Parasha 31: Forgiveness Through Humility

 

Forgiveness Through Humility

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Have you ever tried to humble yourself before your enemy and been forgiven?

Last Shabbat, Adonai YHVH commanded Jacob to return to his land, so he left the place of his father-in-law Laban, together with his wives and children. He also brought all his livestock and possessions, which he had gained. Laban accused Jacob of stealing his idols, which Rachel had taken without Jacob’s knowledge. In the end, Jacob and Laban made a covenant and parted ways.

Our parasha begins with Jacob heading to Seir, the territory of his brother Esau. Since Adonai told him to return to his land, he couldn’t avoid passing by Esau’s area. He was still afraid of his brother, knowing that Esau had once wanted to kill him. But instead of focusing on his fear, he saw an opportunity to ask for forgiveness and humbled himself. How?

A. He sent messengers and prepared an offering upon meeting Esau (vv. 3–5)

He called his brother Esau “lord” to show humility. He prepared animals as an offering to Esau, as a sign that he wanted reconciliation. We can see two foreshadowings here:

First, the image of animal offerings in the Mishkan through Aaron the High Priest for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins as a community.

Second, through the line of Jacob, the Promised Messiah would come as the sacrificial Lamb to take away the sin of the world.

B. He recognized his need for Adonai and prayed (vv. 9–12)

How did Jacob pray? He mentioned the God of his fathers Abraham and Isaac. He repeated what Adonai had told him—to return to his land and that Adonai would be with him. He admitted that he wasn’t worthy of Adonai’s mercy and pleaded for safety. He recalled Adonai's promise to prosper him.

Jacob’s prayer reminds us that the most powerful position in the world is to kneel before Adonai YHVH!

C. He wrestled with an Angel of Adonai (vv. 24–32)

Why include this as part of Jacob’s humility? Let’s look at Hosea 12:4a: “Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; he wept and sought favor from Him.”

When the Angel changed Jacob’s name to Israel, He said, “For you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Yes, Jacob prevailed in his struggles with his brother Esau, his father Isaac, his father-in-law Laban, his wives, and with the Angel of God—and yet, he didn’t boast but asked the Angel to bless him.

Just as Jacob crossed over Penuel, the sun rose upon him. He was injured but had a new name and closeness with Adonai. As grafted-in believers, we also struggle until dawn, but when the sun rises, Adonai’s blessing will come.

Now the challenge from this point is: Are we still wrestling with God in our decisions and in following His instructions?

The Hebrew word for “wrestle” is abaq, which often implies a physical struggle involving dust or dirt, like a wrestling match on the ground. After the wrestling match, the Man (whom I believe is Yeshua, the pre-incarnate Son of God) changed Jacob’s name to Israel, which means "God perseveres" or "God prevails."

His name was changed because after spending time in the house of his uncle Laban and after seeing his brother Esau again, he would enter a new phase of life. From then on, he would no longer deceive or follow his own ways, because God had prevailed in his life.

Like Jacob, we should no longer wrestle with God. He should be the One who prevails and is followed in our lives.

D. He bowed himself to the ground until he came near to Esau (33:3)

Notice the result of Jacob’s bowing down:

Esau ran to meet him—not just to greet him, but perhaps because he missed him after 20 years of separation.

Esau embraced him, fell on Jacob’s neck, and kissed him. In Genesis 25:22, the two of them had struggled in Rebekah’s womb, but now it was time to express love for each other.

Esau and Jacob wept. They cried because their hearts had changed.

Esau wanted the two of them to travel together, but Jacob declined. Why?

Now that he had a new name, he was confident that he didn’t need the presence of Esau and his men to return to Canaan, because Adonai YHVH was always with him to protect him. His fear of his brother had vanished. Because of Jacob’s humility, he learned to trust the God of his father.

In my opinion, the separation of Jacob and Esau shows that they were destined for different paths. Esau would eventually become the forefather of the Edomites, while the children of Israel would come from Jacob.

True strength is not in conquering others, but in conquering the pride that keeps us apart.

Are there relationships in your life where pride still stands in the way of peace? Like Jacob, will you take the first step in humility and reconciliation—even if it costs your comfort?

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

Our Haftarah portion is about the vision of the prophet Obadiah concerning Adonai YHVH’s judgment on Edom, the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:8). Even though in our parashah, Esau greets Jacob with tenderness and acceptance, such peace was short-lived. Edom became a persistent enemy of Israel, existing off and on as an independent nation until the latter half of the 6th Century BCE. Because of their pride, Adonai would bring them down. Aside from pride, they also deserved punishment for oppressing Israel (Jacob).

