Parasha 19: And Abraham's Faith Confirmed

 

And Abraham's Faith Confirmed

-- TORAH   P O R T I O N --

 

Introduction:

Have you ever been in a situation where your faith in God was tested? What was the hardest test or trial you have experienced?

In Genesis 21, Adonai fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac. This was a moment of great joy and a testament to God's faithfulness. After years of waiting, Sarah finally laughed with joy instead of doubt, and Abraham saw the fulfillment of God's covenant unfolding before his eyes.

However, just as Abraham rejoiced in God's provision, he soon faced the greatest test of his faith. After the birth of Isaac and the departure of Ishmael and Hagar, God tested Abraham. The Hebrew word for "tested" is Nasah, which means "to make a test," "to prove," "to put to the test," or "to try." Here, God wanted Abraham to prove his faith and confirm his trust in Him.

How was Abraham's faith tested and confirmed?

1. Abraham RESPONDS

Abraham told Adonai, "Hineni"—"Here I am." He made himself available to God without knowing what would be asked of him. Many others in Scripture responded similarly to God's call, such as Jacob, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and Ananias.

Through Abraham's response, we see his readiness to follow God and his unwavering faith. I recall when God called me to serve Him. At that time, I had just completed a six-month rehabilitation program after twelve years of drug addiction. I had the opportunity to pursue a job or further my studies, but instead of choosing a secular education, I enrolled in Bible school. God had transformed my life from darkness to light, and I trusted that He would never leave me.

The early lesson here is that God desires our availability when He calls us because He is always available for us. True faith means making ourselves available to God, and trusting that He has a purpose for us.

2. Abraham ROSE EARLY

In verse 2, God instructed Abraham to take his only son, whom he loved, to the land of Moriah—the very location of the threshing floor that David later purchased for the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1-4).

In Genesis 12, God asked Abraham to leave his homeland. Now, in Genesis 22, He asked him to give up his beloved son. This was an incredibly difficult test—after waiting so long for Isaac, would he be willing to give him back to God? Because of his faith, Abraham rose early, took two of his young men and Isaac, and set out. His prompt obedience demonstrates his loyalty to God.

This teaches us a powerful lesson: when it comes to God, we should be diligent, prompt, and not delay in our obedience. Hebrews 11:17 affirms this: "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son." Faith requires swift action, and trust that God's plans are higher than ours.

3. Abraham REASSURED His Two Young Men

In verse 5, Abraham told his servants, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." Despite facing the greatest test of his life, Abraham was confident that both he and Isaac would return. He knew that God had already performed a miracle by giving him Isaac in his old age. He trusted that even if Isaac were slain, God could raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:19).

When facing uncertainty, do you speak words of faith or fear? Often, when we face trials, we focus on the difficulty rather than on God. Abraham’s faith teaches us to trust God's promises over our circumstances. Speak hope into your situations and trust that God will provide a way.

4. Abraham RECOGNIZES God as Provider

As Abraham prepared the altar, Isaac asked about the lamb for the burnt offering. Abraham responded, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb" (Genesis 22:8). The Hebrew word for "provide" is Ra’ah, which also means "to see." Adonai sees and will provide. Ultimately, this foreshadowed Yeshua, the Lamb of God.

In John 8:56, Yeshua said, "Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." Abraham prophetically saw the future sacrifice of Yeshua while offering Isaac.

In times of financial struggles, difficult choices, or personal sacrifices, do you trust in God's provision? Abraham believed before he saw. We, too, must walk by faith, believing that Adonai will provide what we need at the right time.

