word is spelled samekh-nun-hey and literally means “thorn bush.” This term describes the burning bush as a bramble. The plant aflame wasn’t a beautiful azalea or an evergreen holly. No, YHWH spoke to Moses through a thorn bush. The Bible says that it was actually, “the angle of YHWH” that appeared to reveal the great tetragrammaton of yod-hey-waw-hey YHWH. Acts 7:30 describes the scene by saying that the “angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mt. Sinai in the flame of a burning thorn bush,” NASB. It is also interesting to note that later YHWH would tell Moses to build a tabernacle of acacia wood and cover it in gold in Exodus 26:29. Acacia is a small tree whose branches are covered with very long thorns. Would could these thorns symbolize?

As Moses heard the sacred name he also looked past the flames of yellow and red to see the spiky thorns. Perhaps Moses thought of the trapped lamb that Abraham once found in a thorny thicket. Or maybe, just maybe, the thorny bush was in a round shape like a crown – like the crown of thorns Messiah Y’shua would wear as He was being crucified? All we know is that it was a thorn bush one a mountain top that YHWH used to call his servant Moses and reveal the true name. YHWH is still using a crown of thorns from the hill of Golgotha to draw people to himself today.

Applying the Portion to Life Today

Moshe and Aharon both took deep breaths as they approached the king of Egypt. They had a radical message to take to the ruler. Nevertheless, it had to be done. The Almighty had spoken to Moshe and now Moshe had to speak to Pharaoh. With butterflies in his stomach and a frog in his throat, Moshe began to speak. His brother also presented the Israelite case before Pharaoh. Their message was simple and their message was heard. “Here is what YHWH the Mighty One, the Elohim of Israel, says “Let my people go so that they can celebrate a festival in the desert to me,” Shemot 5:1.

These powerful words fell on silence and Pharaoh shifted in his huge throne. He was definitely uncomfortable with this message. His eyes seemed to dart wildly from side to side. They seemed to be looking for something or someone. His face moved as he looked at his statues, as he looked at his gods. Perhaps he was searching for an altar to “YHWH” but he could not find it. Then, almost without a sound Pharaoh stood and spoke with a booming voice, “Who is YHWH that I should obey when he says to let Israel go? I don’t know YHWH, and I also won’t let Israel go.”

Pharaoh knows well the gods of Mitzrayim (Egypt). Yet he does not know or recognize the Elohim of Israel. Pharaoh doesn’t know YHWH so Pharaoh doesn’t obey YHWH.

Even today a distorted view of Father YHWH leads man to disobedience to His word and rebellion against his ways. To answer Pharaoh’s question (and maybe yours) let’s look to the events of this week’s parasha. Just who is the Elohim of Israel? The answers might surprise you.

He is an Elohim to be feared

Early on in this portion Pharaoh instructed the midwives of Egypt to kill the children of the Hebrews if a boy was being born. Yet, the Torah states that the midwives disobeyed the ruler of Egypt because they feared Elohim. Fear, or deep respect, for YHWH will lead to obedience to YHWH. And obedience always leads to blessing. Evidently the midwives feared Elohim more than they feared Pharaoh. Their defiance to a ruler of this world brought blessing from the Ruler of the universe.

Fear though is a tricky thing. Fear of Elohim leads to profit but fear of man leads to bondage. If you fear something or someone then this emotion could lead you to act irrationally or be scared of events. For example, Pharaoh was motivated by fear to kill the Hebrews. The Talmud says that astrologers had warned Pharaoh that a savior was to be born to Israel soon. This caused Pharaoh to be afraid of what could happen in the future. So in response to his fear of man, Pharaoh sought to kill off all possible boys who could grow and become the Redeemer that was prophesied. The midwives preserved the lives of the Hebrew boys because they feared or respected YHWH. Fear of man leads to death, while fear of YHWH leads to life. When the Elohim of Israel is feared, actions of righteousness are performed and blessings come.

He is an Elohim Who hears prayers

“During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to Elohim. Elohim heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac / Yitz’chak and with Jacob / Ya’acov. So Elohim looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them,” Exodus / Shemot 2:23-25.

The Israelites prayed for many years about their slavery. They groaned about their harsh conditions. YHWH heard their prayer and responded. He listened and He answered. The Elohim of Israel hears prayer and responds.

He is Elohim of the mountain

In this parasha the burning bush is set aflame atop Mount Horev. This peak is also called Sinai and the “mountain of Elohim” throughout the scriptures. This is the mountain where YHWH reveals himself to Moshe. He tells Moshe that Israel will assemble at this very place to worship as a nation freed from bondage and slavery. Consequently it is here, on the mountain of Elohim that the Torah is given to Moshe. Mount Horev is a place of worship, a place of holiness; it is a place of YHWH. Here the “the glory of YHWH was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel,” Shemot 24:17. Many Bible teachers also agree that it was on Horev that Y'shua’s transfiguration took place, thus revealing the glory of YHWH Y’shua.

You see, mountain peaks are very important to the message of the Bible. Much of the Messiah’s ministry and life took place on mountaintops. The mountain is a place where man can do aliyah or ascension to meet with YHWH. “Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of YHWH, to the house of the Elohim of Ya’acov. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The Torah will go out from Zion, the word of YHWH from Jerusalem,” says Micah 4:2. The mountain is a place of meeting for instruction from YHWH.

On these high peaks Moshe was instructed to go to Pharaoh, Torah was given to Israel, and Y’shua delivered the “sermon on the Mount.” The mountain of Elohim is where YHWH is revealed as teacher. It is where man goes up and YHWH comes down and life is forever changed. Notice the eternal pattern here – man goes up and YHWH comes down.

The Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov

“Then he said, “I am the Elohim of your father, the Elohim of Avraham, the Elohim of Yitzchak, and the Elohim of Ya’acov.” At this, Moshe hid his face, because he was afraid to look at Elohim,” Shemot 3:6. It is here that this eternal phrase of the patriarchal name is first used. The mighty one of Israel is the Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov.

For Moshe each name must have brought to mind how YHWH had interacted with these patriarchs in times gone by. For us this title should still do the same. YHWH is a personal Elohim. He appeared and related personally to the founding fathers of the faith. He called out to Avraham, He appeared to Yitzchak, and He wrestled with Ya’acov. “Like the patriarchs each person should believe in YHWH on the basis of personal investigation, not merely tradition,” says the classic Jewish book “Etz Yosef.” As Father YHWH He was with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov He was with Moshe. And is with us today.

This name is also a direct reference to the resurrection power of YHWH. Y’shua quoted the Torah and said, “But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what Elohim said to you, ‘I am the Elohim of Avraham, the Elohim of Yitz’chak, and the Elohim of Ya’acov? He is not the Elohim of the dead but of the living.” You see Avraham was dead yet YHWH is the Elohim of Avraham. Just as He was, and Is, and Is to come YHWH is the Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov.

The Elohim Whose name is YHWH

When you meet someone, usually the first thing you do is tell that person your name. Next you hear them tell you theirs. When a name is exchanged a bond is made. Well, the Elohim of Israel has a personal name. This designation is to be remembered forever and used for all eternity. When a person calls on the name of YHWH a bond is made and blessings abound. “Anyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved,” says the scriptures.

“Elohim also said to Moshe, ‘Say to the Israelites, ‘YHVH, the Elohim of your fathers—the Elohim of Avraham, the Elohim of Yitzchak and the Elohim of Ya’acov—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation,’” Shemot 3:14. What was spoken to him was four Hebrew letters that mirror the verb form of “to be.” These four letters are “yod-hey-waw-hey” or “YHWH.” This is THE name of the creator. “YHWH” is found over 6800 times throughout the scriptures hidden behind the capitalized term “Lord” in English Bibles. The Jewish Publication Society says, “YHVH was probably pronounced “Yahweh,” but in Second Temple times, as an expression of reverence Jews began to avoid uttering it, substituting “Adonai” and other surrogates.” Why though would the Creator of the Universe reveal His name to Moshe, tell Moshe to use it, and command it to be used for all generations if He wanted to be called something different? The Elohim of Israel is YHWH. Moshe used His name and so should we.

Who is YHWH?

Much more can be discovered about YHWH in this weekly Torah account. Just a little reading will discover that He is the Elohim of worship, the Elohim of miracles and wonders, and the Elohim of Israel. What also takes place in this parasha is the defiance of Pharaoh. Remember that is was Pharaoh who declared “Who is YHWH that I should obey when he says to let Israel go? I don’t know YHWH, and I also won’t let Israel go.” This trap of rebellion is easy to fall in if you don’t become acquainted with the truth about the Elohim of Israel.

The events that followed the dramatic conversation between Moshe and Pharaoh occurred to respond to that simple question. The miracles, the plagues, and even the exodus are answers to Pharaoh’s query. In our current portion, a battle began between the “gods” of Egypt/Mitzrayim and the Elohim of Israel. The god of the Nile, the sun, the animals, and the god of Pharaoh will soon be triumphed over. Pharaoh will finally obey YHWH and let Israel go. This will occur when Pharaoh at long last understands that YHWH is THE Elohim of the Universe.

Honestly though, it is hard to obey someone you don’t know. Many people don’t obey the commandments of the Torah because they don’t understand the Elohim of the Torah. So, get to know Father YHWH. Times of deception are now ending with the restoration of all things. This restoration includes a proper understanding and knowledge of YHWH the Almighty. Discover in this parasha and throughout scripture just Who YHWH is. When you do you’ll be amazed, humbled, and led to obedience.