Instead of helping their brothers during attacks, they stood aside and rejoiced over Judah’s destruction. No survivor shall remain from the house of Esau because they will be cut off forever. This should be a warning to all nations that seek to destroy Adonai’s chosen people.

“I have loved you,” says Adonai. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares Adonai. “Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.” — Malachi 1:2–3

Edom’s destruction was divine judgment for their treachery against Jacob (Israel), especially during the Babylonian siege:

“On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth... You too were as one of them.” — Obadiah 1:11

God is always faithful to Israel. Even when using her enemies as instruments of discipline, He will never abandon her.

Zechariah 12:9

“And on that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

Malachi 3:6

“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

When pride builds its fortress in the heart, it becomes blind to its fall.

Have you silently rejoiced in the struggles of others, especially those who once hurt you? Ask Adonai to expose and cleanse any hidden pride that keeps you from reflecting His justice and mercy.

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

The Apostolic section chosen for this Torah portion focuses on the theme of trials—a direct connection to the life of Jacob, who wrestled both physically and spiritually before meeting his brother Esau. James, the half-brother of Yeshua, wrote to the twelve tribes—or Jews—who lived outside the Promised Land. He considered them brethren and gave them advice on how to face various trials:

With joy – because trials test their faith and produce patience.

With wisdom – because trials require tough decisions.

With faith – they need to trust Adonai YHVH.

With no doubt – because doubters are like waves tossed by the sea, unable to settle.

James is not promoting pain for its own sake, nor ignoring the true suffering that trials bring. Rather, he teaches that trials are not random or meaningless. Instead, they are part of God's sovereign plan to refine us. We are to consider trials “all joy,” not because of the pain, but because of what we know:

God is in control, and He is shaping us into the image of His Son.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” — Romans 8:28

James also reminded his brethren in verse 12 that the person who endures temptation (which can also mean trials) is blessed.

The Greek word for “blessed” is makarios, which means “more than simply happy or fortunate.”

For James, the reason a blessed person can be truly happy is because he will receive the crown of life, which Adonai YHVH has promised to those who love Him.

This teaching also holds deep implications for community life. Often, our most painful trials are relational—misunderstandings, offenses, disappointments. In those moments, we face the temptation to strike back, to retreat, or to ignore the problem. But James calls us higher: to endure, to forgive, to restore. That kind of endurance builds stronger communities and molds each believer into the likeness of Yeshua.

Trials are not roadblocks but refining fires—where faith is tested, character is formed, and purpose is revealed.

Reflect on a recent trial in your life—especially one involving relationships. Did you endure or escape? Did you restore or retreat? This week, ask God to help you “let endurance have its perfect result.” Reach out to reconcile, seek forgiveness where needed, and allow God to shape you through the very trial you wish to avoid.

The connection in our Parasha is about humility: In the Torah, Jacob was meek and humbled himself before Esau. In the Haftarah, Adonai humbled Edom, the descendants of Esau, because of their pride. In the Apostolic Writings, James said in verse 9, “But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position.”

Back to my introduction… 

Humility or meekness can lead to forgiveness. Like Jacob, who humbled himself before his brother, the result was that Esau ran, embraced, and kissed him.
In Philippians 2:8, Yeshua, being found in appearance as a man, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross—so we can be FORGIVEN.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
— C.S. Lewis

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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Atah.net 

Openbible.info 

Thefellowship.site 

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The Mac Arthur Study Bible 

Explainingthebook.com 

bibleoutlines.com

Parasha 30: Return to the Land, and I Will be with You

 

Return to the Land, and I Will be with You

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Have you ever been away in a far place for a long time and then returned to your land?

In the last parasha, Adonai YHVH remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, and she bore Yosef. At that moment, Jacob requested Laban, his father-in-law, to send him away so he could return to his homeland. But Laban begged Jacob to stay because of the blessings he had received since Jacob came. Jacob offered Laban a plan that would benefit him without costing Laban anything. Thus, Jacob became exceedingly prosperous.

