Parasha 27: Behold, I AM with You

Behold, I AM with You

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

How does it feel to know God is with you?

Last parasha, Isaac discovered that he gave his blessing to his younger son Jacob instead of Esau. When Esau heard it, he bitterly cried and begged his father to bless him too. So he bore a grudge against his brother Jacob because of the blessing which Isaac gives. Because of what happened, Esau planned to kill Jacob as soon as his father died. To escape from his angry brother, Jacob went to Paddan-aram, the place of his uncle Laban.

Our parasha starts with Jacob who was in a certain place to spend the night. From there he dreamt. There was a ladder set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven, and Adonai YHVH’s angels were descending and ascending on it. There was a midrash that says the ladder leads to the Temple altar and the angels of Adonai are the high priests. Some Rabbis understood the ladder as Mount Sinai.  

I believe this ladder foreshadows the Messiah Yeshua. In Genesis 22:18, Adonai said to Abraham that “In his seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed”, and this time, Jacob also received the same promise( V.14). Yeshua is the seed, the ladder and bridge to Adonai to restore the broken relationship between Him and mankind because of sin.

Now in verses 13-15, Adonai promised some important things to Jacob. As we can see, everytime Adonai calls someone to serve Him, it requires a separation from loved ones. When Adonai called Abraham in Genesis 12, He told him to leave his country, his family, and the house of his father. This time, Jacob must leave his family because of what happened and Adonai allowed it to fit in His plan and He wants Jacob to rely on Him. Twice the word “Behold” was used here. In verse 13, behold, Adonai stood above the ladder and said to Jacob that He is the Lord God of his father Abraham and Isaac. He mentioned these names because He made a covenant with them, and Jacob will continue to fulfil it. He promised to Jacob that his descendants will be numerous and shall spread to the four corners of the earth and in his seed

(that is Yeshua in Gal.3:16), all the families of this eretz will be blessed.

The second behold is in verse 15. Adonai promised to Jacob that He would be with him and keep him wherever he goes. Since Jacob departed from his family, this promise was very comforting. He will be Jacob’s companion and guidance. Hebrews 13:5b-6 “For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” For Jacob, these promises render more encouragement as he becomes a traveller and leaves his comfort zone.

When he awakes, Jacob is amazed because he recognized Adonai’s presence in the place he claimed as the house of God and gate of heaven. He took the stone that he had put at his head, made a pillar and poured oil on it. After that, he called the place Bethel which means “House of God”. Then he told himself that if Adonai will be with him and provide food and clothes, then He shall be his God. What a wonderful transformation of Jacob, a supplanter but now a believer of Adonai YHVH. Eventually, his name will be changed from Jacob to Israel which means “God prevails.”

In chapter 29, Jacob reached his destination, and we can see five pieces of evidence here that Adonai YHVH is with him like what He promised in 28:15.

1. Jacob meets shepherds from Haran vv.1-4

It would be easy for Jacob to know the place of his destination because of these shepherds from Haran. Surprisingly, they knew Laban the son of Nahor, for he was actually Nahor’s grandson. In our lives, God sends people to help, guide, and sometimes use them as blessings for us.

2. Rachel came with the sheep v.6

What a coincidence! While Jacob was asking the shepherds, they pointed out Rachel, his cousin, and the daughter of his Uncle Laban. Because of Jacob’s excitement, he kissed Rachel, lifted up his voice and wept( tears of joy). if it is truly God's will to happen, He Himself will make a way. It is no coincidence that Rachel was also on her way to Jacob's place so that their paths would meet. I remember when God changed my life from twelve years of drug addiction. I prayed to Him that if I ever had a girlfriend again, it would be someone I could marry and help with the ministry. And when I went to a bible school, God introduced me to the woman I had prayed for.

3. Laban heard the news about Jacob vv.13-14

Upon meeting his nephew, Laban shows hospitality by bringing Jacob into his house. He stayed there for a month and Jacold told Laban everything. Laban offered him wages maybe because he knew that Adonai will bless Jacob, so he could be a blessing to him as well.

4. Jacob was with Leah in the morning vv.23-25

Since Adonai YHVH told Jacob that his descendants shall be as the dust of the earth(Gen.28:14), Leah will be the mother of Levi(Priesthood), and Judah (The line of King David and Yeshua Ha Massiach). Again nothing is an accident God allows all events to happen for a purpose and to fulfill His plan.

