Parasha 23: War in the Womb

 

War in the Womb

Introduction:

When Satan tempted Eve and Adam, it seemed that the war between good and evil, light and darkness, had begun. Even at the end, when Yeshua comes, there will be war.

After Isaac and Rebekah were married, Abraham took another wife, named Keturah. They had six sons, showing that Abraham was the father of many nations. Abraham gave all he had to Isaac, lived to the age of 175, and was buried by Isaac and Ishmael alongside Sarah, his wife, in the Cave of Machpelah.

The next part of our Torah portion is the genealogy and death of Ishmael. He had twelve sons who became princes according to their nations. He died at the age of 137.

Isaac prayed to Adonai YHVH because Rebekah was barren for twenty years. This couple was unique compared to Abraham and Sarah, who had made their own way to have a son through Sarah’s servant, Hagar. Isaac developed his covenant relationship with Adonai by trusting Him, and finally, Rebekah gave birth. However, it wasn’t easy because two nations struggled with each other inside her womb. Rebekah consulted Adonai.

Adonai spoke to her prophetically, saying that the two nations inside her would be different. One would be stronger than the other, and the older would serve the younger. We can see here that each child would become a nation. Esau in Hebrew is Esav, meaning "Hairy," while Jacob in Hebrew is Yakov, coming from the verb "Abaq," meaning "to follow at the heel." Esau was red in color and grew to be a skillful hunter and a man of the field, while Jacob was the opposite—a quiet, homebody. Isaac loved his older son, but Rebekah loved the younger.

Regarding Ishmael and Isaac, since they had different mothers, Isaac became the covenant son. But in the case of Esau and Jacob, who shared the same parents, who would be the one to continue the covenant of Adonai with Abraham? In verse 23, Adonai spoke to Rebekah, not Isaac, because He knew Rebekah loved Jacob. That’s why He said to her, "The older will serve the younger," making it clear to Rebekah the destinies of her two sons.

In verse 29, Jacob prepared a meal (lentil stew), not Rebekah, his mother. When Esau came from the field, weary and hungry, he asked Jacob for food. Jacob saw an opportunity to take the birthright, which involved inheritance, position, and other privileges and advantages.

Let us differentiate the twins:

Esau: 

He didn't care for his birthright. 

In verse 34 it says that He despised his birthright. The Hebrew word for despise is "Bazah" which means "Careless"..the problem with Esau was he can cook for himself. In chapter 27:1-4, he was called by his father and asked to prepare a savory food. Here we can see that Esau can prepare and cook. He was careless to sell his birthright just for a bowl of soup instead of searching for other means to feed himself. Remember the case of Adam and Eve when they failed the test regarding food?

Esau is another biblical character ruined by food. According to Complete Jewish Study Bible commentary, the birthright refers to the eldest son’s role as chief inheritor of his father's estate, as well as the head of the family and clan when the father died.

That very moment Esau sold his inheritance, honor, privileges, and blessings. He treated the blessing very lightly because his focus was on temporary things over a lifetime blessing. He was the firstborn, therefore a legal heir to the covenant between Adonai and Abraham and this birthright linked in the line of the coming Promised Messiah. What a waste! 

As a grafted believer, we must stay focused in obeying the instructions of Adonai. Stay away from the deception of momentary pleasure like the lentil stew but remain in the covenant of Adonai and gain the blessing that He has promised within the covenant of marriage. 

Jacob: 

His eagerness for the birthright. 

I believe Rebekah had a big part in explaining this to Jacob because of Adonai's message to her in verse 23. When Jacob came out, his hand took hold of Esau's heel. Maybe Rebekah told this to Isaac but since he loved Esau, he refused and remained focused with his favorite son. This could have been the reason why Rebekah and Jacob made a move.

The eagerness of Jacob to get the birthright reflects on how he came out. He was holding the heel of his brother. Was he preventing Esau from getting out of Rebekah's womb? In my understanding, I can see two things here. First, it is to show that he wants to protect the covenant of Adonai. He valued the birthright and he was ready to be the next patriarch. In Malachi 1:2b it says that Adonai loved Jacob but He hated Esau. Because of what Jacob did, the covenant of Adonai with Abraham will continue and even the promised seed that would bless all the families of the earth. Second, perhaps Jacob holding the heel of Esau is a future victory of Yeshua over evil. In Romans 16:20 CJB it says: “And God, the source of shalom, will soon crush the Adversary under your feet.” We already know that Yeshua came from the tribe of Judah, one of the sons of Jacob. So like Jacob, we must also see the importance of the birthright and the blessings from it. 

