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.
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.
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
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