5. Jacob married Rachel vv.28-30

First, it was only seven years of service for Rachel because Jacob loved her. But after he awakes one morning with Leah, Laban told him that it should not be done in their country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Another seven years of service must be completed, and he loved Rachel who became the mother of Benjamin and Joseph which Foreshadows the Messiah Yeshua as the suffering Servant.

These five pieces of evidence show us that Adonai YHVH is with Jacob, always available to help him and fulfil His promises.

“I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

In fact, this promise is already a third generation of a covenant Adonai made with Abraham and with Isaac. After Jacob's incident with his brother, he will experience more suffering and trials, but it's just the beginning of his calling. Just like Jacob, some of us expect that an encounter with Adonai will make our life better and prosperous. The experiences of Jacob shows us that God wants to meet us in our darkest hour when it seems that we already wanted to give up. But that's the time that He will communicate with us.

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

The haftarah from Hosea 12:12–14 connects to Jacob’s story by mentioning that he fled to Aram and worked hard for a wife.

However, the main point Hosea makes is about how the nation that came from Jacob turned away from God. Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern kingdom) are both guilty, and God promises to judge them for their wrong actions.

Israel was arrogant because of their status as the chosen people of Adonai, and they relied and sought help from other nations including Egypt instead of relying on Adonai who brought them out of slavery. Even though Jacob personally encountered God—wrestling with Him and speaking with Him—the generations after him broke their covenant with God. Hosea even shows that the "Angel of the Lord" Jacob wrestled with is actually God Himself.

The worst sin was Ephraim’s idolatry, which included terrible practices like child sacrifice.

So through prophet Hosea, Adonai reminded them of their beginning. He recalls how Jacob served for a spouse, and how Israel was brought out from the land of Egypt. This should cause them to be humble, and must recognize that only by the grace and power of Adonai YHVH they became a great nation. The lesson here for us is very obvious. Sometimes when we forget what Adonai has done in our lives and seem to rely on our own abilities, He will suddenly remind us so that we can continue to trust Him.

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In Apostolic, Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus to walk in love (vv.1-7), that fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, and idolatry should not be seen in them. Paul reminds them also not to be deceived by anyone of empty words (kenois logos in greek) which means “without the substance of truth or reality.”

Next, Paul reminds them to walk in light (vv.8-10). He mentioned what light produces in the life of a believer. These are goodness, righteousness, truth, and finding out the acceptable things to Adonai YHVH.

Because we have come to know God through His Messiah, Yeshua, and have received the gift of His Spirit, we should not be fooled by empty talk. We are called to live as children of the Light, always seeking to understand what pleases the Lord (vv. 8–10).

We must live as people who have truly encountered the Holy One of Israel—just as Jacob did—because we have met Him and come to know Him in a real and personal way.

The connection of our parasha is about the continuous presence of God in the journey of His people. In the Torah, Adonai assured Jacob that He will be with him and won't leave him. In the Haftarah, in spite of Israel's reliance on other nations including Egypt, Adonai recalls how He was with Jacob in Syria, and how He brought Israel out of slavery. In Apostolic, Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus that if Adonai is already with them, they should no longer live in darkness but walk as children of light and find out what is acceptable to Adonai YHVH.

Returning to my introduction…Adonai YHVH promised to Jacob that He will be with him. Yeshua also promised to His disciples that He will be with them always, even to the end of the age

(Mat.28:20). Baruch Hashem we have a God who is always with us, an ever present help! Yes He is, and He does!

"God’s promises are not bound by time or circumstance; they are anchored in His faithfulness. Just as He was with Jacob, He is with us, guiding us through every twist and turn of our journey."

Psalm 145:18

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

Psalm 16:8

"I know that the Lord is always with me.”

Isaiah 41:10

"I am with you; I will strengthen you and help you.” 

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

Myjewishlearning.com

Jtsa.edu

Schechter.edu

Hoshanarabbah.org

Torahclass.com

torahresource.com

Learnreligions.com

Hebrews12endurance.com

 

Parasha 26: When It's Too Late to Turn Back

 

When It's Too Late to Turn Back

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Have you ever been in a situation you regret because of a wrong decision?

In the last parasha, Jacob received the blessing of his father Isaac through the help of Rebekah. The blessing included the abundance of water (dew of heaven), the fatness of the earth—plenty of grain and wine—the advantage over other nations, and the curse or blessing upon those who treat him similarly.