In chapter 26, Adonai instructed Isaac to avoid Egypt in spite of the famine. He assured to Isaac that He will be with him, and will continue 

the oath which He swore to his father Abraham. However, Isaac lied to Abimelech like his father, declaring Rebekah is his sister. Perhaps Isaac's actions show  a lack of faith in Adonai's promise to bless and guide him.

Chapter 26 serves as a reminder to trust in Adonai's promises and to avoid yielding to panic and lying, even when encountered with heavy situations. It encourages us to seek Adonai's direction and to hope on His strength rather than our own.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion deals with the reign of David as the new king of Israel and how he defeated the Philistines. These people searched for David and they deployed in the Valley of Rephaim known as the "Valley of the giants".

David inquired of Adonai:

“Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?”

Adonai answered:

“Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”

(2 Samuel 5:19-20)

David’s strategy was guided by Adonai. Each time he sought God’s direction, he was victorious. The Philistines, fierce warriors, returned for battle, but David sought Adonai’s guidance again. This time, Adonai instructed him to attack from the rear, and when David obeyed, victory was assured. Twice he inquired of Adonai and twice he prevailed. Like David, we should always inquire of Adonai so we could prevail as well from our daily battle. 

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

Our Apostolic portions deals with three important reminders from the 

author: 

1. We must not be like Esau vv.16-17 

Being called to serve Adonai and be part of His family is a privilege. But Esau, he wasted that privilege( birthright) just for food. He lost the blessing but he was rejected. 

2. We have come to Mount Zion and the city of Adonai vv.22-24 

I want to quote Revelation 21:1-4 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice saying "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 

Note: Here is the destiny of all who have a genuine faith in Yeshua! 

3. We have a Kingdom which cannot be shaken v.28 

Since we have this kind of kingdom from God, let us serve Him with reverence and fear! 

The connection of our Parasha is about war. In the Torah, inside Rebekah's womb, Esau and Jacob were already at war. In Haftarah, David has been chosen as the next King of Israel and he inquired of Adonai and prevailed in war against the Philistines. In Apostolic, as one of Adonai's chosen, we have the privilege to be part of His kingdom which cannot be shaken, a victorious kingdom, which is the New Jerusalem. 

Returning to my introduction....we have brethren in our community, we have a covenant relationship with Adonai, we have the Torah, and we have Messiah Yeshua. But, like Esau who sold his birthright, we can lose all these blessings if we don't value them. Let us reject the momentary stew that this world has to offer so we could be part of the unshakable kingdom of Adonai. 

“Do not trade what is eternal for what is temporary. Hold fast to the promises of Adonai, for His covenant is everlasting.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

torahclass.com 

free.messianicbible.com 

foundationsforfreedom.net newfoundfaith.org www.ravkooktorah.org 

strong's concordance 

knowingscripture.com 

www.jtsa.edu 

www.versebyverseministry.org 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

The Complete Jewish Study Bible 

Parasha 22: When Isaac Meets Rebekah (According to God's Will)

 

When Isaac Meets Rebekah (According to God's Will)

-- TORAH P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

What did you feel when you met your spouse or the love of your life?

Our Torah portion continues the story of Abraham's servant after he meets the family of Rebekah. Laban and Bethuel were convinced that the thing comes from Adonai YHVH. They told the servant to take Rebekah and go to be the wife of his master's son. After he heard the decision of Laban and Bethuel, the servant of Abraham bowed down and worshiped Adonai. He gave Rebekah silver and gold. He also gave precious things to her brother and mother. 

The servant and his men celebrated, stayed the night, and rose in the morning. Then, he approached them to request permission to return to his master with Rebekah. In return, Rebekah's brother and mother asked a favor to let her stay for another ten days. 