5. Abraham REVERED God Above All

As Abraham prepared to slay Isaac, the Angel of the Lord called out, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me".  (Genesis 22:12). Abraham had passed the test, proving his faith and reverence for God. As a result, God reaffirmed His covenant, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

Our Torah portion ends with a genealogy, introducing Rebekah—the future bride of Isaac. This reminds us that God's plan is always unfolding and is preparing the the upcoming fulfillment of Abraham's Seed.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

In our Haftarah portion, the prophet sees the city of Yerushalayim ruled by the King Yeshua. After the captivity of Assyria, the people of Israel will experience Yeshua's compassion and during His reign, Israel will not see and hear a stammering tongue that is hard to comprehend. The city of Yerushalayim will be a quiet home v.20 - According to Zechariah 14:2, Nations will be gathered to battle against Yerushalayim. The city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then in Luke 21:20, Yeshua said: "But when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." This is Yerushalayim in the last days but will restore the city. The city that's always disturbed and attacked will be peaceful and a place of worship. Zechariah 8:22 says: "Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Yerushalayim, and to pray before the LORD.”

The God of Israel will save them v.22 - In James 4:12 it says that there is only One Lawgiver and Judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. He is YESHUA, the Torah/Law who became flesh and Also a Judge, because when He comes again He is no longer a Lamb, but a Lion from the tribe of Judah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Regarding saving His people, prophet Zechariah says in chapter 8:13: "And it shall come to pass that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and Israel, so I will SAVE you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, let your hands be strong.”

When fear or uncertainty arises, declare God's promises over your life. Remind yourself that He is your stronghold and salvation, just as He promised Jerusalem. Stand firm in faith, knowing that He will bring justice and peace in His perfect time.

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

Our Apostolic portion is about the death of Yeshua, He was taken to the Governor's quarter known as Praetorium. The soldiers mocked Him by saying "Hail, King of the Jews!" They had fun while mocking Him and led Him away to be crucified. Here, we can see Yeshua as the Pesach Lamb who remained unleavened (no blemish) to death and became worthy to take the sin of the world (John 1:29). 

About the ninth hour(three in the afternoon), with a loud voice He cried out saying "Eli Eli" which the crowd thought He was calling for Elijah. Why? Because since its Pesach, the crowd were aware and expecting the coming of Elijah. After the word "Eli Eli" follows "Lama Sabachtani" which understood by many as "why have You forsaken Me"?. The question is did Yeshua complain or question His Father? Absolutely NO!!! In Philippians 2:8 Paul says "And being found in appearance as a man, He(Yeshua) humbled Himself and became OBEDIENT (no complain) to the point of death, even the death of the cross". Even Yeshua Himself knows that He will be betrayed and killed. 

Mark 9:31 

"For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him." 

This "Eli Eli Lama Sabachtani" has been debated for so many years and it seems everyone have their own explanation. 

Surprisingly, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This event signifies that the death of Yeshua the Pesach Lamb ended the atonement (covering) of the Animal blood (Hebrews 10:4) and through His Righteous blood, we now have a propitiation (fully paid) for our sins. 

Hebrews 10:10 

"By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Yeshua the Messiah once for all". 

The connection of our Parasha is about Yeshua's sacrifice. In Torah, the Akedah (Binding of Isaac) foreshadows the sacrifice of Yeshua as the Lamb of Adonai YHVH. In Haftarah, Yeshua will be the Savior of Israel. In Apostolic, Yeshua the perfect lamb sacrificed Himself and died. 

Returning to my introduction....Maybe each one of us had been tested by God in different ways. Like Abraham, he was tested. By responding "Hineni", he was ready to obey God even without knowing what service He would ask. By not withholding Isaac his son, he shows that God is above everything else. He is willing to give it all to God, even his only son and that is GENUINE FAITH. 

Are you ready to offer yourself fully and make yourself available to whatever God asks of you? Abraham surrendered his most beloved son in faith. Yeshua gave His life for you. Will you respond with a heart that says, "Hineni—Here I am, Lord"?

"Faith is not just believing in God's promises; it is being ready to obey when He calls."

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

www.chaimbentorah 

commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliot Friedman 

KJV Bible commentary 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

eztorah.com 

firmisrael.org 

free.messianicbible.com 

spiritualmanna.info 

theword.boards.net 

Parasha 18: The Long Wait is Over

The Long Wait is Over

-- TORAH   P O R T I O N --

 

Introduction:

How does it feel when the long wait is finally over?