Now, our parasha begins with Esau’s return from hunting. He prepared a savory meal, brought it to Isaac, and asked for the blessing. Isaac trembled after realizing he had already given his blessing to Jacob. Perhaps at this point, he remembered Adonai YHVH’s message to Rebekah. I want to focus on the results of what Esau, Jacob, and Rebekah did in the previous chapters, as reflected in today’s Torah portion.

The Results of Esau’s Negligence of His Birthright:

1. He cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry (v.34)

This time, he realized the importance of what he had so lightly given away. In Genesis 25:29–34, Esau sold his birthright for a stew. He did not value or protect it. Because of this, he bore the consequences for the rest of his life. Notice in verse 32, he declared himself as the firstborn—but it was too late!

2. He shifted the blame to Jacob (v.36)

Here, he blamed Jacob for stealing two things from him: his blessing and his birthright. The truth is, Esau should have blamed himself because he only wanted the material blessing, not the eternal one. He desired momentary pleasure to relieve his hunger. Remember, Adam and Eve were tested through food (Gen. 2:16–17), and so was Esau.

3. He only received the secondary blessing from his father (vv.39–40)

Esau pleaded with his father to bless him too. However, it was not much of a blessing. By his sword he would live and serve his brother. Then Isaac answered and said to him:

“Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth,

and of the dew of heaven from above.

By your sword you shall live,

and you shall serve your brother;

and it shall come to pass, when you become restless,

that you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

4. He wanted to kill his brother Jacob (vv.41–42)

Because of what happened, Esau hated Jacob. He was clearly waiting for his father's passing so he could kill his brother. Esau lived for years in hatred. This is exactly what happens today among believers in different congregations. When they become angry, depressed, tired, or stressed, that is when Satan attacks—offering something that can destroy their ministry and relationship with Adonai.

5. He married an Ishmaelite (28:9)

In addition to despising his birthright, he lacked awareness in choosing a proper wife. In chapter 26:34, he took two Hittite women as wives, and this time he took Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, who was not in the covenant line of Adonai's promise. Perhaps he thought that by doing this, he would gain another blessing and favor from his father.

The Results of Jacob’s Action for the Birthright and Blessing:

1. He escaped from Esau and went to Haran (vv.43–44)

Esau’s plan to kill Jacob was told to Rebekah, who then instructed her younger son to go to Haran, the place of his uncle Laban. Jacob had to stay there until Esau’s anger passed. Jacob was very close to his mother, but now he had to leave for his safety.

2. He received an additional blessing from Isaac (vv.3–4)

In spite of the trick that Jacob and Rebekah played, Jacob received another blessing. But before that, in verse 46, Rebekah did not tell Isaac about Esau's plot to kill Jacob. She used the daughters of Heth as a reason, saying they made her weary. Because of this, Isaac called Jacob for two reasons: to bless him again and to instruct him not to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan.

The Results of Rebekah’s Action:

1. She was separated from her favorite son Jacob (v.45)

Some commentators say that Rebekah made a massive sacrifice to ensure Jacob would receive Isaac's blessing. Sadly, she never saw Jacob again.

2. She caused hatred between Jacob and Esau (v.41)

Obadiah 1:10 says, “Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever.” 

The prophet’s vision shows that Esau's descendants continued seeking vengeance against Jacob (Israel). In spite of the actions of Esau, Jacob, and Rebekah, we see that Adonai YHVH is in control. He maneuvered their mistakes and fit them into His plan.

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

It has two sections. Verses 1–5 are about the coming of Messiah Yeshua and His missions.

In verse 2, He is the Bread from Heaven. The name Bethlehem means “House of Bread,” located about six miles southwest of Jerusalem, where Yeshua was born. King David was also born and raised there.

In verse 2b, He will be a Ruler in Israel. Jeremiah 23:5 says, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as King and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.”

In verse 4, He will be a Shepherd. He will feed His flock. Psalm 23 tells us Yeshua provides green pastures and uses His rod and staff to comfort His flock.

The second section (Micah 5:5b–15) is about the victory of Jacob’s remnant and the source of blessing, as well as the destruction of Israel’s enemies.

First, their victory will come from Adonai YHVH when facing enemies.

Second, Prophet Micah likens their blessing to the refreshing dew from Adonai (v.7), and to a lion (v.8) among the beasts of the forest.

The bottom line: Israel will be victorious over her enemies through the mighty power and help of Adonai YHVH.

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

Apostle Paul lists some benefits of being justified by Adonai through genuine faith:

1. We have shalom with Adonai (v.2)

We have this through our Savior, Messiah Yeshua.

2. We have access (v.2)

Yeshua provides immediate and consistent access to the Father for those He has declared righteous.