We can see a similarity between Rebekah and her uncle Abraham in their faith and how they respond to Adonai's plan. When Adonai called Abraham, he was told to get out of his country, from his family and from the house of his father and go to a land that Adonai will show him (Gen.12:1). He went out even without knowing where he was going or what was in that place. By faith, he dwelt in the land as a foreigner(Heb. 11:8-9). 

Regarding Rebekah, when she was asked to go with her uncle's servant, she replied "Yes". She agreed to be the bride of a man she did not know. Let's take a look at verse 58: “Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” Rebecca's answer here is like a woman's answer at the altar after being asked by the wedding officiant, "Do you accept this man as your husband?”

Because of the servant's testimony, she believed that everything was part of Adonai YHVH's plan. She was willing to become the next mother in the line of promise, which involved the covenant of Adonai. HalleluYAH!!! 

So, how did the family of Rebekah dismiss her? They dismissed her with an echo of Adonai's promise. To become a mother of thousands upon thousands fits Adonai's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous. They also blessed Rebekah's descendants to possess the gates of those who hate them and that is to inherit the land of the Canaanites. 

How about Isaac? Did he have the same faith as his father Abraham? Absolutely YES!! Isaac witnessed the faith of his father when they were in Mount Moriah for a burnt offering. He asked his father about the offering and his father said that Adonai YHVH will provide the lamb. 

We see Isaac's faith when he came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi and meditated. The Hebrew word for meditation is "Hagah", which means "to ponder" (imagine, meditate, mourn). From the meaning of the word, maybe Isaac was mourning because he remembered his mother Sarah, and also meditating, imagining with a big faith that the servant of his father will bring good news. 

When Rebekah saw Isaac, she took a veil and covered herself which means she's ready to be the wife of Isaac and the two of them went to the tent of Sarah. This part was very touching because the moment they did, the seed of promise(Yeshua, Gal.3:16) was now in place and this is where Isaac was comforted after Sarah's death. 

The significance of our story is about the future wedding of Yeshua. Abraham wanted a bride for Isaac from his country and family the same as Yeshua in the book of Revelation, He visioned John about his bride the holy city of Yerushalayim descending out of heaven from Adonai. The bride had twelve great and high walls with twelve gates and names written on them which are the names of the TWELVE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN ISRAEL. 

Revelation 21:9-12:

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the  names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”

Abraham portrayed as Adonai YHVH, Eliazar the servant portrayed the Ruach Hakodesh who always testifies and convinces with the truth. And of course Isaac is portrayed as Messiah Yeshua. John 6:45 CJB says: “No one can come to Me unless the Father, the One who sent Me draws him.”

How about the Goyim? Can we be part of Yeshua's future wedding? In Exodus 12:19, it says that for seven days no leaven is to be found in each house of the Israelites. If any eats with leavened will be cut off from the Kahal(Congregation) of Israel, whether a sojourner(Ger) or a native of the land. The context is about the feast of Pesach to Unleavened bread and that's the time when Israel becomes separate from the rest of mankind. Also, we can see from the passage that the native Israelite and Ger make up the Congregation of Israel so therefore even us(Elite Gentiles, Torah observant, grafted in the true Olive tree)) could be part of the future wedding of Messiah Yeshua. 

Ruth 1:16 

"Your God will be my God, and your people(Israel) will be my people" 

The meeting of Isaac and Rebekah offers several lessons:

1.The Importance of the guidance and direction of God.

It is noteworthy that all the characters in our Torah portion since last shabbat seem to have been guided by God. Eliazar, Abraham's assistant, peacefully arrived at his destination to find the right woman for Isaac. And so was God's guidance to Eleazar and Rebekah when they returned to meet Isaac. Above all, God's guidance to Isaac, who at this time may still be grieving the death of his mother Sarah, is amazing. And when it came to his marriage, his father himself chose his wife and this was because of God's guidance. When we let God direct our lives, we will not perish, but rather we will be made better and we will see the beauty of His plan. One of King Solomon's famous sayings is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

2.The importance of faith and prayer.

I believe that faith and prayer cannot be separated. When a person has faith, he will pray. And when he prays, there is faith attached to it that will answer his prayer. That is why Isaac is among the characters in the Bible whose name is mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven and they all died in faith(v.13,39).