Portion Points to Ponder

Read Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23, and Jeremiah 1:1-2:3. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?
Consider the words found in 1 Corinthians 14:13-25. What did you learn from studying this passage?
How does this Torah portion speak of the Messiah Y’shua?
Describe two ways that you can apply this week’s Torah portion to your life.
Why is this portion called “Shemot” in Hebrew? Where does the term “Exodus” come from?
Why doesn’t Exodus list the grandchildren of Jacob that came into Egypt?
The children of Israel were fruitful and multiplied. Where has this phrase been used before in the Bible?
The new Pharaoh did not “know” Joseph. What does this word “know” really mean in the Hebrew?
Pharaoh was afraid that Israel would multiply and take over his nation. What other rulers in the past have acted in fear and persecuted the Hebrew people?
What cities did the Hebrew people build for Pharaoh? Were the Israelites blessed in their service to Pharaoh?
In your opinion, why would the children of Israel grow in the face of persecution?
Explain how the Egyptians made the lives of the Hebrews bitter.
The midwives feared Elohim more than Pharaoh and did not obey his evil decrees. When is it acceptable to blatantly disregard the authority of the government? Did they sin by being untruthful to Pharaoh about the speed of the babies’ delivery?
What river were the male children cast into to die? Explain how this river was a god to the Egyptians.
Pharaoh's sole concern was for all the boys to be cast into the river, while the fate of the girls did not seem to interest him. Why did he add, "Every daughter you shall sustain"?
Who were Moses’ parents? From what tribe did they descend?
Moses was saved by being placed in an ark of wood. Explain how this deliverance was similar to the story of Noach.
How were the actions of Pharaoh to kill the sons of Israel similar to those of Herod in the New Testament? What spirit was behind these actions?
Why would the daughter of Pharaoh come to the wash herself in a river that was used to drown children? Couldn’t she have had water brought to her? What does Judaism teach about her?
What emotion did the daughter of Pharaoh express upon looking at Moses in the basket? Where else in the Bible does this emotion prompt action?
Who named the baby “Moses?” What does this name mean? How is this name symbolic of his future as a redeemer of Israel?
In your opinion, do you think Moses knew he was a Hebrew and not an Egyptian as he grew up and when he killed the Egyptian?
Because of Moses’ sin of manslaughter, he faced capital punishment. Moses was then exiled from the land and allowed to live in Midian. How is this pattern of sin-hiding-exile found in the Creation account?
What god did the priests of Midian worship?
Are there any parallels between the actions of Moses at the well and the actions of Rebekah at the well in Genesis 24?
Who was the wife of Moses? What was the name of their son?
Why did it take so long for YHWH to remember his chosen people and redeem them from harsh slaver?
Who was Moses’ father-in-law?
At what mountain did Moses experience the burning bush?
Who is “the angel of YHWH” that appeared to Moses at the burning bush?
Why was Moshe told to remove his shoes? Did the high priests wear shoes as he ministered in the holy of holies?
What would later occur on the same mountain where the burning bush was sighted?
How does YHWH describe the Promised Land in Genesis 3?
What sign was Moshe to give to the leaders of Israel when they questioned Moses’ authority to lead them out of Egypt?
What name did the Almighty reveal to Moses? Has this name ever changed or is it “eternal?”
Would the Hebrew leaders recognize the name of YHWH or would they be hearing it for the first time?
How is YHWH’s name “a memorial to all generations?”
What is the traditional Jewish view of the name YHWH? What does mainstream Christianity do with YHWH’s name? Why is there so much controversy about YHWH’s name?
For what purpose was YHWH leading the people out of Egypt?
Did YHWH promise Moses an easy faith or would he have trials? Would Pharaoh agree to Moses’ demands?
How did Moses answer YHWH at the burning bush? Was he speaking in faith?
Explain the sign of the rod and the serpent? How would the serpent later be lifted up as a symbol in the wilderness? What did Y’shua say about the serpent being lifted up in the wilderness in John 3?
Why did YHWH show Moses the miracle of leprosy? What does leprosy represent in the Torah?
How many signs did YHWH show Moses on the mountain?
Discuss how this verse speaks of Messiah Y’shua - Exodus 4:8, “It shall come to pass that if they do not believe the first sign that they shall believe the second sign.”
What was the first plague given to the people of Egypt?
What does it mean that Moses was of “slow tongue?” Is this similar to Isaiah in Isaiah 1?
Was it right for Moses to bargain with YHWH about going to Pharaoh?
Compare Exodus 4:15 to Matthew 10:19.
How are the antichrist and the false prophet a counterfeit of Moses and Aaron?
What does it mean that “YHWH will harden Pharaoh’s heart?”
Explain the Exodus 4:22 which says, “Israel is my son, even my first born.” What is the significance of Israel being YHWH’s “firstborn?”
Did YHWH give Pharaoh fair warning of the impending tenth plague death of the firstborn? Could Pharaoh have repented and listened to the voice of YHWH and stopped this plague?
How did Zipporah act righteously concerning her son’s circumcision?
Study Exodus 4:25 which states “thou art a bloody husband to me.” What did Zipporah mean when she said this? Is circumcision important today?
Where did Aaron and Moses meet? How did they greet each other?
How did the leaders/elders of the children of Israel respond?
What moed / feast were the Israelites to celebrate to YHWH in the wilderness? How long would it last?
How did the Hebrews make bricks without straw?
The Hebrew foreman and servants of Pharaoh spoke harshly to Moses and even called down judgment upon him. Were these naysayers focused on leaving the bondage of Egypt? Why or why not?

Torah Portion Vayechi

2009-12-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

Parasha Vayechi

· Genesis 47:28-50:26

· 1 Kings 2:1-12

· 1 Peter 1:1-9

The Torah Portion at a Glance

Ya’acov lives the final 17 years of his life in Egypt. Before his passing, he asks Joseph to take an oath that he will bury him in the Holy Land. He blesses Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, elevating them to the status of his own sons as progenitors of tribes within the nation of Israel.

The patriarch desires to reveal the end of days to his children. Jacob blesses his sons, assigning to each his role as a tribe: Judah will produce leaders, legislators and kings; priests will come from Lewi, scholars from Issachar, seafarers from Zevulun, schoolteachers from Simeon, soldiers from Gad, judges from Dan, olive growers from Asher, and so on. Reuven is rebuked for "confusing his father's marriage"; Shimon and Levi for the massacre of Shechem and the plot against Joseph. Napthali is granted the swiftness of a deer, Benyamin the ferociousness of a wolf, and Joseph is blessed with beauty and fertility.

A large funeral procession consisting of Jacob's descendants, Pharaoh's ministers, the leading citizens of Egypt and the Egyptian cavalry accompanies Jacob on his final journey to the Holy Land, where he is buried in the Machpeilah Cave in Hebron.

Yosef, too, dies in Egypt, at the age of 110. He, too, instructs that his bones be taken out of Egypt and buried in the Holy Land, but this would come to pass only with the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt many years later. Before his passing, Joseph conveys to the Children of Israel the testament from which they will draw their hope and faith in the difficult years to come: "YHWH will surely remember you, and bring you up out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Ya’acov."
(adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

The actual name of our Messiah is found hidden behind the translator’s words in this week’s Torah portion. Genesis 49:18 is just one example of how we miss so many faces of Scripture that can only be discovered in the Hebrew texts and not in English Bibles. In this verse, the translation disguises the Messiah’s name and prevents the casual reader from accepting the Savior’s presence throughout the Old Testament.

This verse in English reads, “I have waited for Your salvation, O YAHWEH.” IN Hebrew the verse is “Le Y’shua tehka keyoo eet’ee YHWH.” Here, the exact word for “salvation” is the exact name of the Messiah as given to him by the heavenly messengers in Matthew 1:21. This verse could also be translated "To thy Y'SHUA I am looking, O YHWH." In this passage, Jacob is actually calling out the name of Y’shua and professing faith in the Moshiach before his incarnation. This isn’t the only time the Savior’s name is made known in the Tanakh. In Psalm 9:14, King David of Israel said "I will rejoice in thy salvation/Y’shua.” The Prophet Isaiah agreed in 12:2&3 "Behold, Elohim is my Y'SHUA/salvation; I will trust, and be not afraid: for YHWH is my strength and my song; he also is become my Y’shua/salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Y'shua/salvation." Later in Isaiah 62:11 we read, "Behold, YHWH hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation/Y’shua cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him." And in Habakkuk 3:13 we find a startling verse that actually call’s Y’shua the anointed Messiah! "Thou wentest forth for the salvation/Y’shua of thy people, even for salvation/Y’shua with thine anointed/messiah..."

Y’shua is found throughout the pages of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings if we will just look. May YHWH open our eyes that we could behold wonderful things from His Torah for Y’shua is the Torah made flesh.

Applying the Portion to Life Today

The Jewish people have kept the Torah for thousands of years. They have an understanding of what it means to obey the majority of the commandments. The Rabbis and Sages of Judaism have studied, discussed, fussed, and made decisions on the various mitzvah or commands. A single action of obeying a Torah command has overtime developed into a tradition through repetition. The action also has progressed into the culture as an accepted practice, thus becoming part of the Jewish identity. To put it plainly, the Jews have the Torah and so to learn how to obey the Torah you can learn how the Jews do it. The Jewish people’s Torah keeping is a witness to the world on how a Bible believer should act. “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of Yahweh,” Romans 3:1.

Take for example the commandment in the Torah found in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:5-9. It says to “Love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. And these words (the Torah) which you are being ordered this day are to be on your heart…write them on the door frames of your house and on your gates…” You could ignore this verse as being in the “Old Testament” or in the “Jewish Law.” But if you really want to follow the whole of scripture you would try to obey it. But how exactly do you do so?

To literally obey this command to write the words of the Bible on your doorframes and gates is pretty strange. You could come up with your own interpretation and try to do it. Your imagination might lead you to write Bible verses with a magic marker all over the frames of your house. Or you could accept the traditional Jewish observance of this mitzvah. You could follow an age-old tradition by affixing a mezuzah to your doorpost. A mezuzah is a small encasing that holds a Torah scroll inside. The custom of the mezuzah helps fulfill the commandment in a special way. Yes, using the mezuzah is not the only way to obey this verse and yes it is the Jewish way to do it, but what is wrong with following their example here?

The Hebrew word for tradition is “masoret.” The Encyclopedia Judaica says, “Masoret is the general name for tradition. It is found in Ezekiel 20:37 and means originally "bond" or "fetter." Tradition is the discipline which establishes the correct practice and interpretation of the Torah and was therefore regarded as a hedge or fetter about the Law (Avot 3:14). Since this knowledge was handed down by successive generations, it was also associated with the Hebrew word masor, denoting "to give over." In the talmudic literature, the term masoret is used to include all forms of tradition, both those which relate to the Bible and those which concern custom, law, historical events, folkways, and other subjects.” Masoret remain virtually unchanged over long periods of time to provide examples, uniformity, and help with belief.

Jewish obedience to the Torah is not just mindless or faithless work. No, their practice of Torah has over time developed into a culture of events that express a lifestyle. It is not just about a religion. “Tradition has given Judaism a continuity with its past and preserved its character as a unique faith with a distinct way of life,” says one source.

Ok, so what does all this talk about masoret and customs have to do with the torah reading called “Vayechi?” Well, this parasha is full of traditions. Just skim over the reading to learn about life then and life now. Some of the traditional actions within these few chapters are of benefit while others are questionable. Here are just a few examples of the masoret found in this parsha:

1. Blessing or “B’racha” in Genesis 48:1-49:33
2. Embalming the dead in Genesis 50:1-3
3. Laying on of hands in Genesis 48:12-20
4. Burial with other Hebrew people in Genesis 49:7-50:13
5. Mourning the dead in Genesis 50:1-13

Other traditions are found in this parsha, like saying important dying words to those near you. These life events define who you are and attest to your identity and culture. Your traditions show to those around what you believe and whom you worship.

