-- 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.
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."
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.
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
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
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