After the incident in Gerar, where Abraham and Sarah met King Abimelech, God visited Sarah. The Hebrew word for "visited" is Paqad, which means "to visit (with friendly intent) and care for." Based on this meaning, God demonstrated His care for Sarah by fulfilling His promise to her and Abraham. Finally, after a long wait, Sarah's barrenness ended, and she bore Isaac. His name, meaning “laughter,” serves as a perpetual reminder of how God works in mysterious ways, allowing His people to rejoice even in uncertainty. Because God is faithful, Abraham also demonstrated his faithfulness to the covenant by circumcising Isaac on the eighth day.

As Isaac grew, Abraham held a great feast. However, Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac. The Hebrew word for "mock" is Sahaq, meaning "to play, make sport, or laugh outright." Perhaps Ishmael was playing with his younger brother, but to Sarah, it was unacceptable. This prompted her to ask Abraham to cast out Ishmael and Hagar. The Hebrew word for "cast out" is Garash, meaning "to drive out."

Why was this necessary?

God cares for His elect and wants to separate them from harm.

Since Abraham and Sarah had waited so long for a child, Sarah wanted to protect Isaac. Because Isaac and his descendants were the chosen people, they were set apart and distinct—even from Ishmael, his brother. In Genesis 16, when Hagar sought to flee from Sarah, the Angel of God appeared to her, instructing her to return and submit to her mistress. She later bore Ishmael. However, in this Torah portion, God told Abraham to listen to Sarah and let go of Hagar and Ishmael. Undoubtedly, Abraham’s household had been filled with strife, envy, and jealousy for many years. With Isaac's arrival, a new chapter began. What we see here is that God detests syncretism—He desires separation. As grafted believers in the true olive tree, we too must separate ourselves from the sinful patterns of this world.

 Isaac, the covenant son, enters.

In Genesis 17:19, God told Abraham, “Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.” Even before Isaac was born, God had already intended to establish His covenant through him. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 4:28, saying, “And you, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.”

Although Abraham and Sarah released Ishmael, God did not forget him. As Abraham’s son, Ishmael was still part of God’s plan to become a great nation. Even though God cared for Ishmael (vv. 17-21), His primary concern was Isaac, the covenant son. From Isaac came Jacob, and from Jacob came the twelve tribes of Israel. One of these tribes would bring forth the Messiah—Yeshua, whose name means “to save,” “to deliver,” and “to rescue.” Humanity, lost in wickedness and sin, needed a Savior.

1 John 4:14: “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.”

Our Torah portion concludes with the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. Why is this included? I believe they made this covenant to secure shalom in their relationship, especially after Abraham deceived Abimelech about Sarah. This covenant ensured that Abraham would treat Abimelech and his men fairly, while Abimelech, in return, recognized Abraham’s rightful ownership of a well in Beersheba, also known as the “Well of the Oath” or the “Well of Seven.”

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion begins with God visiting Hannah. As a result, she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters, while Samuel grew before the Lord. In Scripture, God's visitation often signifies His active presence in someone's life.

Sadly, Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were also priests, acted wickedly by engaging in sexual immorality with the women serving at the entrance of the tabernacle. Because of their sins, a man of God delivered a message to Eli, condemning him for honoring his sons more than he honored God. As a consequence, in verses 31-34, Eli’s lineage was cut off, and his two sons died on the same day.

In contrast to Eli’s wicked sons, Samuel grew in wisdom and favor with God and men—just as Messiah Yeshua did.

Luke 2:52: “And Yeshua increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Hannah’s story is often cited as a classic example of persistent prayer and unwavering faith, despite a long wait. In answering Hannah’s petition, God revealed Himself as One who faithfully listens to the cries of the troubled and responds with grace and love.

One aspect of our Haftarah portion that I deeply admire is how Samuel was raised. I believe Hannah played a crucial role in shaping his faith. As parents, we are reminded of our responsibility to teach our children God’s Torah.