Friend, obedience to the Torah requires a different lifestyle than that of the world. Believers in the Bible must make a decision about the Torah. Either we will dismiss the Torah or we will accept the Torah. Either we will follow the Messiah’s example and keep the commands of Moshe or we will follow the preachers’ example and pig out on pork. Either we will agree to the traditional way of obeying a command or we will make it up as we go. You can dismiss the Torah as being “too Jewish” or you can accept the Torah and strive to obey it, the choice is yours. Yet when you choose to obey the Torah you will soon be confronted with another big problem. This is the problem of “how.”

To find the answer on “how” just look to the Jewish people and the first followers of the Messiah. The Jewish people’s faithful obedience to the Torah over the years serves as an example on how to fulfill the commandments. Sadly, most “New Testament Christians” have both testaments yet know very little about how to practically apply the mitzvah to everyday life. Yet, as a follower of the Bible, how do you know which rituals from Judaism to keep? As a person who wants to keep the Torah, how do you know which customs of the Jews to stay away from? If it is wrong to practice the routines of the pagans, what makes everything Jewish so special? When it comes to the Torah the Jews have already set the “halakhah” or the way to do it.

Yes, the Jewish people have kept the Torah for thousands of years. They have hashed out the difficult verses and set standards on the way to live. The majority of Jewish observances concerning the Torah are of benefit. By following the traditional adherence to the Torah your actions can model that of the first believers in Messiah. The early Believers were “just like the Torah keeping Jews” and their accepted practices differed in no way, teaches the church historian Eusebius.

Halakhah is the Hebrew word for the “way to walk” or the way “to go” in obeying the commands. It is found throughout the scriptures and is based on a verse from Shemot/Exodus. “And thou shalt show them the way wherein they are to go and the work that they must do," Shemot (Exodus) 18:20. When a teacher/Rabbi sets halakhah that teacher is saying, “we’re going to obey this command in this manner.” Or as one rabbi has put it, “Torah is the doctrine while halakhah is the way to walk out that doctrine.” There is much freedom when it comes to determining halakhah.

Decisions of halakhah are interpretations by a group of teachers or a teacher on how to best fulfill the Torah. Some groups have strict halakhah will others have very liberal teachings.

Throughout the world, Rabbi’s halakhah differ on how to do certain things, say Hebrew words, and obey the various commands. Haven’t you ever struggled with the “correct” way to keep a command? Halakhah conquers that struggle with a scriptural answer. Sometimes halakhah includes several different scriptural answers. This is why two groups can perform a mitzvah differently, yet both are in their own eyes “right.”

Much halakhah is based on scriptural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. There is nothing wrong with a Biblical tradition that offers, “You can keep the commandment this way.” What is wrong is traditionalism, which says, “YOU HAVE to keep the commandment our way.”

Traditions of the Bible are ok. Traditionalism of man is not ok. Traditions produce heritage, unity, and love. Traditionalism produces legalism, bondage, and rejection. Traditions are a means to an end. Traditionalism is the end in and of itself.

When Y’shua spoke about masoret he was rebuking a group of Torah teachers who were exalting their traditionalism over the Torah. “You have let go of the commands of Elohim and are holding on to the traditions of men. You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of Elohim in order to set up your own traditions!” said Y’shua in Mark 7:8-93. Notice that he did not tell them to get rid of their traditions. What the Messiah did do though is rebuke the teachers who valued, upheld, and created traditions that replaced obedience to the Torah. If any tradition takes the place of Torah, negates Torah, or hinders your walk of Torah then this is a tradition that needs to be dropped and replaced.

For example many people did not and even do not use the sacred name of Yahweh because the Torah says to “not take the name of Yahweh in vain.” Traditionalism says “to keep you from taking His name in vain just never use his name. If you never use his name then you can never misuse it.” Sorry folks, but this is just not what the scriptures mean. Tradition will support the Biblical mandate to use his name as found throughout scripture, yet it might teach you to use his name with a “w” sound or a “v” sound.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” says Mishlei (Proverbs) 4:23. Traditions can be used to aide and assist your spiritual walk. But they can also become idolized and control your heart.

Good or “tov” traditions will lead you towards intimacy with Yahweh. But with so many customs, web sites, articles, books, teachers, and ways to do things how do you know what to do? What should you do about how to exactly obey the various mitzvah? In looking to Judaism for information on Torah, what should you accept and what should you reject?

Finally here’s some help! Here’s a short “Truth Test” to use when deciding what traditions to use and what traditions to stay away from. When your family or ministry is making a decision on how to keep the commandments use this litmus test to assess the situation. The truth will set you free while pagan rituals, false worship days, and legalistic religious actions will bind you up. You have a rich culture and heritage of Biblical customs and traditions awaiting you.

Truth Test

Use this short test to examine your actions and as a tool to help you decide which traditions you should receive with open arms and which customs you should shy away from.

1. Is it Biblical? Does this custom or action go against certain verses or principles found in the Scriptures?

2. Is it pagan? Does this custom or action have pagan roots, pagan affiliation, or have pagan connotations to it?

3. Does it grieve the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)? Do you have peace with doing this? Does it promote unity, love, and shalom? Do you feel the Spirit’s tug when you do or don’t do it this way?

Portion Points to Ponder

1. The Hebrew name for this portion is “Vetch.” What does this mean?

2. Read 1 Kings 2:1-12. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?

3. Consider the words found in 1 Peter 1:1-9. What did you learn from studying this passage?

4. How does this Torah portion speak of the Messiah Y’shua?

5. Describe two ways that you can apply this week’s Torah portion to your life.

6. Why is it important that Jacob is buried in the Holy Land?
Where exactly is Ya’acov buried?

7. Give two reasons why Ya’acov didn’t want to be buried in

Egypt

8. How old was Ya’acov when he died?

9. Describe the blessings to Ephraim and Manasseh. What do these mean?

10. Explain how Genesis 48:20 is fulfilled by the Jewish people today. Why would the generations of Jewish men desired to be blessed like Ephraim and Manasseh?

11. Who are Ephraim and Manasseh today?

12. Did Ephraim and Manasseh replace Simeon and Reuven? Was Ephraim treated as the first born?

13. Why did Ya’acov bow before his grandsons?

14. Ya’acov placed his hands on his grandchildren in the opposite order of their birth. Why?

15. Ya’acov blessed them to be like fish in the midst of the earth. Explain how “fish” are

16. often symbolic in the Scriptures for “people” and how “waters” are often metaphorical for the “nations.” Does the words of Y’shua in Matthew 4:19 have anything to do with this?

17. Why was Ephraim blessed as the first born?

18. “His seed shall be the fullness of the gentile nations,” Genesis 48:19 is an important verse in relation to the nation of

Israel

. How does this verse correspond to Romans 11:12 and 11:25? When will this promise occur? Who are the fullness of the gentiles? Are you ready to share this answer with your friends and family?

19. Ya’acov called his sons together to hear a message about the end of days. How is this a prophetic reunion of

Israel

during the last days? Does this mean we are living in the last days?

20. Romans 8:15 is similar to the words in Genesis 48:5. Explain.

21. Does Ya’acov reveal the end of days to his sons or does he instead speak blessings over his sons?

22. Explain the message of YHWH’s appearance at Luz to Ya’acov.

23. Reuven was blessed with might and strength. However, sin stopped him from being all that he could have been for YHWH. How does sin prevent a person from accomplishing the will of YHWH?

24. Simeon and Lewi did what to be called “instruments of cruelty?”

25. Ya’avoc cursed the anger of Simeon and Lewi. Is it wrong to be angry? Can you be angry and sin not?

26. How were Simeon and Lewi divided and scattered within

Israel

and Jacob?

27.

Judah

was promised to be a Lion that would receive the praise of his brothers. Explain how this verse compares to Zechariah 8:23.

28. When would the scepter depart from

Judah

? Has this happened?

29. Who is Shiloh?

30. Why was Zevulon blessed to be near the sea?

31. Isachar is a donkey? What does this mean?

32. The tribe of Dan is called to judge the people. What is the name of a judge from

Israel

that would come from this tribe?

33. Ya’acov made a stunning confession in Genesis 48:19 while he was blessing his children. He stated “I have waited for your salvation oh YHWH.” In Hebrew he said “I have waited for your Y’shua oh YHWH.” How was Ya’acov professing faith in Messiah?

34. How is Yosef double blessed?

35. Yosef is prophesied to be fruitful and then hated by archers. How does the adversary shoot fiery darts as the sons of Yosef today? Is

Israel

hated in the nations?

36. Which tribe is prophesied as a wolf?

37. Who is the Shepherd and Stone of Israel?

38. Which blessing by Ya’acov was the shortest? Which blessing was the longest?

39. Where does the custom of embalmment originate?

40. Should Israelites desire to be embalmed today?

41. How long did the Egyptians mourn for Ya’acov? How does this verse foreshadow Romans 12:15?

42. Who went to bury Ya’acov in

Israel

43. Should Yosef had returned to

Egypt

or should he have stayed in the land of Israel?

44. Torah repeats many themes throughout its pages. When Jacob died, Yosef’s brothers were afraid that Yosef might exact revenge. Explain how this is similar to what happened between Esav and Jacob when Isaac passed away.

45. Did Yosef’s brother lie about Jacob’s message from beyond the grave?

46. The actions of Yosef’s brothers reveal to us about how it is sometimes hard to accept forgiveness. Did his brothers expect revenge or love from Yosef? How do you relate?

47. Yosef exclaimed that the evil that was mean t to be against him was made into goodness. Where else in the Bible has this occurred? When in your life has a supposed bad thing turned out to be beneficial?

48. Yosef told his brothers to “fear not.” How many times in the Bible does this phrase appear? What does this number mean?

49. Yosef’s last words that he absolutely would be carried out of

Egypt

echoed hope through the ages. When would this phrase be important the Hebrew people? Were his bones ever removed from

Egypt

and taken to the Promised Land?

50. Study and discuss the blessings found for each of the tribes in Deuteronomy 33 and Genesis 49. How are the words of Moses and Jacob similar? How are they different?

51. The last verse of Gen 50 has a translated word, ‘coffin’, which is used only once from the Hebrew word, ‘aron’. The word Aron was translated 199 times as something else that has life. Do you know what this word could be and what does it mean to you?

52. What did you learn from this week’s “Open Bible” teaching?

The Open Bible is a teaching series written by Daniel Rendelman of Emet Ministries. Daniel Rendelman is the found and leader of Emet Ministries and the author of the book “Finding the Truth.” He, his wife, and five children live in Newberry, South Carolina. He can be reached at emetministries@gmail.com. Find more teachings, audio messages, videos, and music at www.emetministries.com.