Our parasha today begins with the instruction of Adonai YHVH to Jacob to return to his land, with the promise that He would be with him. Immediately, Jacob obeyed Adonai and invited Rachel and Leah to the field to secretly share his plan to leave. Since Jacob deeply longed to leave Laban's place, he aligned his will with the will of Adonai. Obedience is important for every grafted-in believer because it is our way of showing that we love Him. In John 14:15, Yeshua said, “If you love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”

Now, what are the proofs that Adonai YHVH was with Jacob?

He was with Jacob even when Laban’s countenance was not favorable toward him (v.5):

Jacob told his two wives that despite working hard for Laban, his father-in-law changed his wages ten times, but Adonai did not allow him to be harmed by Laban.

He took away Laban’s livestock and gave it to Jacob (v.9):

It reached a point where Laban's sons envied Jacob. They accused him of taking all that belonged to their father. But Adonai intervened and allowed Jacob to prosper.

He spoke to Jacob in a dream through His angel (vv.10–13):

Adonai did this because He saw how Laban was treating Jacob. In the dream, Adonai showed Jacob that the rams mating with the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. At the end of the dream, Adonai told Jacob to return to the land of his family and reminded him of Bethel—the place where Jacob made an offering and vowed that Adonai would be his God.

He appeared to Laban in a dream (v.24):

Adonai warned Laban not to speak to Jacob, either good or bad. This mirrors what He had done before with Abraham and Isaac to protect them from Abimelech. When Laban overtook Jacob, he admitted he had the power to harm him but refrained because of the dream.

He allowed Laban and Jacob to make a covenant (vv.44–55):

Laban asked Jacob not to mistreat Rachel and Leah or take other wives. They also agreed not to harm each other. They spent the night together, and the next day, Laban kissed and blessed his daughters, then returned to his place.

He spared Jacob from idolatry (vv.30–35):

When Laban discovered that his household idol was missing, he became upset. Since Jacob knew the One True God—the God of Abraham and his father Isaac—it was unlikely he would have condoned idol worship. Rachel had stolen her father’s idol, which could have led to idolatry within Jacob’s family. This shows the battle between the God of Jacob and the powerless gods of Laban, which cannot even save themselves when lost.

Obedience is the road that leads us back to the promises of God.

In what area of your life is Adonai calling you to return—whether in your mindset, a relationship, or a commitment—and how can you align your will with His and step forward in obedience, even when it feels uncomfortable?

Our Torah portion is an encouragement that Adonai YHVH is with His servants. No one could harm Jacob because Adonai was with him. In the same way, Adonai is with us—to protect and bless us.

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

In the Haftarah portion, Adonai YHVH spoke through His prophet Jeremiah and declared that He would bring His people, Israel and Judah, back from captivity. Jacob would return to his land from Babylon. Just as Adonai called Moshe to bring Israel out of slavery in Egypt, He would do it again. Because of His covenant with them, He would save them and ensure that no one would make them afraid.

“Your lovers have forgotten you…” – Israel had turned to other nations and gods, much like believers today may turn to worldly systems or comforts. But all false dependencies will fail.

“I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy…” – Though harsh, God’s discipline is corrective, not punitive. He allows pain so that His people will cry out only to Him.

“All who devour you shall be devoured…” – 

This is divine justice. While God disciplines His children, He also vindicates and protects them from enemies.

In verses 12–16, we see two things that will happen to Israel:

1. Adonai will discipline His chosen people because of their sin. Their lovers will forget them. Adonai will allow this so Israel would learn to call on the name of their One True God.

2. The nations that oppressed Israel will be destroyed.

Zechariah 2:8 

“For the LORD of armies says this: After glory He has sent me against the nations that plunder you, for the one who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.”

God’s discipline never comes without His desire to restore.

How do you respond to Adonai’s correction—do you react with shame or discouragement, or can you embrace it as a sign of His love and choose to return to Him in trust, allowing Him to restore what was broken?

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

James (Ya’akov), the half-brother of Yeshua, writes with piercing clarity to a scattered Messianic Jewish audience, many of whom were facing hardships, tensions, and inner community conflicts.

In the Apostolic Writings, James reminds us that whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God, including those who:

Cause wars and fights in the community because of their desire for pleasure (vv.1–3)

• Commit adultery (v.4)
• Are double-minded (v.8)
• Are proud (v.6)
• Speak evil of one another (v.11)
• Judge their brother (v.11)

To avoid these, James says we need to draw near to Adonai YHVH, so He will draw near to us. What does this mean? The answer is found in verses 7 and 8: it means we need to submit ourselves to Him, resist the devil, cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts.