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion has three chapters. In chapter 12, Isaiah speaks about Adonai's anger toward Israel, which is later turned away. This will lead them to praise and return to Him, for He is their comfort and salvation.

Chapter 13 is about Isaiah's prophecy concerning Adonai's message of judgment against the wicked nations. They will be judged not only by their wickedness, but also how they acted toward Israel. Isaiah sees that Adonai will use another nation to destroy them and they will be likened to Sodom and Gomorrah and it will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation. 

While the focus of Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 13 is about the destruction of the wicked nations, in chapter 14 prophet Isaiah visioned the deliverance of Adonai's chosen people from captivity, and His mercy on Jacob, and He will allow Israel to settle in their own land.

Jeremiah 16:15

'The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.’ For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers.”

Ezekiel 11:17

Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’

Psalm 106:47

“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.”

In this final eschatological picture given to us by the prophet Isaiah, there is only one safe place—only one locus of salvation—to be numbered with the chosen people of Israel through faith in the Messiah of Israel. It is this message of the prophets that informs Paul’s teaching of the Olive Tree and the ingrafting of Gentiles (Rom 11). - Tim Hegg

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

Our Apostolic portion deals with making decisions or planning without Adonai. According to James, claiming that we are in control of what happens can lead to boasting because no one knows what tomorrow may bring. Time itself is in the hands of Adonai (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and boasting about tomorrow reveals a lack of yirat Adonai (fear of the Lord). ”Even King Solomon, the wisest man on earth that ever lived said in Proverbs 27:1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring". The metaphor of life as a fleeting vapor echoes Psalm 39:5, which says, “Behold, You have made my days mere handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You." Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath.

The bottom line of James' message is in verse 15... "If Adonai wills, “Im yirtzeh Hashem”, we shall live and do this or that". This challenges us to embrace divine surrender in all aspects of life. Yeshua Himself modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

“But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do and does not do it—for him it is sin.”

The warning here is clear: when we know the right course of action (seeking Adonai’s will, walking in obedience), but still choose to act independently or presumptuously, it is sinful. This goes back to Yeshua’s parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21, who made grand plans to build larger barns and enjoy his wealth but died unexpectedly. His failure was not in planning but in leaving Adonai out of the equation.

As we make our daily plans and goals, we must first acknowledge Adonai and ask for His help, for He is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Heb. 13:8).

Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of Adonai will stand.”

Proverbs 16:9:

"A man’s heart plans his course, but Adonai directs his steps.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time.”


In all things, may we remember to submit our plans to Adonai, trust in His infinite wisdom, timing, and goodness. 

The connection of our Parasha is about the will of Adonai. In the Torah, because of the will of Adonai, Isaac and Rebekah finally met and became one. In Haftarah, because of the will of Adonai, His mercy is on Jacob and will still choose Israel and settle them in their own land and nations will be gathered as well. In Apostolic, everything happens according to Adonai’s will.

Returning to my introduction...

There’s nothing quite like the joy of finally meeting the love of our life—the one who makes us feel whole, as though we've found our missing piece. Yet, an even greater joy awaits us: the day we meet Yeshua, our Bridegroom, and celebrate with Him at His wedding feast. As we eagerly anticipate that glorious day, let us remain faithful, walking in obedience and preparing our hearts, so we will be ready when He comes.

Revelation 19:7 

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 

When we align our steps with God’s will, we become vessels of His greater plan—carrying the promise of blessing for generations to come.

“The will of God will never take you where His grace cannot sustain you.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

blogs.timesofisrael.com 

myjewishlearning.com 

The Elite Gentiles by Roger Walkwitz 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

torahclass.com 

torahresource.com

Parasha 21: The Bride and the Covenant

The Bride and the Covenant

-- TORAH P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

What is the importance of finding a life partner who has a strong faith in God? Do parents have the right to choose their child's future spouse?