Torah Portion Miketz

2009-12-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Parasha Miketz

· Genesis 41:1-44:17

· 1 Kings 3:15-4:1

· Matthew 27:15-46

The Torah Portion at a Glance

Joseph's imprisonment finally ends when Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows that are swallowed up by seven lean cows, and of seven fat ears of grain swallowed by seven lean ears. Joseph interprets the dreams to mean that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of hunger, and advises Pharaoh to store grain during the plentiful years. Pharaoh appoints Joseph governor of Egypt. Joseph marries Asenat, daughter of Potiphar, and they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Famine spreads throughout the region, and food can be obtained only in Egypt. Ten of Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to purchase grain; the youngest, Benjamin, stays home, for Jacob fears for his safety. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him; he accuses them of being spies, insists that they bring Benjamin to prove that they are who they say they are, and imprisons Simeon as a hostage. Later, they discover that the money they paid for their provisions has been mysteriously returned to them.

Jacob agrees to send Benjamin only after Judah assumes personal and eternal responsibility for him. This time Joseph receives them kindly, releases Shimon, and invites them to an eventful dinner at his home. But then he plants his silver goblet, purportedly imbued with magic powers, in Benjamin's sack. When the brothers set out for home the next morning they are pursued, searched, and arrested when the goblet is discovered. Joseph offers to set them free and retain only Benjamin as his slave.

(adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

Once again the Messiah is clearly foretold in the pages of Torah. Our reading focuses on the life of Yosef and how he is taken from the pit, to the prison, and then to the palace. This is an exact representation of Y’shua HaMoshiach. As Yosef was lifted above his brothers, so too Y’shua rules and reigns. And as Yosef’s brothers came to him and did not recognize him, the Jewish people today do not quickly recognize Y’shua. The Torah says that Yosef was clean shaven like an Egyptian. He didn’t look like a Hebrew. Yosef also spoke through an interpreter. He didn’t sound like a Hebrew. Today, mainstream Christianity portrays a Gentile Jesus with blue eyes and blond hair. It is very hard for Jewish people and other unbelievers to recognize their Messiah because of how he is portrayed by the interpreter of Christianity. Thus, our mission becomes clear. We must present to the world the true representation of Y’shua. And we must show others unconditional forgiveness. In next week’s portion we will read of Yosef granting forgiveness to his brothers AND THEN the 12 sons of Jacob are reunited. It is only through our efforts to worship and witness of the Hebrew Messiah that the lost sheep of the house of Israel will come together. Pray today that YHWH will use you to witness about Y’shua to someone searching for the truth.

Below is another chart that describes the many parallels between Y’shua and Yosef. (Source unknown)

Parallel	Yosef	Y’shua
Most favored of their fathers	Genesis 37:3	Mark 1:11
Brothers hated them because of their special status	Genesis 37:4	Matt 21:33-41 (Y’shua is the "son" of the parable)
Given vision into the future	Genesis 37:6	Matt 24:3
Hated for their teachings	Genesis 37:8	John 7:7
Brothers plotted to kill them	Genesis 37:18	Matt 26:4
Put into the ground	Genesis 37:24	Mark 15:46
Raised three times	Raised up out of the pit(Genesis 37:28) Raised up to be ruler of Egypt (Genesis 41:41) Raised up ("made alive" again) when Jacob was told he was still alive(Genesis 45:26-28)	Raised up on the cross(John 19:17-18) Raised up from the grave (Matt 18:5-6) Raised up to heaven(Acts 1:9)
Given over to gentiles	Genesis 37:28	Acts 11:1
Sold for the price of a slave	Genesis 37:28	Matt 26:15
Taken into Egypt to avoid being killed	Genesis 37:28	Matt 2:13
Dead to his father	Genesis 37:33	Luke 23:46
Resisted temptation	Genesis 39:8-9	Heb 4:15
Gained the confidence of others quickly	Genesis 39:3	Matt 8:8
Became a servant	Genesis 39:4	Phil 2:7
Falsely accused	Genesis 39:14 (Potiphar's wife)	Mark 14:56 (chief priests)
Silent before their accusers	Genesis 39:20	Mark 15:4
Condemned between two prisoners - one was saved the other was not	Genesis 40:2-3	Luke 23:32
Held for two, and freed on the third	Genesis 41:1	Luke 9:22
Taught by YHWH	Genesis 41:16	John 5:19
The Spirit of YHWH was in them	Genesis 41:38	Luke 4:1
Arose into a new life	Genesis 41:41	Mark 16:6
Began ministry at 30 years of age	Genesis 41:46	Luke 3:23
Saved people from certain death	Genesis 41:55, 42:1-2	John 10:27-29
Everyone (both Jew and Gentile) came to him for their provision	Genesis 42:5-6	Acts 4:12
Gave bread to hungry people	Genesis 41:57	Mark 6:41
Not recognized by their own brothers	Genesis 42:8	Luke 24:37
Tested people to reveal their true nature	Genesis 42:25	Mark 11:30
Brothers bowed down before them	Genesis 44:14	Phil 2:10
Humble and unspoiled by wealth	Genesis 45:7-8	John 13:12
Became lord/Lord	Genesis 45:8	Rev 19:16
Loved people freely	Genesis 45:15	John 13:34
Returned to their father/Father	Genesis 46:29	Mark 16:19
Seeing them was a "prerequisite" before the death of a person	Genesis 46:30	Luke 2:26
Returned good for evil	Genesis 50:20	Matt 5:44

Applying the Portion to Life Today

What happened to Joseph and what happens in your life occurs to expose the light of YHWH. One author has written that “humans were created with two distinct aspects to their nature – darkness and light. The darkness is in the human ego – as in Everybody’s Got One. This is also where the light hides. Light is in the human soul, which is obscured by the ego. The purpose of your existence is to allow the full intensity of light to shine in your life and in this world. You have two ways to conduct your life:

1) Through your ego, doubting or oblivious to the truth of the Light, considering only yourself.

2) Through the humility of your soul, constantly finding the Light and considering the needs of others

Your career, your family, and your friends are here for one purpose – to provide the opportunity for you to carry out your personal transformation, they give you the chance to let go of your ego, selfishness, and envy, and in turn, find the Light.” These two aspects of the human nature are the flesh and the spirit, the yetzer hara and the yetzer tov. Believers in Messiah are not to live in darkness but walk in the Light. “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness,” 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

The events of your life shape your character and personality into what it is today. "In every sorrow there is profit," says Mishlei (Proverbs) 14:23.

This week’s parasha is called “miketz” which literally means “at the end.” This portion begins with the verse that says, “at the end of two years.” It had been two years since Yosef had correctly interpreted a pair of dreams from the chief cupbearer and the baker. These were two full years of imprisonment, darkness, and loneliness. During this time Yosef learns to control his selfish, sinful nature and release the Light of YHWH. Yosef discovers that it’s the events of your life that make you who you are. Yosef now understands that it is not anything in him that can interpret the dreams; rather it is the Almighty’s power working through him.

When Yosef is brought out of the pit of prison and before Pharaoh it is like déjà vu all over again.

Pharaoh reveals his two nightmares and then says the same exact words the cupbearer and baker used. Pharaoh said, “no one can interpret” his dreams in Beresheet 41:15. What is amazing about this event is that though the situation is the same Yosef responds differently. He does not respond as he did in the past. No, Yosef has changed. Yosef has learned to release the Light. He does not say “relate it to me” like he done so in the past to the cupbearer and the baker. This time Yosef tells Pharaoh “Elohim will answer.” Instead of hiding the Light with ego and selfish ambition Yosef points Pharaoh to the Light.

In the Scriptures, Light is the Hebrew word “ore.” According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and Dictionary “ore” literally means “to be luminous literally and metaphorically: break of day, glorious, kindle, set on fire, shine.” The word “ore” appears 5 times on the first day of creation, representing the 5 books of the Torah that bring Light to the world. Light is also used as a synonym or Hebrew idiom for the Torah. So when the scriptures speak of Light they are in fact many times speaking of the Word of YHWH, the Torah. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light (Torah) unto my path,” says Tehillim (Psalm) 119.

Light is also symbolic of the Messiah Y’shua. “When Y’shua spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” Yochannan 8:12. So, light symbolizes Torah and light symbolizes Y’shua. This makes since because Y’shua is the living Torah!

In the Sermon on the Mount Y’shua told his followers to let their light shine. He was saying to let their Torah observance shine as a witness to everyone that the Messiah has come. Y’shua was reminding them of the principle that inside man is the darkness of the flesh yet inside man was ability to choose Light. “Let your light (Torah) so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” Mattitiyahu 5:16

When Light/Torah/Y’shua penetrates through the darkness, lives are changed, hurts are healed, and people understand their purpose in life. Yosef went through many trials, which in turn brought forth much Light. The trials you are going through now are happening for the same reason. What happens in your life occurs to bring forth Light. This doesn’t mean YHWH has caused the events that are occurring but He has allowed it. It occurs to provide you an opportunity to grow. Hardships and suffering fan the flame of Light in the darkness of your world.

Light and darkness cannot coexist at the same time. Remember that in the beginning the Father said “let their be Light” and from the darkness came Light. Well, by simply understanding how Light shines you will discover your destiny as a person and find fulfillment in your life. How does the Light of Messiah shine?

First of all, don’t immediately ask YHWH to remove a sickness, hardship, trial, problem, or area of conflict when they occur. When you have a bad day, don’t go into super rebuking mode and cast out everything including the demon of wrinkled clothes. Before you pray to the Father to release you from a sickness, hardship, or circumstance, first ask Him what you are supposed to learn from it. Maybe you are going through something just to learn a specific lesson in the process. “Trials and difficulties mark the beginnings of darkness, but there is always the Light of salvation to look forward to even as the sons of Israel were brought out of Egypt at night in Devarim 16:1,” wrote Avi Ben Mordechai. Remember that Y’shua knew about the trials of Kefa (Peter). Y’shua knew in advance that Kefa would be tempted to deny the Messiah but Y’shua did not pray that the trials would be removed. Instead Y’shua prayed that Kefa’s “faith would remain.” Kefa needed the trials to prove his faith!

Light also comes forth when a person goes through either a spiritual transformation or suffering. Light is blocked when a person walks in the flesh and fulfills the lusts of the soul.

One Rabbi teaches that, “when we suffer we experience pain, when we undergo grief and heartache, the hurting actually purges ego and self-interest from our nature. The soul- our true self – shines brighter at that moment. This is why we suddenly feel a sense of love and unity with others when planes crash into buildings and those buildings collapse on national television. This is why we feel a shift in our priorities when the rubble of human remains litters the landscape as a result of war, terror, or tragic accidents. Our egos diminish from the emotional pain and our souls suddenly blossom.” Suffering brings people to the revelation and understanding that life is not all about satisfying selfish desires and ambition. The Almighty uses suffering to call people back to Himself, to humble people to the realization that life is not all about self.