3. We glory in tribulations (v.3)

The justified rejoice in perseverance, character, and hope.

4. We now have reconciliation with Adonai (v.10)

Through Messiah Yeshua’s death, we were reconciled to the Father and can now enjoy a new and wonderful relationship with Adonai.

The Connection of Our Parasha

The connection of our Parasha is about enmity and reconciliation. In the Torah, Esau wanted to kill his brother Jacob because of what Jacob did. In the Haftarah, the enmity of Israel's enemies against them will end because Adonai YHVH will judge them. In Apostolic, there's enmity between us and God when we were still sinners, but because of our Genuine faith in Messiah Yeshua, we have received reconciliation. 

Returning to my introduction....In Hebrews 12:17 it says that Esau afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it with tears. Let us always remember that it is too late to reverse the damage done by our wrong decisions in life. Let us not take for granted the wonderful plan of Adonai to each one of us. May we learn from Esau and not wait until it is too late. 

“Regret is always in the end, so think about it before you make a move.” – Anonymous

Let us always remember that it can be too late to reverse the damage caused by wrong decisions in life. Let us not take for granted the wonderful plan of Adonai for each one of us. May we learn from Esau—and not wait until it is too late.

"A moment of craving can cost a lifetime of calling. Guard your birthright—your purpose, your promise, your place in God’s plan—with wisdom, not impulse."

Is there a decision you're making that could cost you a blessing? Write it down, pray over it, and ask Adonai to help you walk in wisdom, not regret.

Don't wait until it's too late. Choose obedience now.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

torahclass.com 

shema.com 

christianstudylibrary.org 

bibleoutlines.com 

newfoundfaith.org 

missionbibleclass.org 

bible.org 

Matthew Henry's commentary 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

Shabbat Pesach Teaching

 

-- TORAH   P O R T I O N --

“The Glory of Redemption" (Exodus 33:12–34:26)

The Torah portion of our special readings deals with Moshe’s eagerness to know more about God and his desire to see His face. At this point, God was angry with His people because they had worshipped the molded calf (chapter 32), but He granted Moshe's request by:

Promising His presence to be with him (vv.12–23)

In verse 13, Moshe prayed that God would be gracious to him and consider Israel as His people. God assured Moshe that His presence would be with him and the Israelites. First, He granted Moshe's request to show His glory (v.18). In addition to asking for God's grace, Moshe asked Him to show His glory. The Hebrew word for glory is kavod (kaw-bode’), which means “honor, abundance, riches, reputation, reverence.”

God revealed the abundance and riches of His glory to Moshe in verses 19–23. He told Moshe,

“I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live. Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Here, Moshe sees only the back of God as His glory. Using chapter 34:6–7, we understand that the back of God represents His ways and attributes: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in goodness and truth, extending mercy to thousands, and forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Clearly, the back of God reveals His merciful side—exactly what Israel needed after their unfaithfulness in worshipping the calf. The face of God remained hidden, possibly representing His side as a Judge or His mysterious nature.

Surprisingly, after Moshe saw the back of God, he bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped (34:8); his faith was renewed.

Renewing His Covenant (34:1–26)

God commanded Moshe to cut two tablets of stone to rewrite His words. He began by revealing His attributes to Moshe, and then in verse 10, He told him that He would drive out the Amorite, Canaanite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite. God would do this because Israel was to conquer the land, and to prevent them from worshipping idols—as they had with the Golden Calf—since these nations were pagans.

That’s why in verse 13, God instructed Moshe and the Israelites to destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images. Then, God repeated the command to observe the Moedim (appointed times), beginning with the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Since God instructed Moshe and the Israelites to remove leaven from their houses and eat unleavened bread for seven days, the essence of this feast is separation. God wanted to separate Israel from leaven (sin).

Another part of the covenant is Shabbat. Israel did not experience Shabbat in Egypt because they were slaves. That’s why God wanted Pharaoh to release them—so they could celebrate a feast (Shabbat is also an appointed time) to Him.

Finally, we have the celebrations of Shavuot and Sukkot, which are connected. On Shavuot, the Torah was given at Mount Sinai. We know that this Torah became flesh in the presence of Messiah Yeshua, and He dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14). Baruch Hashem!

Why were these three feasts part of the renewal of God's covenant, and what can we learn from them?

These are the three harvests in Israel, and each carries deep significance to Adonai’s harvest and redemption.

Pesach – Barley Harvest

Exodus 9:31–32

“Now the flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the head and the flax was in the bud. But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they are late crops.”