Deuteronomy 6:7:
"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

The angel of God appeared to Yosef in a dream, revealing that Miriam was with child through the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). The angel also referred to Yosef as the son of David, emphasizing God’s promise to raise a King from David’s lineage whose throne would be eternally established (2 Samuel 7:12).

 

Isaiah 7:14 prophesied this miraculous birth, saying that the child would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This connects beautifully with John 1:14:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

For God to be with us, the Torah (Yeshua) became flesh so He could live among us. The name Yeshua comes from the Hebrew verb yasha, meaning “to save,” “to deliver,” and “to rescue.” Indeed, He came to save His people from their sins. The Sovereign God took on human form so that He could reach mankind and reveal His kindness, mercy, and love.

The connection of our parasha is about God's visit to fulfill His promise. In the Torah, He visited Sarah as He had spoken and Sarah conceived a son. In the Haftarah, He visited Hannah so that she conceived and bore sons and daughters. In the Apostolic, the angel of Adonai visited Yosef in a dream to confirm that his wife Miriam will bear a Son the Savior of mankind. 

Remember, God is never late. He is working behind the scenes, preparing the best for you. Will you trust Him today?

Waiting for something we long for can strengthen our faith and trust in Yeshua. Are you in a season of waiting? Let us continue to believe, for one day, in His perfect time, our long wait will be over!

Psalm 31:14

"But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'"

"Faith is not just believing that God can—it is knowing that He will."

 

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

torahclass.com 

Flavius Josephus of the Antiquities of the Jews - Book I 

Bibletools.org 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

strong's concordance 

studyandobey.com 

jesuswalk.com 

reasonsforhopejesus.com studyinggodsword.org 

Parasha 17: God’s Perfect Plan Will Prevail

 

God’s Perfect Plan Will Prevail

-- TORAH   P O R T I O N --

Introduction: 

Have you ever experienced a promise that seemed impossible, yet it happened unexpectedly?

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham traveled to Gerar (a Philistine city, now part of southern-central Israel) with his wife, Sarah. There, they met Abimelech, the king of Gerar. Fearing for his safety, Abraham told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister, which led the king to take her into his household.

Why did Abraham do this? In verse 11, he explains to Abimelech that he assumed there was no fear of God in Gerar. He worried that if the people discovered Sarah was his wife, they might take her and harm him. Additionally, Abraham may have been considering God's promise—that Sarah would bear a son named Isaac—and feared that this promise was at risk.

Despite Abraham’s fear and actions, God’s grace and sovereignty ensured that His promise remained intact. His perfect plan would prevail. How?

1. Through Divine Intervention (v.3)

God intervened by warning Abimelech in a dream, saying, “You are a dead man because of the woman you have taken, for she is a man's wife.” This intervention highlights that the promise of a son through Sarah was in jeopardy.

Abraham, overwhelmed by fear, seemed to forget that only God could protect him and Sarah. But God, faithful to His word, ensured that His plan could not be altered.

Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

2. Through Intercession (vv.4-7, 17-18)

Abimelech pleaded his innocence before God, insisting that he acted with integrity. God acknowledged this and prevented him from touching Sarah. He then instructed Abimelech to seek Abraham, whom He recognized as a prophet, to intercede for him through prayer.

Abraham prayed, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, allowing them to bear children again. In this, Abraham served as an intercessor, foreshadowing Yeshua as our great Intercessor.

Romans 8:34 – “Yeshua is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

This point number two shows us the power of righteous intercession, and the mercy and grace of God. 

3. Through Restoration (vv.14-16)

God commanded Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham to avoid further consequences. Abimelech obeyed, giving Abraham sheep, oxen, male and female servants, and restoring Sarah to him. Additionally, he gave Abraham a thousand pieces of silver—a form of bride price—to affirm Sarah’s purity.