Pain brings revelation of human nature but the pain lessons over time. The pain is forgotten and forsaken for selfishness, sinful actions and thought. Don’t you know that churches are full of people when there is a national tragedy? Many spend time at the altar confessing a “spiritual” renewal but a few weeks later those same people are nowhere to be found when the church bell rings. Nothing lasting has taken place because the truth of the Light, the Torah is not taught. The light of suffering will soon diminish and people will return to their old ways.

Suffering is temporary and so the light of suffering is temporary. A person stays humble for only so long. Darkness soon overtakes the light as the pain of tragedy is forgotten and there is a return to walking in the flesh and looking out for self.

To turn the Light switch on indefinitely you must experience a spiritual transformation akin to the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly. “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (Torah/Y’shua). Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with Adon Moshiach Y’shua, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature,” Romans 12:12-13. Your life must change from going with the flow of the flesh to submitting to the Torah if you want the Light of Messiah to shine for good.

To keep the power of the light shinning you should be like Yosef – you should learn from your pain and experience the life-changing presence of the Almighty.

You must deny yourself and follow the Messiah; follow the Torah; follow the Light. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: YHWH is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Y’shua, his Son, purifies us from all sin,” 1 Yochannan 1:5-7.

Pain is evitable. The experiences of life cannot be stopped. What happens to you happens for a reason – so your life can show forth the Light and glory of YHWH. If you don’t believe this, just ask Yoseph. Or ask the Messiah. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through YHWH,” Yochannan 3:19-21.

Portion Points to Ponder

The Hebrew name for this portion is “Vayeshev.” What does this mean?
Read Amos 2:6-3:8. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?
Consider the words found in Matthew 1:1-6 and verse 16-25. What did you learn from studying this passage?
How is Messiah Y’shua pictured in this Torah portion?
Explain how you can apply this week’s study to your life?
How does this Torah portion speak of the Messiah Y’shua?
The portion begins with a specific reference to "two years" having passed. The Jewish sages comment that these were two years that YHWH added to Joseph's prison term for not trusting Him fully and instead appealing to the chief of cup bearers (imprisoned along with him at the time) to "put in a good word for him to Pharaoh." Do you agree? Why or why not?
What was the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams of the corn and cows?
Did Pharaoh sin by going to the magicians?
The chief butler confessed his faults, proclaimed his sin, and held true to his word to remember Joseph. How were his actions an acceptable pattern of true Biblical teshuvah / repentance?
Before Yosef could appear before Pharaoh he had to be smoothly shaven. How is the bald shaved look of the Egyptians different than the bearded Hebrew custom?
When given the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, Yosef said "it is of YHWH." How was this statement of faith different than when Yosef interpreted previous dreams?
An east wind devoured the corn in Pharaoh’s dream. What is significant about a wind from the east?
Yosef said that "Elohim has showed Pharaoh what he about to do." In your opinion, does YHWH speak to pagan unbelievers? Can unbelievers easily understand YHWH's revelations?
Pharaoh dreamed two dreams on the same subject and Yosef interpreted the dream. How did these actions line up with the Torah provision that everything must be established by two or three witnesses?
In what manner are Pharaoh's dreams similar to Yosef's dreams (at the beginning of Parasha Va'yeshev)? [Note primarily their 'double' nature.] Does this help explain how Yosef is able to solve Pharaoh's dream
Pharaoh acknowledged that the Ruach / Holy Spirit was upon Yosef? How did he sense this?
Yosef was made "ruler over all the land of Egypt." Explain how Yosef went from the pit to the prison and then to the palace.
Yosef's name was changed by Pharaoh. How did taking an Egyptian name help Yosef assimilate into the pagan culture? How is this similar today?
Did the exile of the Hebrew people start with Yosef or later?
How old was Yosef when he stood before Pharaoh? Why is this number significant?
Yosef took the daughter of Potipher as a wife. Was she a Hebrew?
Who were Joseph's sons? What is the meaning of their names as given in the Torah?
Who are Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, today?
Since Yosef's wife was not Hebrew, are her children full-blooded Israelites? Does the Biblical bloodline run from the mother or the father?
How did Pharaoh use the famine to grow the power of Egypt?
Who was kept in Egypt as a hostage?
Joseph made known to his brothers a way of deliverance through substitution. Who in the last two thousand years have been making known to the world the way of deliverance through the substitutionary work of Messiah Y’shua the Son of Joseph?
Jacob sent 10 sons to Egypt but held back Benyamin. How is this similar to Jacob splitting his family into two camps as he approached Esav?
Jacob sent 10 sons to Egypt but held back Benyamin. How is this similar to the splitting of the two houses of Israel into Ephraim and Judah?
Why did Joseph speak roughly to his brothers and then accuse them of being spies? How did this behavior help?
Yosef put his brothers in prison for three days. Who was left behind? How is this like how his brothers treated Joseph when they through him in prison?
What language did the 10 sons of Joseph speak?
Who offered to be surety for Benyamin?
Why was it an abomination for Hebrews and Egyptians to eat together?
Was Joseph being deceptive by hiding his cup in the bags of his brothers?
Judah laid down his life for his brother. Why? What is this prophetic of?
Prophetically, would YHVH accept children of mixed marriages to be grafted in to the olive tree of Israel to become full citizens with equal standing and rights as full-blooded Israelites? (Read Romans 11:13–24.)
Who does Paul say these Gentiles are? (See Rom 9:25–26 and then read the Hosea passage Paul is quoting from Hosea 2:23. Also read Eph 2:11–19; Rom 4:16; 9:8, 11; and Gal 3:7, 9, 14, 28, 29.)
This Torah portion reading occurs every year at the time of Chanukah. Why? What does this story have in common with the account of the Festival of Lights?

Study Guide to Torah Portion Vayishlach

2009-12-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

Parasha Vayishlach

· Genesis 32:3-36:43

· Obadiah 1:-21

· Hebrews 11:11-20

The Torah Portion at a Glance

Jacob returns to the Holy Land after a 20-year stay in Charan, and sends angel-emissaries to Esau in hope of reconciliation, but his messengers report that his brother is on the warpath with 400 armed men. Jacob prepares for war, prays, and sends Esau a large gift (consisting of hundreds of heads of sheep and cattle) to appease him.

That night, Jacob ferries his family and possessions across the Yabbok River; he, however, remains behind and encounters the angel of YHWH, with whom he wrestles until daybreak. Jacob suffers a dislocated hip but vanquishes the supernal creature, who bestows on him the name Yisra’el, which means "He who prevails over the Divine."

Jacob and Esau meet, embrace and kiss, but part ways. Jacob purchases a plot of land near Shechem, whose crown prince -- also called Shechem-- abducts and rapes Jacob's daughter Dinah. Dinah's brothers Simeon and Lewi avenge the deed by killing all male inhabitants of the city after rendering them vulnerable by convincing them to circumcise themselves.

Jacob journeys on. Rachel dies while giving birth to her second son, Benjamin, and is buried in a roadside grave near Bethlehem. Reuben loses the birthright because he interferes with his father's marital life. Jacob arrives in Hebron, to his father Isaac, who later dies at age 180 (Rebecca has passed away before Jacob's arrival).

Our par shah concludes with a detailed account of Esau's wives, children and grandchildren, and the family histories of the people of Se’ir among whom Esau settled.

(adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

The identity of Jacob’s wrestler has perplexed Bible students for millennia. Judaism traditionally explains the wrestler was the guardian angel of Esav. Genesis 32:24, “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” The word in this verse for “man” is the Hebrew word “ish” and is translated properly. The text makes no mention that he wrestled with an “angel” or “mal’ak.” Ya’acov wrestles for a blessing and doesn’t give up until his name is changed to “Yisra’el.” This new name literally means “one who wrestles with El.” At the end of the wrestling match the man says “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with Elohim and men and have prevailed," Genesis 32:28.

Later, Jacob names the place of such strife "Peniel, meaning, 'I have seen Elohim face-to-face, and yet my life has been spared,'" Genesis 32:40. This word “elohim” is used throughout the Hebrew texts and literally means “mighty one or ruler.” Usually elohim is translated as “god.” Sometimes it is translated as “angel” and even once, in Psalm 82:6, mankind is called “elohim.”

The book of Hosea adds to the confusion. Jacob “took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with Elohim: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us,” 12:3-4. In this passage from the Prophet, the word “mal’ak” is used for “angel.”

So, taken together, Jacob wrestled with an ish-elohim-mal’ak! The wrestler is a man-god-angel. Who could this be?

Consider these verses:

· John 1:1, 14

· Hebrew 1:7

· Psalm 8:5

· John 1:18

· Exodus 33:20-23

Applying the Portion to Life Today

One of the wonderful things about the Torah is that it does not portray Bible characters as perfect saints who always do perfect things. The Torah openly and honestly displays the humanity of the humans involved in the divine struggle. Thank goodness that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were real people with real problems!

Our Torah portion is named “vayishlach” which means “he sent out.” The reading begins with Jacob preparing to meet with his estranged brother Esau. He sends out his family into two camps. His fear and his favoritism are shown clearly by his actions. His wife of choice and his youngest son are separated from the others in an effort to spare their lives should the family reunion turn sour. The mere fact that the family quibble between the two brothers is mentioned in Torah again reminds us that the Torah gives directions for every day life. We can learn much from how Jacob, Esau, Isaac, and others treated their families.

Jacob later has a wrestling match and fights for a blessing. Even though Jacob was a man of faith, his blessings didn’t always just drop from the sky. He had to fight and travail for his wife, possessions, and even his life at times. Don’t be fooled – the life of faith is not easy. The patriarchs showed us this. There are times when we seem to be wrestling with the Creator Himself. Then there are times when we must be as cunning and wise as a serpent and as meek as a dove.

This Torah parasha also teaches us to be careful to guard against vengeance. We must not take revenge into our own hands like Simeon and Lewi did. Their sister Dinah was taken advantage of by a man and this band of brothers allowed their tempers to get the best of them. They deceived the relatives of Shechem into thinking they could be part of the covenant people. Well, instead of showing them favor and mercy, Simeon and Lewi murdered many and plundered the people. They were eventually punished for such vengeance.

We should also learn from Rachel who died while giving birth to Benjamin on her way into Bethlehem. She was buried in a roadside tomb. Sometimes for new life to come there must be death. Y’shua said in Luke 9:23, that while we are on our own unique journey that we too are to “die daily.” It is only as we choose to offer our lives fully to YHWH that He can fully use us. Torah is accurate in its portrayal of mankind. We are imperfect people in an imperfect world, trying to serve a perfect elohim. Families fight. Struggles occur. Loved ones pass away. Life is hard sometimes. Through it all, YHWH will use what occurs for his plan and his glory.