In the last parasha, Sarah passed away in Hebron, and Abraham purchased a burial site—the cave of Machpelah—where he laid her to rest. Now, Abraham was old, yet God had blessed him in all things. Despite losing Sarah, his focus remained on the importance of God's covenant. To fulfill that covenant, Abraham took the next step:

1. He LOOKED for a bride for Isaac.

After securing the cave of Machpelah, Abraham solidified his presence in Canaan, knowing that from Isaac, the promised seed would come. He wanted a bride for Isaac from his homeland and relatives, possibly because he was aware of the wickedness of the Canaanites and feared that marrying outside the covenant would lead Isaac astray. This is a reminder of the importance of choosing a life partner wisely. Parents naturally desire the best for their children, and children should value and consider their parents’ guidance.

Exodus 34:11-12
"Be sure to observe what I am commanding you this day: behold, I am going to drive out the Amorite before you, and the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Watch yourself that you make NO COVENANT with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst."

2. He ENTRUSTED the mission to his servant.

This servant probably was Eliezer and his name means "God's help" the oldest in the house of Abraham and also ruled over all he had. He let his servant swear to God by putting his hand under the thigh of Abraham. In my understanding, the possible meaning of this oath is since God promised to Abraham a "Seed" and will be passed on to his son, the servant swear that he would be faithful in finding a bride for Isaac and the oath involves by swearing to the Lord as He the One who gave circumcision as the sign of His covenant. 

3. He ASSURED his servant that God would guide him.

Abraham gave confidence to his servant to fear not for the angel of God is with him. Since Abraham knew that God made a covenant to him, his servant will be successful in finding a bride for Isaac. Also, he remembered that God did the same thing in his life so therefore, He would also do that to his servant. 

Now I want to share how the servant of Abraham played an important role in fulfilling the plan of God: 

1.The servant swore and put his hand under the thigh of Abraham. Again notice here that after Abraham told his servant that the angel of God will be with him, he swore immediately, meaning he was ready to obey the command of his master. He brought with him the goods of his master and went directly to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. 

2.The servant prayed and asked for a sign. 

He acknowledged and humbled himself that he can't do the task alone. He told in prayer that may God give him success. 

Proverbs 3:6 

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight". 

The servant also asked for a sign. A woman who would give him and his camels a drink will be God's appointed one. The answer to his prayer and sign was very quick as before he had finished speaking, Rebekah came out. 1 Corinthians 1:21 says: "For indeed the Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom". 

3.The servant bowed down his head, worshiped, and blessed God.

After he confirmed that Rebekah was from the correct lineage, he gave thanks to God because of his success in finding a bride for Isaac. The servant witnessed the faith of his master and how God works in the life of Abraham. Like his master, the servant also learned the need of trusting, praying, and giving thanks to the Giver of success.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

While Judges 19 is one of the most difficult passages in Scripture due to its tragic ending, verses 16-21 offer a glimpse of light—the hospitality of an old man who extended kindness in the midst of lawlessness. A Levite who took a concubine for himself from Bethlehem in Judah. Sadly, the concubine played the harlot against him and left him. She went to her father, stayed there for four months. The Levite with his servant went after her to bring her back. The father shows hospitality by giving him food and drink and let him stay for a couple of days before returning home. 

The Levite successfully convinced his concubine to return home but when they were near Jebus( during this time, Jerusalem was under control of the Jebusites), the servant of the Levite suggested lodging in the city of the Jebusites as the day was far away. They spent the night in Gibeah(under the control of Israel during this time) instead, but no one offered a house for them until an old man from the mountains of Ephraim came and saw them in the open square of the city and showed hospitality.

This act of hospitality mirrors the righteousness of our foremother Rebekah, who welcomed Eliezer with a servant’s heart, and ultimately points us to Yeshua, who calls us to show love and kindness even in a fallen world.

• When the Levite, his servant, and his concubine arrived in Gibeah, no one offered them shelter. This reflected the lack of hospitality and righteousness in Israel at that time.
• However, an old man from the mountains of Ephraim, though a foreigner to Gibeah, showed compassion by welcoming them into his home, providing them with food, drink, and a place to stay.
• His generosity and hospitality reflect the same kindness that Rebekah displayed toward Eliezer when she not only gave him water but also watered his camels—an act of selflessness and servant-heartedness.
• Just as Rebekah's hospitality led to her being chosen as the bride for Isaac, this old man’s hospitality stood out as a righteous act in an unrighteous city.