This feast commemorates Adonai's harvest of Israel from Egypt through Moshe.

Shavuot – Wheat Harvest

Exodus 34:22

“And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest.”

This feast commemorates not only the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, but also the events of Acts 2, where the talmidim of Yeshua were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and shared the Word in different languages (see Acts 2:1–4, 40–47).

Sukkot – Grape Harvest

Deuteronomy 16:13

“You shall observe the Feast of Sukkot seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress.”

The significance of this feast lies in the final harvest of Adonai YHVH. In Revelation 7, we see 144,000 sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and in verses 9–13, a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue, standing before the Lamb (Yeshua), clothed in white robes and holding palm branches. This represents the ingathering of Jew and Gentile—one in Messiah, one in Yeshua, one in the Olive Tree.

-- H A F T A R A H   P O R T I O N --

“The Breath of Redemption” (Ezekiel 37:1–14)

Our Haftarah portion deals with Ezekiel’s vision of a valley full of bones and how these bones come to life.

First, the bones can live because Adonai will breathe into them. Going back to creation, Adonai breathed the breath of life into man’s nostrils (Gen. 2:7).

Second, the dry bones can live because of Adonai’s Word. In creation, God used the power of His Word: “And He said...” These dry bones represent the people of Israel. Adonai YHVH will assemble and restore them as a nation.

-- APOSTOLIC   P O R T I O N --

“Living as Redeemed People” (1 Corinthians 5:1–8)

In the Apostolic Scriptures, Paul challenges not only the believers in Corinth but also us, as grafted-in believers.

• Get rid of the old yeast – Paul uses leavened bread as a metaphor. Leaven represents sin. We must remove the old yeast—our former sins—so we may become a new batch of dough.

• Keep celebrating the festival – We should not only observe Pesach and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but also rejoice in the fact that Yeshua’s righteous blood has paid for our sins.

"Redemption is not just about being set free—it’s about learning to dwell in God’s presence, walk in His ways, and become a living testimony of His mercy and truth."

As we remember the deliverance from Egypt and the resurrection power that brings dry bones to life, ask yourself:

Have I truly left Egypt behind?

This Pesach, don’t just remove the leaven from your home—remove it from your heart. Let go of old ways, and walk in the new life of Messiah Yeshua.

This Shabbat Pesach, let us rejoice in our REDEMPTION—through the blood of the perfect offering, the unleavened bread, the firstfruits from the dead, and the firstfruits of those who are asleep. He is Messiah Yeshua!

Chag Pesach Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

blueletterbible.org 

messianiclight.com

theberean.org

explaining thebook.com

bible.org

agodman.com

jewsforjudaism.org

firelifeministries.org

The MacArthur Study Bible 

Parasha 25: Come that I May Bless You

Come that I May Bless You 

Introduction:

How does it feel when your father blesses you during Erev Shabbat?

Our Parasha starts with the condition of Isaac as he was already old. His eyes were dim, and he couldn't see. According to some scholars, Isaac was 137 years old at this time. Because of his age, maybe he felt that he was near death, so he called Esau to hunt and make savory food before blessing him. The question is, why must Isaac eat before blessing Esau? In my understanding, it has something to do with Esau’s selling of his birthright for a lentil stew. Now his father Isaac was also willing to give his blessing with a full stomach. And while Esau was hunting, it caused a great delay, allowing Jacob to prepare two young goats and receive the blessing of his father Isaac.

Before the preparation of the savory food to be cooked, the animal had to be killed, and of course, there was the shedding of blood. This could be a foreshadowing of the sacrificial death of Yeshua, who shed His blood, which is the blood of the new covenant as well (Hebrews 9:16–22).

In the case of Rebekah, when she put the skins of the goats on Jacob's hands, it was a picture of atonement (kaparah) or the covering of sin. Perhaps that's the reason why Rebekah said in verse 13, "Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go." Yeshua did not only cover our sins, but He paid for them (propitiation). Romans 3:24–25 says:

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Messiah Yeshua, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”

Another important thing that we have to notice is the involvement of the five senses from our characters. First is SEEING. It's not impossible for Rebekah to have shared with Isaac what Adonai said to her in Genesis 25:23b, that the older will serve the younger. In verse 1, it says that the eyes of Isaac were dim and he couldn't see. It can be literal because of his age, but it can also have a deeper meaning—he couldn't see the prophetic message of Adonai to Rebekah that Jacob should be the one. Notice how he called Esau: he called him "Esau, my older son," not "my firstborn son." Coincidence?