Portion Points to Ponder

The Hebrew name for this portion is “Vayishlach.” What does this mean?
Read Obadiah 1:1-21. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?
Consider the words found in Hebrews 11:11-20. What did you learn from studying this passage?
How is Messiah Y’shua pictured in this Torah portion?
Jacob met a group of angels at a place called “mahanayim.” What does this term mean?
Ya’acov was distressed about meeting up with Esau. Why?
How was the division of Jacob’s camp similar to the division of the 12 tribes of Israel into the Northern and Southern tribes later in the Bible?
Ya’acov took numerous gifts to Esau. Is it a good thing to show kindness to your enemy?
Ya’acov heaped “burning coals” on Esav by showing kindness. How did Jacob accomplish the commands of Y’shua to “pray for those who despitefully use you” and “bless those that curse you.” Who do you need to bless and show kindness to today?
Before Esau and Jacob meet, the Torah states that Jacob wrestled with “a man” until the breaking of the day. Who did Jacob wrestle?
Ya’cov would not let go of the wrestler until he received a blessing. What blessing did he accept?
What was Jacob’s name changed to? Describe the meaning of this name.
Ya’acov asked for the name of the “man” that he wrestled. Do you think the man revealed his name to Jacob?
Ya’acov named the place where he wrestled “Peni’el.” Why?
Where is the phrase “face to face” spoken of again in the Bible? Explain how the name “Peni’el” relates to Yom Kippur.
Genesis 32:33 states that since the time of Jacob’s wrestling match that the “people of Israel do not eat the meat of the hip area of animals. Is this verse suggesting that believers are not to eat sirloin meat, which is normally found at this location of an animal?
Explain the actions that Ya’acov takes as he prepares to meet Esau. How does Esau eventually respond?
Genesis 33:4 says, “and Esau ran toward him and embraced him, and he fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” What type of kiss was this?
Why did Esau have a change of heart?
Jacob settled and names a place called “Sukkot.” Do the children of Israel return her on their journey out of Egypt?
How did Shechem defile Dinah? He loved her, wasn’t love enough?
When Ya’acov first heard that Dinah had been defiled before marriage what did he do?
The father of Shechem wanted Jacob’s sons and his daughters to intermarry. Was this a good idea? Why or why not?
The sons of Jacob answered the father of Shechem deceitfully. Where did they learn to deceive?
On the third day after the circumcision Simeon and Lewi enacted revenge upon the people of Shechem. Was this of YHWH?
What did Ya’acov say to Simeon and Lewi about their actions?
Where did the sons of Jacob get the idols mentioned in Genesis 35:2?
Up until Genesis 35 Jacob still uses the name Jacob. After this point the Torah uses the name “Isra’el” more. Why?
YHWH speaks the same blessing to Jacob that was given to others. He was told to “be fruitful and multiply.” Who had YHWH spoken this to before?
Genesis 35:11 is a highly prophetic verse. Here YHWH says, “be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a multitude of nations shall come into existence from you, and kings shall come forth from your loins.” Who is the singular nation that comes from Jacob/Israel? Who is the “multitude of nations” that would come from Jacob/Israel? Explain how this prophecy relates to 1 Kings 15.
What happened to Rachel when she gave birth to Benjamin? Was this death prophetic?
Where was Rachel buried? Where is this place today?
Read and discuss Matthew 2:17-18 and Jeremiah 31:15 and how these verses relate to Rachel’s death.
Reuven lay with Jacob’s concubine. What was the result of this sexual relationship?
The descendants of Esav became known as the Edomites. Who are / were these people?
How many children did Ya’acov have?

Study Guide to Torah Portion Vayeitzei

2009-11-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

Parasha Vayeitzei

· Genesis 28:10-32:3

· Hosea 11:7-14:10

· John 1:19-51

The Torah Portion at a Glance

Jacob leaves his hometown Be’er Sheva and journeys to Charan. On the way, he encounters "the place" and sleeps there, dreaming of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels climbing and descending on it; YHWH appears and promises that the land upon which he lies will be given to his descendents. In the morning, Jacob raises the stone on which he laid his head as an altar and monument, pledging that it will be made the house of Elohim.

In Charan, Jacob stays with and works for his uncle Laban, tending Laban's sheep. Laban agrees to give him his younger daughter Rachel -- whom Jacob loves -- in marriage, in return for seven years' labor. But on the wedding night, Laban gives him his elder daughter, Leah, instead -- a deception Jacob discovers only in the morning. Jacob marries Rachel, too, after agreeing to work another seven years for Laban.

Leah gives birth to six sons -- Reuben, Shimon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun -- and a daughter, Dinah, while Rachel remains barren. Rachel gives Jacob her handmaid, Bilhah, as a wife to bear children in her stead, and two more sons, Dan and Naphtali, are born. Leah does the same with her handmaid, Zilpah, who gives birth to Gad and Asher. Finally, Rachel's prayers are answered and she gives birth to Joseph.

Jacob has now been in Charan for fourteen years and wishes to return home, but Laban persuades him to remain, now offering him sheep in return for his labor. Jacob prospers, despite Laban's repeated attempts to swindle him. After six years, Jacob leaves Charan in stealth, fearing that Laban would prevent him from leaving with the family and property for which he labored. Laban pursues Jacob, but is warned by YHWH in a dream not to harm him. Laban and Jacob make a pact on Mount Gal-Ed, attested to by a pile of stones, and Jacob proceeds to the Holy Land, where he is met by angels.

(adapted from chabad.org)

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

The Messiah speaks of our current Torah portion in John 1:19-51. Here, Y’shua clarifies that Jacob’s vision of a ladder was actually a vision of Messiah Himself. What does such a revelation mean?

Ya’acov / Jacob saw the vision of the ladder when he rested his head upon a stone. The Hebrew word in this passage for stone is “eben,” spelled with the ancient letters aleph-bet-nun sofeet. This term for stone contains the Hebrew word for son – “ben.” This word is spelled bet-nun sofeet. From the word play, we can see that when Ya’acov rested in the Son’s stone, he was able to experience the presence of Y’shua in a profound way. It was an awesome manifestation!

Ya’acov’s ladder was more than just a dream. It is an actual portal to heaven. It is the place where angels ascend and descend to earth. Jacob’s ladder – the person of Y’shua of Nazareth – is the gate to Father YHWH (Genesis 28:13). A ladder is like a bridge that grants access to something higher. This is the perfect representation of Y’shua. We are told in Philippians 2:5 to “put on the mind of Christ / Messiah.” We are also told in Isaiah 55 that “His thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways His ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than your ways, and His thoughts than your thoughts.” As we climb Jacob’s ladder our life, our mind, our heart, and our will changes. Our thinking is elevated and each rung takes us closer to being like Him.

A ladder involves effort. Y’shua is not an escalator that briskly pushes us higher. We must make the effort to move forward with Him. This effort is to first be made in “Tehillim” or prayer. The sages of Judaism have recognized Ya’acov’s ladder as the power of prayer. The Hebrew word for ladder is “sulam.” The numerical value of it’s letters is 136. The word “kol” has the same numerical value. “Kol” is Hebrew for voice, as in the voice of prayer. When we pray and seek YHWH’s face we can come into His presence and transcend the cares of this world. Our worries and concerns change when we begin to see things from His perspective. From the height of a tall ladder everything below seems so much smaller. Through Tehillim we become one with YHWH’s thoughts we see the “bigger picture.” Our huge problems are actually very small from the height of YHWH’s glory. This exact place is named “Bethel” or “Beit-El” in Hebrew. “Beit-El” means “house of El.” It is understood that this exact spot was the mount that Abraham offered Isaac and the Temple Mount would later stand.

After his dream, Ya’acov does something very strange. “Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it,” Genesis 28:18. This was the very first anointing in the Torah and a prophetic event that would culminate with Messiah. Jacob’s anointing of a stone is foretelling of the Anointed Messiah. When YHWH later speaks to Jacob He introduces himself by reminding him of this deed. “I am the Elohim of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land,' Genesis 31:13. The Hebrew word for “anointed” in this passage is “mashach.” This word is the exact Hebrew root of the phrase “Moshiach” or “Messiah.” Y’shua is the Anointed One of YHWH. “And we know how YHWH anointed Y’shua of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because YHWH was with him.” Jacob rested in Moshiach, had a vision of Moshiach, and then worshipped Moshiach all in this week’s Torah portion.

Applying the Portion to Life Today

We read in this week’s Torah portion about the birth and naming of Ya’acov’s twelve sons. Each name tells part of the parasha, each child’s designation speaks of his place in the family.

In Biblical times, as it should be today, names carry great significance and importance. Naming a child was something done with much thought and consideration because they are reflective upon a person’s behavior and character. Just think about what comes to mind when you hear the name “Michael Jackson” and you will get the point. “The ancient Israelites believed that names had mystical powers and that in many ways they reflected the character of a person,” says one source. Unfortunately though, if you pick up your King James Version or NIV and read through the scriptures the English names you find aren’t really the correct names of the individuals. What you do find are poor substitutes and charades. The words and names found in your Bible were not the words and names used thousands of years ago.

You see, the Bible was originally written in Hebrew. When Hebrew is changed or translated into any other language MUCH is lost in the process. No other language can adequately convey the message and inspiration of the set apart Hebrew tongue. Even English in all of its grandeur is a poor alternate for Hebrew. That is why it is so important to learn to pray, read, and talk in Hebrew. It is a great mitzvah/commandment to use the holy language in study and worship. The restoration of the Hebrew language and the abandonment of gentile dialects are just part of the restoration of all things as spoken of in Acts 3 and Zephani’yah 3:9, “For then will I return to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of YHWH, to serve him with one consent.”

Did you know that Joshua was never called Joshua? And Moses was never called Moses. While the Hebrew words of the Scriptures were translated into (poor) English “equivalents” the original names of the Biblical characters were transliterated or changed to something similar. The Hebrew family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never heard the English names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This name changing that has taken place removes the Israelite identity of the people and creates a story of English speaking people with English sounding names. When the name of a person is changed so is there character and what you think about a person. For example the Hebrew parents of the Messiah were not the very English couple of Mary and Joseph. Their names were very Hebrew - Yoseph and Miriam.

Converts to Judaism have for centuries adopted a Hebrew name that is usually used at religious activities and services, but can be employed all the time. Many congregations hold “Naming celebrations” where the Hebrew name is announced to the public. It is certainly not a bad idea to adopt and use a Hebrew name. Nor is it a bad idea to name your child with the holy tongue. A Biblical custom has arisen of not using the child’s name until it is formally announced to the community at brit milah (circumcision) or a naming service. The Rabbi or the father usually makes this announcement with the words “let him/her be known in the house of Israel as ____________.”

The Messiah himself set the example for believers “on the eighth day when it was time for his brit milah, he was given the name Yahshua, which is what the angel had called him before his conception,” Luke 2:21. Yochannan the Immerser, aka John the Baptist, was not named after his father as was one custom. Instead he was named at the time of brit milah the name an angel had given him. This is yet another example for believers to follow.