This reminds us that in a world of selfishness and moral decay, true hospitality is a reflection of godly character.

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

In Apostolic portion, Apostle Paul encouraged the Ekklesia in Ephesus to walk in the following:

A. Walk Wisely in Adonai’s Ways

Ephesians 5:15-17 instructs believers to walk wisely, making the most of every opportunity and understanding Adonai’s will. This wisdom is not human but rooted in Torah and the guidance of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). This parallels Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24, who sought divine guidance before taking action in finding a wife for Isaac. His dependence on Adonai’s direction exemplifies the wisdom Paul speaks of—walking in righteousness and divine alignment.

B. Be Filled with the Ruach HaKodesh

Ephesians 5:18-20 contrasts being drunk with wine with being filled with the Ruach HaKodesh. The servant in Genesis 24 demonstrates this spiritual principle by praying to Adonai for clarity rather than relying on his own understanding. His prayer and subsequent worship mirror Paul’s exhortation to speak in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, expressing gratitude to Adonai. This reminds us that true guidance and strength come from our connection with Him.

C. Submit in the Fear of Messiah

Ephesians 5:21-24 speaks of submission in the fear of Messiah, using marriage as a model. Just as Rebekah willingly submitted to becoming Isaac’s wife, believers are called to submit to Messiah Yeshua in love and obedience. Rebekah’s response to the servant’s invitation mirrors the bride of Messiah accepting His calling with faith.

Paul describes Yeshua’s love for the community of believers, comparing it to a husband’s sacrificial love for his wife (Ephesians 5:25-27). This love reflects Isaac, a foreshadowing of Messiah, who was willing to be offered as a sacrifice in Genesis 22 and later received his bride. Just as Isaac accepted Rebekah, Yeshua receives His followers, cleansing them and setting them apart for Himself.

Paul concludes by quoting Genesis 2:24, stating that marriage reflects the mystery of Messiah and His people (Ephesians 5:31-33). The union of Isaac and Rebekah symbolizes the greater union between Yeshua and His bride—the community of believers, both Jew and grafted-in Gentile. Just as Rebekah left her past to join Isaac in the land of promise, believers leave their old lives to walk in the covenant of Messiah, bound by His love and righteousness.

This passage calls us to live in wisdom, submission, and love, just as Isaac and Rebekah’s story prefigures our relationship with Yeshua. By walking in Adonai’s ways and being filled with His Spirit, we reflect the unity and holiness of Messiah and His people.

The connection of our parasha is about submission and hospitality, both of which reflect a heart of obedience to God's will and alignment with His divine order.

In the Torah portion, Abraham’s servant exemplifies submission to his master's command and trust in God's guidance as he seeks a wife for Isaac. His prayerful reliance on Adonai and immediate obedience reflect humility and faith. Rebekah, in turn, displays both submission and hospitality—she not only responds to the servant’s request for water but also goes beyond, offering to water the camels, a generous and laborious act. In the Haftarah portion the Levite travels to reclaim his concubine, and she ultimately submits by returning with him. An old man offers them shelter, food and water. In the Apostolic portion, Paul instructed the believers on wise living, and urge them to walk in submission to one another out of reverence for Messiah. The relationship between husband and wife mirrors that of Yeshua and His Ekklesia—wives submit to their husbands as unto the Lord, and husbands love sacrificially as Messiah loves the congregation. This divine model reflects the heart of both Abraham’s servant (who submitted to his master’s will) and Rebekah (who submitted to God’s calling).

Abraham sent his most trusted servant on a mission to find a bride for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God’s covenant. The servant’s faithfulness and submission led to success. Likewise, we are called to be faithful and submissive to Yeshua, trusting in His plans for our lives.

“Submission to God’s will leads to a life of purpose and success.”

As Abraham’s servant declared, "Adonai has led me in the way" (Genesis 24:27), may we also walk in God’s path, submit to Him and show hospitality as a testimony of His goodness.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

beityeshua.com
Matthew Henry commentary on the whole Bible
missionbibleclass.org
hoshanarabbah.org
news.kehila.org
thetorah.com
King james Version Bible Commentary
The MacArthur Study Bible