Second is HEARING. Rebekah heard what Isaac told Esau. So she spoke to Jacob and told him everything. After Jacob heard it, he followed Rebekah's instruction to bring her two choice kids of the goats for the savory food. Third is TOUCHING. In verses 21–23, Isaac told Jacob to come near so he could feel whether he was really Esau. Isaac did not recognize him because his hands were hairy like Esau's, and so Isaac blessed him.

Fourth is TASTING. Isaac repeated his statement in verse 4 that he must eat before giving his blessing. So Jacob brought the savory food with wine, and Isaac ate and drank. Fifth is SMELLING. Maybe still unconvinced, Isaac invited Jacob to come near and kiss him. Then Jacob came near and kissed his father, and finally, Isaac was convinced that it was indeed Esau because of his smell.

Our senses are gifts from Adonai YHVH, and we must use them in a good way.

1. Hearing
   Hebrews 4:7
   "Today, if you hear God's voice, do not harden your hearts."

2. Seeing
   Psalm 66:5
   "Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men."

3. Tasting
   Ecclesiastes 3:13
   "Moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God."

4. Touching
   Daniel 10:10
   "Behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands."

5. Smelling
   2 Corinthians 2:15
   "For we are a fragrance of Yeshua to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

Now, let us proceed to the blessing that Isaac gave to Jacob. In verse 28, Isaac mentioned the dew of heaven. The Hebrew word for dew is tal, which means "light rain," a symbol of the fertility of the land, since they were living in the wilderness. Next is the fatness of the earth. The word "fatness" in Hebrew is saman, meaning "fertile land or place," made possible by rain. Then the abundance of grain and wine. It is very obvious that the first part of Isaac's blessing to Jacob is abundance and riches, and it really fits him because his descendants settled as farmers in the land.

The second part of Isaac's blessing to Jacob is in verse 29, and it deals with supremacy over other nations and people. Here, Jacob would rule over his brothers, and even the sons of his mother would bow down to him. Eventually, this would happen again during the time of Joseph when he had a dream that the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to him.

The last part of Isaac's blessing was, "Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you." Comparing this with Genesis 12:3, which Adonai Himself declared, we see that here the curse comes before the blessing. After the giving of the blessing, Rebekah attained her desire to witness the fulfillment of Adonai's word to her: "The older will serve the younger."

The lesson here is that the majestic plan of Adonai YHVH will always prevail. Since He is an Omnipotent God, He can even use our shortcomings to fulfill His plan.

 -- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah deals with the comparison between Adonai YHVH and the dead idols of Babylon. In verses 3 and 4, Adonai told the house of Jacob and the remnant of Israel that He is not helpless like idols. The point of Adonai is that even the idols of Babylon can’t save themselves, but Adonai can save His people Israel throughout their lives—even to their gray hairs, He will carry them.

In verses 5–7, Adonai pointed out that His power cannot be compared to idols because they are powerless. Also, the effort of the people who make idols, treat them like gods, and prostrate themselves is nonsense because their idols can't answer when they cry out for help.

To prove that He, Adonai YHVH, is the One True God of Israel, He tells His people in verse 9 to remember the former things like their deliverance from Egypt and His provision in the wilderness. This could serve as evidence that He is the only God.

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In the Apostolic Writings, the author of Hebrews discussed the faith of the Patriarchs. To prove his faith, Abraham offered Isaac. He trusted Adonai YHVH that, just in case Isaac died, He was able to raise him up—even from the dead. Another example of faith was Isaac, who blessed his two sons concerning things to come. Although it turned out the way it did because Rebekah insisted, Jacob got the blessing of his father by pretending to be Esau. When Jacob was about to die, he also blessed the sons of Joseph. And Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions about his bones.

Like the Patriarchs, let us confidently put our faith in Messiah Yeshua, for He is the great fulfillment of Adonai's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The connection of our Parasha is about blessing. In the Torah, Isaac gave his blessing to Jacob as the fulfillment of "The older will serve the younger." In the Haftarah, the greatest blessing of Israel is that they have Adonai YHVH—a powerful and true God who cannot be compared to any idol. In the Apostolic Writings, the Patriarchs extended their blessings to their sons as proof of their faith in Adonai YHVH.

Returning to my introduction... it is a privilege to be blessed by our earthly father, but it is a greater privilege to be blessed by our Heavenly Father through His Son, Yeshua HaMashiach!

Ephesians 1:3

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Him."