Abimelech’s generosity also served as a tribute to God, acknowledging His justice. This restoration marked a sign of peace between Abraham and Abimelech after the misunderstanding concerning Sarah.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

In Isaiah 61, the prophet speaks of One upon whom the Spirit of God rests. To fully understand this, we must first examine:

Isaiah 11:1-2 – “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of Adonai will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

These verses make it clear that the Spirit of God rests upon the Mashiach (Messiah) from the line of Jesse (Matthew 1:1, 6; Revelation 22:16). The Hebrew word Mashiach means Anointed One, signifying someone set apart for a divine purpose. Yeshua fulfilled this prophecy in Luke 4:21, when He read from Isaiah in the synagogue on Shabbat.

What are the ministries of Yeshua according to prophet Isaiah? 

First, He will preach good tidings which means to proclaim the good news of salvation. Matthew 1:21 says: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Yeshua, for He will save His people from their sins.” The name Yeshua came from the Hebrew verb yasha which means “to save,” “to deliver,” and “to rescue.”

Second, He will heal the broken hearted, a heart that has been broken because of sin that keeps the person captive. Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted

 And binds up their wounds.”

Third, He will proclaim liberty to the captives, a proclamation of freedom for those who were in slavery be freed. Galatians 5:1: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

In our Apostolic portion, Paul uses four explanations about the unchanging promise of God to Abraham.. 

1. He used the example of man's covenant which is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it so how much more a covenant made by a faithful God. No one can add to God's promise to Abraham(v.15). 

2. He used to explain the seed of Abraham. By using seed and not seeds, he was pointing to Yeshua the greatest descendants of Abraham whom Adonai made His covenant promise to, so for Paul, the law cannot change this covenant(v.16). 

3. He used the time span of four hundred and thirty years from the Abrahamic covenant and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai so it had nothing to do with Abraham's justification( v.17). 

4. He used the word inheritance and promise for us to understand that Adonai gave the inheritance to Abraham not because of the law because if that's the case, it is no longer a promise. Justification by faith comes by promise and not by law(v.18). 

For Paul, the Torah did not annul the promise of God given in the Abrahamic Covenant, which was in the long run carried out in Messiah Yeshua. The Torah  serves as a mirror to reveal to us that we are guilty sinners who could not be saved by obeying the Torah, rather it reveals to us the holiness of God.  A genuine faith in Yeshua serves as the only means of salvation. All who put their faith in Him for salvation have Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise(v.29).

The connection of our Parasha is about the continuation of Adonai's promise to Abraham. In the Torah, Adonai intervenes through Abimelech's dream when the promise seed to Abraham through his wife was in danger. In the Haftarah, the fulfillment of verses 1 and 2 happened when Yeshua the seed of Abraham read it inside the synagogue(Luke 4:17-21). In the Apostolic, Paul uses the word seed not seeds in pointing to Yeshua as the seed of Abraham were the promises made. 

Returning to my Introduction....God is Sovereign and He is Mighty to accomplish His plan. His timing is never too late or too early. We just 

have to trust and believe that His plan will prevail and cannot be thwarted. 

As you reflect on this Parasha, ask yourself: Do I fully trust God's timing and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain? Commit to surrendering your worries to Him, standing firm in faith, and believing that His promises will never fail.

Psalm 33:11 

"The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." 

"No fear, no scheme, and no delay can hinder God's promise—His perfect plan will always prevail."

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

israelmyglory.org

alittleperspective.com

thingsofthesort.com

bethmelekh.com

Nelson KJV Bible commentary

thescripturesays.org

studyandobey.com

torahclass.com

The MacArthur Study Bible

Parasha 16: When God Has the Final Say

 

When God Has the Final Say

-- TORAH   P O R T I O N --

Introduction: 

The phrase "Final Say" in the dictionary means "to have the authority to decide how something ultimately happens or is done." What will happen if Adonai has the final say?

Our Torah portion starts with the visit of the two angels at the house of Lot in Sodom. The angels found him sitting at the gate, which was the place where meetings and conversations happened. Lot showed hospitality by inviting the two angels to spend the night inside his house, but they refused. So Lot insisted strongly, and he convinced them to stay.