The purpose of donning, having, and using a Hebrew name is profound for many reasons. One of which is that a Hebrew name is reflective upon the Hebrew characteristics and lifestyle of a person. Another aspect of this is that as others speak your Hebrew name they are calling forth the true meaning and worth of your new self. Choosing a Hebrew name is a great action to take after a person comes to a revelation or unveiling of who they really are as an Israelite. Many people in the Bible had their names changed by YHWH after their character was changed by an encounter with YHWH. For example Avram became Avraham and Ya’acov became Isra’el.

Who have you become? Are you the same person you used to be?

Has your encounter with the emet, the truth of your Israelite culture and identity made a huge change in you? Could a Hebrew name reflect this change to those around you? Pray about adopting a Hebrew name. Yes, it is a little weird. But, think about the profound meanings of a Hebrew name. Wouldn’t a name change just be the next step towards your intimacy with YHWH and other Israelites? Wouldn’t your new name tell more of the your restoration in the family of Israel?

The twelve sons of Ya’acov were named according to their place in the family. Now follow the birth order and understand the struggles of this parasha through the power of the Hebrew names:

Re’uven - see, a son (named this as a reminder of the firstborn son, a sight to see)
Shimon – hearing (named this because YHWH heard the prayer for another son)
Levi – joining (named because Le’ah thought this child would join her and Ya’acov)
Y’hudah – praise (named this as the family praised YHWH for another boy)
Dan – he judged (named this as YHWH judged in Rachel’s favor and gave her a child)
Naftali- my wrestling (named this as a symbol of the wrestling between Rachel and Le’ah for Ya’acov’s favor and love)
Gad – good fortune (named this as a testimony to good fortune found by Zilpah, Le’ah’s slavegirl)
Asher – happy (named this because this child would bring much happiness to Le’ah)
Yissakhar – hire, reward (named this as a testimony to YHWH that he rewarded Le’ah for giving her slave-girl to Ya’acov to have relations with)
Z’vulun – living together (named this as hope that this son would cause Le’ah and Ya’acov to live together)
Yoseph- may he add (named this as a prayer to YHWH that another son would be added to Rachel and Ya’acov)
Bin’yamin – son of the right-hand (named this by Ya’acov at the death of Rachel)

Portion Points to Ponder

The Hebrew name for this portion is “Vayeitzei.” What does this mean?
Read Hosea 11:7-14:10. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?
Consider the words found in John 1:19-51. What did you learn from studying this passage?
How is Messiah Y’shua pictured in this Torah portion?
What happened when Jacob/Ya’acov slept upon a stone pillow? Does YHWH still speak to people through their dreams?
Ya’acov dreamed of a ladder bridging heaven and earth. Who / what is this ladder?
The Torah says that the angels on the ladder where “ascending and descending.” How is this order important?
On what land did Jacob’s dream occur? What is special about this exact place?
When Jacob awoke he declared the presence of YHWH. Do you remember a time when you awoke from spiritual slumber and spoke the praise of Elohim?
Genesis 32:10 states that Jacob took nothing with him when left the land of Canaan. If this is true, then where did the anointing oil come from that Jacob used upon the stone?
The name of the city Luz was changed by Ya’acov to what?
In Beresheet / Genesis 29 Jacob sees his future wife at a well. Ya’acov moved a stone to open the well so Rachel could water the sheep. How is this account similar to Rebekah’s actions at a well?
Ya’acov revealed himself as kin to Rachel. How did the people rejoice? Who did Jacob live with and work for?
“Ya’acov served seven years for Rachel, but they seemed as only a few days.” What is the number 7 symbolic of? How does this passage from Genesis relate to 2 Peter 3:8, “a day with YHWH is as a thousand years”?
A great wedding feast was held to celebrate Ya’acov taking a wife. How did he marry the wrong woman?
Laban said that his country’s custom was not to wed the younger daughter before the firstborn. How is this birth order / birth right reminiscent of Isaac’s blessings to Jacob and Esav?
Ya’acov worked 7 more years for Rachel. Now, Ya’acov had two wives and two hand maidens. Genesis 29:30 states that Ya’acov loved his second wife Rachel more than Leah. Where in the Bible is such prohibited?
Leah conceived and gives birth to Reuven. What is the meaning of his name?
Leah again gives birth and names her second son Simeon. What comes of him and his descendants later in the Bible?
Leah’s third son was named “Levi” or “Lewi.” How is this name prophetic to the ministry of the tribe of Levi?
Leah’s fourth son is named Judah or “Yah’hudah” in Hebrew. Why is this name appropriate?
Genesis 30 starts with Rachel being angry that she had not become a mother. Ya’acov response shows that “children are a gift YHWH, the fruit of the womb is a reward,” Psalm 127:3. What comes of Rachel’s envy?
Bihlah gives birth to a son named what? Genesis 49:17 says what exactly about this tribe?
With great strife Bilhalh wrestled to have a son named Naphtali? Was Bilhah Jacob’s wife?
Leah took Zilpah, her hand maiden, and gave her to Ya’acov “to be his wife.” How many wives did Jacob have? Was this a good thing?
Zilpah gives birth to whom?
What were the “love apples” spoken of in Genesis 29?
Leah gives birth to 2 more children. How do their names speak of her relationship with her husband?
Rachel delivers a son named Joseph after YHWH hears her prayers. Explain how the power of prayer is once again revealed in the book of Genesis.
Ya’acov wants to leave Laban and go to his own land. Laban doesn’t want him to leave. What comes of the agreement for Ya’acov to only take the speckled sheep?
Did Jacob deceive Laban concerning the farm animals?
When Ya’acov listened to the voice of YHWH to leave Laban, he did so with a greater herd and more blessings. How is this similar to when the Hebrew people plundered Egypt or when Abraham left the land of Avimelech?
Laban catches up with Ya’acov after he tried to flee. Laban isn’t happy his children and grandchildren are leaving. Nor is he pleased that someone has taken his idols. Why would Rachel steal and hide Laban’s gods?
Does Jacob’s statement in Genesis 31:32 come true?
How long did Ya’acov work for Laban? Was Laban a fair employer? Was Jacob a good employee?
Laban and Ya’acov used a pillar to signify their agreement to be kind to one another. What exactly did such a promise ensue?
Laban begins his journey towards the Promised Land and is met by whom?

Torah Portion Toldot

2009-11-20T08:36:00.000-05:00

Parasha Toldot

· Genesis 25:19-28:9

· Malachi 1:1-2:7

· Romans 9:1-13

The Torah Portion at a Glance

This portion is Toldot or “generations.” Yitzchak marries Rebekah. After twenty childless years their prayers are answered and Rebecca conceives. She experiences a difficult pregnancy as the "children struggle inside her"; YHWH tells her that "there are two nations in your womb," and that the younger will prevail over the elder.

Esav emerges first; Jacob or Ya’acov is born clutching Esau's heel. Esau grows up to be "a cunning hunter, a man of the field"; Jacob is "a wholesome man," a dweller in tents. Isaac favors Esau; Rebecca loves Jacob. Returning exhausted and hungry from the hunt one day, Esau sells his birthright (his rights as the firstborn) to Jacob for a pot of lentil stew.

In Gerar, in the land of the Philistines, Isaac presents Rebecca as his sister, out of fear that he will be killed by someone coveting her beauty. He farms the land, reopens the wells dug by his father Abraham, and bores a series of his own wells: over the first two there is strife with the Philistines, but the waters of the third well are enjoyed in tranquility.

Esau marries two Hittite women. Isaac grows old and blind, and expresses his desire to bless Esau before he dies. While Esau goes off to hunt for his father's favorite food, Rebecca dresses Jacob in Esav’s clothes, covers his arms and neck with goatskins to simulate the feel of his hairier brother, prepares a similar dish, and sends Jacob to his father. Jacob receives his fathers' blessings for "the dew of the heaven and the fat of the land" and mastery over his brother. When Esau returns and the deception is revealed, all Isaac can do for his weeping son is to predict that he will live by his sword, and that when Jacob falters, the younger brother will forfeit his supremacy over the elder.

Jacob leaves home for Charan to flee Esau's wrath and to find a wife in the family of his mother's brother, Laban. Esau marries a third wife --Machlat, the daughter of Ishmael.

(adapted from chabad.org)

Applying the Portion to Life Today

In this week’s reading, the scriptures recount a story of Esav selling his blessing of birthright and position as the first born for a simple bowl of soup. “Once when Ya’acov was cooking some stew, Esav came in from the open country, famished. He said to Ya’acov, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” Ya’acov replied, “First sell me your birthright.” Esav said, “Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?” But Ya’acov said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Ya’acov. Then Ya’acov gave Esav some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. Esav despised his birthright,” Beresheet/Genesis 25:29-34. Why did Esav do this? Why was this exchange so important and tragic? Did Esav trade his preeminence just because he was hungry or was there a deeper issue? What is so bad about this event that because of this the scriptures say that Esau was “godless” and not worthy of following?

To answer these questions one must first understand the cultural and Biblical significance of the birthright of the firstborn. The birthright of the firstborn is a central theme and part of the Israelite lifestyle and lifecycle.

The firstborn son of a Hebrew father is given special rights and is highly valued. He is the heir to the family and head of the household when the father is absent. The firstborn or “bikhor” in Hebrew would receive double the inheritance of the other sons when the father passed. “The father must acknowledge the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him,” Devarim (Deuteronomy) 21:17.

The “mishpat bikhor” or “right of the firstborn” is to serve as a priest for the entire family and act as the family ruler. This first child is to be dedicated to YHWH as the firstborn of every womb is YHWH’s possession. “YHWH said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal,” Shemot (Exodus) 13:2. The bikhor is YHWH’s special and unique treasure that is destined to serve as priest and minister unto YHWH Adonai.

The bikhor is to be redeemed, or bought back, in a service called the “pidyon ha’ben” meaning the “redemption of the firstborn.” This Biblical custom is found in Shemot (Exodus) 13:11-15. Just after the last plague, which was the death of the firstborn of Mitzrayim/Egypt, the Creator called the firstborn from each family to serve as priests until YHWH’s plan called for the Levites to take up this position. The bikhor were still dedicated to YHWH through a service of sacrifice and prayer, the pidyon ha’ben. Y’shua the Messiah went through this pidyon ha’ben in Luke 2:22-40 and was set apart as the bikhor of his family. After this service the bikhor were free to serve YHWH through their family rather than be raised by the priesthood and work as a priest for life. To put it plainly, the firstborn is YHWH’s and is to be dedicated to service to YHWH. This is either full time service as a Cohen or priest or full time service as the leader of a family that serves YHWH.