"Even when human plans falter and motives are flawed, Adonai’s purpose prevails. The blessing meant for you will always find its way — not by force, but by faith."

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

torahclass.com 

jtsa.edu 

shema.com 

shalomfortheworld.com 

reconciledworld.org 

bible.org 

bethanybible.org 

The MacArthur Study Bible 

Parasha 24: The Merciful God

The Merciful God

Introduction

According to the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary, "mercy" means a kind or forgiving attitude toward someone who has the power to harm or punish you, or an event or situation to be grateful for, usually because it stops something unpleasant.

In the last parasha, there was a famine in the land, and Adonai YHVH instructed Isaac not to go down to Egypt. He went to Abimelech, the king of the Philistines in Gerar, and told the men of the place that Rebekah was his sister. Abimelech noticed that there was sweet talk between Isaac and Rebekah, so he approached Isaac.

Our Torah portion starts with Isaac, who reaped a hundredfold because Adonai blessed him. Isaac became prosperous and had many servants, which is why the Philistines envied him. During Isaac's stay in Gerar, he faced many struggles.

First, the Philistines stopped up all the wells that Abraham's servants had dug. Since they were staying in a desert land, wells were essential as a source of water. Out of envy, the Philistines did not honor the covenant that had been made between Abraham and Abimelech in Beersheba (Gen. 21:25-31).

Second, Abimelech dismissed him. The king's reason for dismissing Isaac was that he was mightier than them. Surprisingly, a similar incident happened in Exodus 1:7-10, where the children of Israel (from Isaac) multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty. At that time in Egypt, there was a new king who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, "Look, the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply and fight against us."

Third, Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found a well, but the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with them. Twice they dug a well, but both times, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with them. That is why Isaac named the first well Esek, which means "quarrel," and the second well Sitnah, which means "opposition." The names of the two wells that Isaac gave reflected his experience with the people in Gerar.

The Hebrew word for mercy is rachamim (רַחֲמִים), which comes from the root racham (רַחַם), meaning "compassion" or "tender love." This word is closely related to rechem (רֶחֶם), which means "womb," illustrating God’s deep, parental love for His people.

How did Adonai show His mercy to Isaac?

He PROVIDED a space for Isaac and his servants (v. 23).

The third time Isaac's servants dug a well, no one quarreled with them. Isaac named it Rehoboth, meaning "wide open space," saying, "For now Adonai has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." Here, Isaac saw how Adonai providentially worked out their situation. Even in our circumstances, we may think Adonai is doing nothing, but in the end, we will be amazed by His actions.

He APPEARED to Isaac in Beersheba (vv. 23-24).

Since Adonai is an omniscient God, He knew that Isaac needed encouragement, so He renewed His promise to him. Let’s look at how Adonai encouraged Isaac. He mentioned that He is the God of his father Abraham, so Isaac had no reason to fear, for He was with him. This was a reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant. This is also an encouragement to us. Every time we face trials, let’s look back at the times when Adonai did not abandon us. This will refresh our trust in Him.

He ALLOWED Abimelech to see that He was with Isaac (vv. 28-29).

From Gerar, Abimelech, along with his friend and the commander of his army, came to Isaac and said, "We have certainly seen that Adonai is with you." Because of this, he invited Isaac to make an oath and covenant. Maybe Abimelech felt guilty about what his people had done to Isaac and his servants in claiming the wells that they had not originally dug.

How did Isaac show humility during his struggles in Gerar?

He AVOIDED conflicts (vv. 15-21).

Even though the Philistines envied him and the herdsmen of Gerar insisted on their right to the wells, he simply dug another well and moved to another place. He learned to ignore people who sought conflict. As grafted believers, let us prevent conflict, for it robs us of peace.

Romans 12:18 – "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

He BUILT an altar (v. 25).

He did this to worship Adonai for His mercy and encouragement. Despite the struggles Isaac faced, he did not forget to worship Adonai—perhaps as a sign of his humility. Like Isaac, worshiping Adonai in times of struggle helps us focus on who He is.

Psalm 34:1 – "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion begins with Isaiah 65: 23-25. The Bible repeatedly affirms that God’s

mercy is available to all who seek Him (Matthew 11:28-30). While wrath remains on those who reject His gospel (John 3:36), those who believe receive forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16). In Isaiah 65, we see the fulfillment of Israel’s prayers for restoration (Isaiah 63-64). After turning back to Yeshua the Messiah, God begins to restore His wayward nation.