Now the people of Sodom surrounded the house of Lot. They told him to bring out his visitors so that they might know them carnally. From the statement of these people, we can see that Sodom was indeed a wicked city. The NKJV used the word "carnally," which means "relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites."

In Jeremiah 23:14b, it says, "All of them have come to Me like Sodom, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah." The prophet likened the shepherds who destroyed and scattered the sheep of God's pasture to the wicked cities.

Also, in Ezekiel 16:49-50, we see what Sodom had done iniquity: "Look, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughter had pride. They were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore, I took them away."

The people of Sodom accused Lot of being a judge and pressed him so hard. But the two angels pulled Lot inside, shut the door, and struck the men at the doorway with blindness until they became weary. Given the wickedness of the city and the people there, the action of Adonai was the only outcome. So when God has the final say, what will happen?

1. He will give INFORMATION (vv. 12-13).

The two angels informed Lot that God sent them to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. It was an act of God's compassion to give Lot a chance to escape. God will not do anything without informing His messengers for the sake of His people. In fact, there are many verses in Scripture that assure us He will inform His people before the verdict. 

Jonah 3:4:
"Then he cried out and said, 'Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!'"

Malachi 4:5:
"Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord."

God is so good, which is why His Word is full of information so that we can prepare for the time of His judgment and even for the second coming of Yeshua. That's why if we think that the Torah is done away with and should no longer be followed, as taught by false teachers, we are doomed.

2. He will give INSTRUCTION to follow (vv. 15-17).

The angels told Lot to arise and take his family with him. They took hold of Lot’s hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters. Next, the angels told them to escape for their lives and not to look behind. Sadly, Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. It is very important to listen to and obey the instruction of God for our benefit.

Isn't that how our God is? He will send or use people so that we can be given instructions for our salvation from harm. In fact, God is still using me to teach His words. There are people I have shared the Torah with, explaining that it is God's instruction. But it's just sad to think that these people chose to stick to the wrong teaching.

3. He will IDENTIFY His people (vv. 27-29).

God rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, but He identified and remembered Abraham (Gen. 18:23-33) and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow. From the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, we learn that God will identify or remember who truly belongs to Him.

In Matthew 25:31-46, the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. The sheep will be on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Malachi 3:17 says, "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be their own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child."

Also, in 2 Timothy 2:19 (NKJV), Paul said:
"Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'"

This is a good reminder to each of us. We must be sure that we are in God. It hurts to think that for a long time we thought we were really with Him, but it turns out not to be. It's so easy to say that we are with Him, but the truth is seen in how we live.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion starts with the prophet Isaiah’s proclamation against the land shadowed with buzzing wings beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, which sends ambassadors by sea. According to some scholars, Judah was caught between the conflict of Assyria and Ethiopia. The Ethiopians were hoping that Judah would rebel against the Assyrians and align itself with Ethiopia.

Now, there is a transition in verse 3 where the prophet Isaiah calls on the inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth. A trumpet will be heard, and a banner will be seen. For God will judge all the wicked. They will be gathered together for the birds of prey. The birds will spend the summer feeding on them.

Here, God is truly in control, waiting for His perfect timing to unleash His judgment upon those nations that defy Him. The prophet Isaiah closes our Haftarah with a vision of a present being brought to the place of the name of God on Mount Zion.

Do you see the similarity in our Torah portion? Just as Sodom fell overnight, Isaiah 17:14 declares, "At evening time, behold, terror! Before morning, they are no more." This parallels the sudden and total destruction of Sodom. Yet, in Isaiah 18, there is also a message of hope: even among the judged nations, there will be those who return to God and bring gifts to Him. This mirrors how Lot was spared, demonstrating that God always preserves a remnant.

So, when God has the final say, His judgment is swift, but His mercy is just as powerful for those who turn to Him.