According to the Torah, Esav “despised his birthright.” He evidently did not want the inheritance and the power and responsibility that comes with being the son of Yitzchak and the grandson of the patriarch Avraham. Hebrews 12:25-17 tells believers that Esav was “godless” and therefore would not be the rightful heir to the promise of the faith. Clearly Avraham’s blessing of dominion, multiplication, and place in YHWH’s plan was to be passed on to this son.

One might casually look at the story of Ya’acov and Esav trading the birthright and think that Ya’acov was being overly deceptive and took advantage of a famished man. But this is simply not the case. Esav did not sell his birthright simply because he was hungry. “Esav sold his birthright, his mishpat bikhor, because he had not concept of its meaning,” said one Rabbi. Again, Esav despised his position and inheritance. This word for “despised” is “bazah” and from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and Dictionary this word literally means, “ a primitive root; to disesteem:—despise, disdain, contemn (-ptible), + think to scorn, vile person.”

Believers are to not be like Esav. The temptation is present and the trade looks pleasing but we must be careful not to follow Esav’s example. We must not despise our birthright, our destiny and inheritance as Isra’el. Consider these verses…

“YHWH says, ‘Isra’el is my firstborn,’” Shemot (Exodus) 4:22.

“If you belong to Messiah you are a seed of Avraham and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:29.

“I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son,” Yermi’yahu (Jeremiah) 31:9

As a physical descendant of Avinu Avraham you are Isra’el. As a believer in Messiah you are Isra’el. Don’t be mistaken and don’t be talked out of it, you are Isra’el. You are YHWH’s firstborn bikhor and you are YHWH’s special possession destined to inherit family leadership, serve as ruler, and minister as a priest. “For you are a people set apart for YHWH as kadosh (holy) for YHWH your Elohim. YHWH your Elohim has chosen you from out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His Own unique possession,” Devarim (Deuteronomy) 7:6.

We must not loose interest in the privilege of being YHWH’s bikhor and we must not fall into the sin of Esav who despised his birthright. Esav did not esteem the honor of being the son of Elohim. What about you? The sin of despising the birthright can manifest in many ways. Just think about these few areas…Do you ever think that YHWH’s Torah is too hard to follow or too big of a burden? Do you have any ant-Semitism hidden inside of you? Have you accepted Israel as your identity? Have you dealt with the false teaching that says the church has replaced Israel? Do you live out your heritage and culture of Israel or are you scared of what others may think or say about you? Do you ever feel that something the Bible commands you to do is simply “too Jewish?” Is your lifestyle more like the world around you are is your life patterned after the Bible and it’s holy days and way of life?

As Isra’el you have been called to be in the family of faith. The name Isra’el itself simply means, “one who reigns and rules with El.” You have been given a special double portion inheritance from the Father through Messiah Y’shua. What is the double portion? “I have come that you might have life, and life more abundantly,” Y’shua said in Yochannan 10:10. The Father’s legacy of life today is a way of living that has significance and meaning. His legacy is also life in the hereafter – with Him in the realm of the Spirit. This is possible through the Messiah, the firstborn of the dead and the firstborn resurrection. “Y’shua HaMoshiach, is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth,” Revelation 1:5. The firstborn blessings were to follow YHWH in abundance and then multiply and fill the earth.

When Isaac blesses Ya’acov he tells him to “be fruitful and multiply.” This is a direct repetition of words spoken to Adam, Noah, and Abraham. When YHWH instructed Adam and Eve to be fruitful, He used the word “parah.” This Hebrew term means to “grow, increase, bear fruit like a vine, and bring forth, to open.” This word parah is used many times throughout the Scriptures in reference to the fruit of a vine. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John/Yochannan 15:4-5.

Fruit is nothing more than the life giving seed source of a plant. The primary point of the family is to bear the fruit, or life, of the Almighty Vine. You are to produce the same life as the Savior. Remember that the book of John calls Y’shua the ‘word made flesh,’ so the Savior is the Living Word or Living Torah. Therefore to bear the fruit of the Vine Y’shua is to bear the fruit of Torah. To resemble Y’shua is to live His life and resemble the Torah. To put it plainly, the family is to live out the Divine Will as revealed in the first five books of the Bible.

So, when YHWH told Adam and Abraham to ‘be fruitful’ He was telling them to connect to the Vine and establish their lives as a place where the Almighty would be honored and therefore bring forth life. This wasn’t all though. They were also to ‘multiply.’

The word for multiply in the Hebrew is “rabah.” This Hebrew term means to ‘increase, excel, enlarge, continue, nourish, store, to shoot out like an arrow, to cast together, to multiply, ten thousands.” First you are to bear the fruit of Torah and then you should pass on the Biblical heritage to others. We are to multiply the fruit of Torah and others will follow.

YHWH is the Elohim of the family of Avraham, his children, and his grandchildren. Avraham was indeed fruitful when it came to imparting belief to his children! “For now YHWH hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. And he went up from thence to Beersheba. And YHWH appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the Elohim of Avraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Avraham's sake,” Genesis/Beresheet 26:22-25. And to Ya’acov, “Elohim said unto him, I am Elohim Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins,” Genesis/Beresheet 35:11. The same family mission given to Adam is passed to Noach and to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’acov. YHWH is calling out is bikhor – His first born son Israel to understand his identity and walk in the fullness of Torah. As we understand the birthright of faith then we can be fruitful and multiply in the world. Pray today for workers for the harvest, for the fields are plentiful but the workers – those who know they are bachor – are few.

The Messiah in the Torah Portion

Y’shua is the firstborn of the firstborn – the head of the family. Because of His love and life we have been made into the “ekklesia of the firstborn” or “family/congregation of the firstborn.” It is Y’shua’s family, His congregation, “For those Elohim foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified,” Romans 8:29-30.

YHWH sees Israel as His bikhor, and all firstborn are in need of redemption. Israel is in need of someone to pay the price, to buy Israel back, and to make a sacrifice. To meet this need the Father sent forth His bikhor Y’shua. Y’shua is the redeemer and the sacrifice. The Encyclopedia Judaica says, “Owing to his favored status, the firstborn was considered was considered the most desirable sacrifice to a deity where human sacrifice was practiced.” Y’shua was the sacrifice that the Father used to redeem the firstborn Israel. This sacrifice of death brought life and established Y’shua as the firstborn of the resurrection, “He is the image of the invisible Elohim, the firstborn over all creation,” Colossians 1:15. Even the Psalmist refers to the Messiah as the firstborn in Psalm 89:27.

Study and consider this verse in light of your new understanding of Y’shua being the firstborn. “See that no one is godless like Esav, who in exchange for a single meal gave up his rights as the first born,” Hebrews 12:15-17. How can you praise YHWH today for His firstborn son Y’shua?

“For YHWH so loved the world that He sent His firstborn and only son. That whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life,” Yochannan 3:16.

Portion Points to Ponder

The Hebrew name for this portion is “toldot.” What does this mean?
Read Malachi 1:1-2:7. How does this relate to the story of Genesis this week?
Consider the words found in Romans 9:1-13. What did you learn from studying this passage?
When Rivkah / Rebekah was barren and could not conceive, what did she do?
What does it mean that the children struggled within Rivkah? How does this show that life begins at conception? How does this parallel the movement of John in the womb of his mother Elizabeth in the Newer Testament?
Rivkah prayed to YHWH and asked why the children fought so terribly within her. Then she listened and waited for a response. What did YHWH say? What did it mean then? How is this message playing out in today’s world?
Who were the twins? What do their names mean?
Esav was a mighty hunter. Who else is described as such in Genesis 10:9? Does this simply mean that these two were good at hunting down animals?
Ya’acov was a “plain man who dwelt in tents.” This description of Jacob is a Hebrew idiom with a specific meaning. Do you understand this phrase?
If Isaac loved Esav, could he have been all that bad?
Esav is called “Edom” in Genesis 25. What is the significance of this term?
Who were/are the Edomites?
Why was the blessing of the firstborn so important? How is this concept spoken of in the Bible?
In Genesis 26 there is a famine in the land. YHWH appears to Isaac and tells him not to go to Egypt. Why? When would Isaac’s descendants go to Egypt during a famine?
When Isaac moved around during the famine he told his wife Rivkah to tell others that she was his sister and not his spouse. How is this similar to what Abraham did with Sarah?
Did Abraham pass down a “lying spirit” to his son?
What happened after Isaac spent too much time in the land of Avimelech?
In Genesis 26, Yitzchak sowed in the land and was blessed with 100 fold return. What is this number symbolic of? Is a 100 fold return guaranteed for Bible believers?
Envy caused the Philistines to plug up the many wells of Isaac. How does James 3:16 show how envy stops the flow of blessing?
Isaac left the land of the Philistines and settled in the land of Gerrar. What had previously occurred in this land?
YHWH appeared to Yitzchak at Ber Sheva. What was the Almighty’s message to Isaac?
In Genesis 26 the enemies of Isaac come to him to make peace. They recognized the presence of YHWH upon Isaac. How does the presence of YHWH cause your enemies to live at peace with you? How does this compare to Proverbs 16:7?
When Esav took to himself two wives it caused grief to Rivkah and Isaac. Why?
From what land and nationality were Esav’s wives from?
Again a meal involves a trading of blessing in Genesis 27. Explain what occurred in this chapter and if Rebekah and Jacob were wrong for deceiving Isaac?
Did Rivkah ever tell Isaac of YHWH prophecy that her older son would serve the younger? Could this knowledge have made a difference?
Jacob was concerned that his actions would make him to be perceived as a “deceiver” to his father. Does the Torah teach that Jacob was full of deception?
How are Rivkah’s actions to ensure the blessing was give to Jacob by Isaac similar to those of Tamar with Judah in Genesis 49?
Describe the blessing that Isaac spoke to Jacob. How are such words important?
How did Isaac respond when he realized he blessed the “wrong” son?
Why is the custom of speaking a blessing so special?
Isaac does speak prophetically to both Jacob and Esav. The blessing to Jacob is an almost exact repetition of what was spoken to Isaac. What does Isaac say of Esav?
Explain the meaning of Isaac’s blessing to Esav when he says “you shall live by the sword.”
Who are the descendants of Jacob today? Describe some of their character traits.
Who are the descendants of Esav today? Describe some of their character traits.
Rivkah sends Jacob to her brother Laban to hide from the angry Esav. What comes of such a visit to Jacob’s relatives?
In Genesis 28 Ya’acov is told to not take a foreigner as a wife. Whom should he marry?
Isaac blesses Ya’acov and tells him to be “fruitful and multiply.” To who were these words were spoken before in the scriptures?
The Torah portion ends with Esav adding another wife. This was just no ordinary woman. Esav marries a daughter of Ishmael. This dangerous mixing of Ishmael and Esav results in future trouble for Jacob and his descendants. What people originate from the seed of Ishmael and Esav? How do these people play a role in prophetic end time events?