Israel’s sin caused a separation from God, preventing Him from hearing their prayers (Isaiah 49:14; 59:1-2; 63:17; 64:12). However, in His kingdom, God will restore intimacy with His people. They will call, and He will answer (Isaiah 30:19; 58:9; Psalm 145:18-19). The relationship once broken by sin will be fully renewed in righteousness.

Sin brought enmity and death into creation (Genesis 3:15; Romans 8:20). But Yeshua, the Prince of Peace, will bring an end to conflict and suffering. “The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain, says the Lord” (Isaiah 65:25; cf. Isaiah 11:6-9). No longer will the strong prey on the weak. Even creation itself will be set free from corruption (Romans 8:21-22), ushering in a world of perfect harmony.

Moving on to chapter 66:1-8, Isaiah begins with the final prophecy: "Thus says the LORD." He is looking for a heart to dwell in. Instead of dwelling in a Mishkan made with human hands, Adonai seeks to reside in the heart of a person who is poor (humble), of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His word.

In verses 3-4, Adonai YHVH considered the offerings of the wicked as disgusting. Dogs and swine were mentioned—unclean animals unacceptable for offerings—to illustrate the dishonesty of those making offerings to Adonai. God despises insincere offerings. Sacrifices made without a heart of obedience are detestable to Him. The use of unclean animals (dogs and swine) in these verses symbolizes spiritual corruption. God desires not ritual, but true worship expressed through obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).

In verse 8, despite Israel’s historical resistance, God’s sovereign plan for her redemption will not be hindered. “Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons” (Isaiah 66:8). This prophecy foreshadows Israel’s national salvation when Yeshua returns (Zechariah 12:10). God will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, writing His Torah upon their hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

After God created mankind and saw their wickedness, He grieved in His heart. Now that the temple was ruined, where would He dwell?

In His boundless mercy, God offers restoration to all who seek Him with a humble heart, a contrite spirit, and reverence for His Word. Those who trust in Yeshua and live according to His ways will experience the fullness of His mercy and restoration.

Isaiah 66:2 – "For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look: to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In the Apostolic portion, Apostle Paul explained that Adonai's word has not failed (since the Word is living and powerful – Heb. 4:12), but His people did, because they did not understand how He chose those with whom He would have a covenant relationship. That is why Paul referenced Isaac and Ishmael, both of whom came from Abraham.

Despite being God’s chosen people and receiving God’s Torah, they failed to obey it. Because of this, God's mercy and salvation extended to the Gentiles.

Romans 4:16 – "For it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."

Paul also referenced Jacob and Esau, showing how Adonai YHVH chose between them. Adonai chooses based on His wisdom, and another way He chooses is through His mercy.

Being of Jewish descent is not enough to guarantee a right relationship with God. Paul uses Isaac and Ishmael, as well as Jacob and Esau, to illustrate this. Although they were all direct descendants of the patriarchs to whom God's covenant promises were given, only Isaac received the covenant blessing, while Ishmael did not. Similarly, Jacob was chosen for the covenant, but Esau was not. Our Torah portion makes this clear: God specifically blesses Isaac, while Esau is allowed to go his own way.

Paul's point in using these examples is to show that God's blessing cannot be demanded; it is a matter of His sovereign mercy. A person’s physical lineage does not give them a claim on God, nor can good works earn His eternal favor. While the obedience of parents can bring blessings to their children, it is ultimately God's mercy that brings each individual into covenant fellowship with Him.

Psalm 103:11 – "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him."

The parasha highlights Adonai’s mercy for our connection:

In the Torah, Adonai showed mercy to Isaac during his struggles, and Isaac responded with humility.

In the Haftarah, Adonai, being merciful, desires a humble and contrite heart over empty sacrifices.

In the Apostolic Writings, Adonai extends mercy according to His will.

Adonai’s mercy is demonstrated in His patience, forgiveness, and eagerness for people to turn to Him. The greatest expression of this mercy is the sacrifice of His Son, Yeshua.

Ephesians 2:4-5 – "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)."

True mercy is not just receiving God’s kindness, but walking humbly in it—choosing peace over pride, obedience over sacrifice, and faith over fear.

How do you respond to Adonai’s mercy? Do you walk in humility, contrition, and reverence for His Word? The invitation is open—draw near to the Merciful One today.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

Bethmelekh.com
meaningofgenesis.com
rts.edu
learnthebible.org
thefellowship.site
bibleblender.com
covenantkeepers.org
torahresource.com
TheMacArthur Study Bible