-- A P O S T O L I C   P O R T I O N --

In our Apostolic portion, the Pharisees questioned Yeshua about the coming of the kingdom of God. He answered them that the kingdom is not coming with signs to be observed, for it is within them. This means the kingdom of God was inside them—they needed to repent and acknowledge Yeshua as Lord and the Son of Adonai YHVH.

Starting in verse 24, Yeshua explained to His disciples about His days as the Son of Man—that He must suffer first and be rejected by this generation.

First, He likened the days of His return to the days of Noah, when the people did not listen to him but kept busy with their worldly lives. They were eating, drinking, marrying, and carrying on as if judgment would never come. They were distracted, indifferent to the warnings of righteousness, and unprepared for what was ahead.

Second, He likened it to the days of Lot when the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah happened. These two events have something in common: people were very wicked and busy living in sin. Perhaps this is why Yeshua mentioned Lot's wife—to remind each one of us that we must not be attached to whatever "Sodom" we have left.

Today, "Sodom" can represent anything in our lives that ties us to the world in a way that hinders our walk with God—whether it be sin, materialism, worldly success, unhealthy relationships, or even fear of leaving behind what is familiar. Lot’s wife looked back because her heart was still in Sodom, and Yeshua warns us not to make the same mistake. As believers and followers of Messiah Yeshua, we are called to walk forward in faith, trusting in Yeshua as our Redeemer and not longing for the things that once enslaved us.

Now, in verses 31-37, who will be taken away, and who will be left behind?

Proverbs 10:30 says, "The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inherit the land."

Genesis 7:1:
"God said to Noah, 'I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.'"

Noah survived because he was righteous, just as the flood came and took away the wicked in judgment. Therefore, in Yeshua's teaching, those who will be left behind are the righteous, comparable to Noah and his family. But those who will be taken away are the wicked and will be slain as food for birds. Sadly, verse 34-37 of our Apostolic portion is used by most teachers pertaining to rapture. But this is not the meaning of what the text says. It is about the future judgment of God.

Revelation 19:17-18 confirms this judgment.

"Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses, and of those who sits on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."

In these days, when the world is growing darker and lawlessness is increasing, Yeshua’s words are even more relevant. Will we be like Noah, standing firm and righteous despite the corruption around us? Will we be like Lot, willing to leave behind the sin and compromise of the world, or will we hesitate like his wife? The choice is ours. Yeshua is calling His people to be separate, to be holy, and to prepare for His return. We must fix our eyes on Him and not look back.

“Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32)

All these portions remind us that God has the final say in everything. In the Torah portion, we see God's final judgment on the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, where He decided to destroy them because of their sin. Lot and his family were spared as an act of God's mercy. In the Haftarah portion, the prophet Isaiah speaks about a time when the wicked will be gathered and destroyed, their bodies left for the birds of prey to feast upon. This judgment is not just for the cities of old but is a reminder that God's final judgment is coming for all who oppose Him. God’s judgment is inevitable and final, and those who choose to follow Him will be saved. In the Apostolic portion, Yeshua warns us that His return will be like the days of Lot, when people were too busy with their worldly lives to listen to God. He reminds us not to look back or be attached to the things of this world, like Lot's wife, who turned to a pillar of salt. No matter what people do or how they try to ignore God, He is the ultimate authority. His plans and judgments are certain, and we are called to trust Him and be ready for His return.

Returning to my introduction, as long as we have time to repent and live righteously, let's do it. We must be very careful not to take the grace of God for granted, for there will come a day when His grace toward us will expire. When He has the final say, there is nothing we can do.

2 Corinthians 5:10
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Yeshua, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

 

"When God has the final say, no power can overturn His judgment, no excuse can delay His justice, and no heart can hide from His truth. Choose today to walk in His righteousness before the time of grace runs out."

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

shema.com 

beityeshua.com 

torahclass.com 

wernerbiblecommentary.org 

biblehub.com 

google.com 

studyandobey.com 

blueletterbible.org 

bible.org 

The MacArthur Study Bible