The further we walk from pride, the closer we stand to God.

Take one concrete step to "cleanse your hands" and "purify your heart." Whether it's resolving conflict, rejecting a worldly attitude, or practicing humility — make the move back toward God.

The connection in our parasha is about returning and the assurance of Adonai’s presence.

In the Torah, Adonai tells Jacob to return to his land and promises to be with him. In the Haftarah, Adonai promises to return Israel and Judah from captivity, for He is with them. In the Apostolic Writings, we are told to return or draw near to Adonai, and He will draw near to us.

Returning home feels good after a long time away. But it feels even better to know that on your life’s journey, Adonai YHVH is with you—to help, protect, and bless you.

The voice of Adonai doesn't only call you out—it calls you back to identity, purpose, and covenant.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Reflect. Repent. Realign.

Draw near, and watch Him draw near to you (James 4:8).

Shabbat Shalom u’Mevorach!

May your return be filled with the nearness of Adonai’s presence and the joy of knowing He walks beside you.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

Torahclass.com 

Atozmomm.com 

Atah.net 

Openbible.info 

Thefellowship.site 

Ligonier.org 

The Mac Arthur Study Bible 

Explainingthebook.com 

bibleoutlines.com

Parasha 29: In His Time, Adonai Remembered

 

In His Time, Adonai Remembered

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

How does it feel being remembered by someone?

Before we focus on Rachel being remembered, let us reflect on last week's portion. Leah, the less-loved wife of Jacob, was seen by Adonai, who opened her womb and blessed her with many sons (Gen. 29:31). Though Jacob favored Rachel, Leah found favor with God, a reminder that our value does not depend on human affection, but divine attention.

“When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive.” – Genesis 29:31

Our Torah portion starts with Adonai finally remembering Rachel. Going back to verses 1–2, Rachel told Jacob to give her children, but Jacob told her, “Am I in the place of God?” It came to a point that she used to put her trust in mandrakes because she was desperate to have a son. The Hebrew verb for remembered is zakar, which means “to bring someone to mind and then act upon that person’s behalf.” Adonai not only remembered Rachel, He listened to her as well and opened her womb, which indicates that Rachel prayed and finally believed Jacob—that Adonai is the only giver of life. So she called her son Yosef, which means “He will add,” showing Rachel’s faith that Adonai will give her another son.

What can we learn from Rachel?

1. Be Patient

If we learn to wait His way, we develop patience. When we see Adonai’s faithfulness, we let go of making our own ways and learn to put our trust in Him. The classic example that I would like to use here is the story of Yosef. Yes, he was the favorite son, but he was betrayed by his brothers, which led to a challenging experience in Egypt—from being a trusted man of Pharaoh to a prisoner. He was patiently waiting for the time to come back to the palace. Then the perfect time came as he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's baker and cupbearer. His interpretation came true, so he was also referred to interpret the dream of Pharaoh. Then he became the governor of Egypt and eventually reunited with his family. Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be constant in prayer.” Even James in James 1:4: “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

2. Be Prayerful

While we are waiting for the answer of Adonai to our petitions, it should be accompanied by consistent prayer. I believe Rachel didn't only pray once because verse 22 says: “And He listened to her.” The consistent prayer of Rachel moved Adonai into action. Remember, prayer allows us to attach with God—sharing our petitions, worries, and joys, and seeking His help and strength.

3. Be Praiseworthy

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, praiseworthy means deserving praise. After Rachel bore a son, she acknowledged that Adonai took away her reproach. She didn't say that it was from her own effort or from the mandrake. From Genesis to Revelation, the central theme of Scripture is to praise, exalt, acknowledge, and worship Adonai. Psalm 96:4, 7–9 says:

“For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods … Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

The case of Rachel and Leah should deepen our faith and trust in Adonai. In moments of doubt and confusion, we can find solace in the truth that Adonai can make the impossible possible whenever He chooses. We may feel forgotten and abandoned amidst the trials, but His answer will manifest in due time.

This time, Jacob told Laban to send him away. Two reasons why Jacob wanted this: First, he remembered what Adonai told him in Gen. 28:15—that he would be brought back into Canaan, his land. Second, since his family was getting bigger, he wanted to start on his own because he was done serving Laban. Jacob knew that Adonai would be with him as he started to build a family.

Now here comes Laban. Instead of letting Jacob go, he begged him to stay for self-interest. He was blessed by Adonai for the sake of Jacob, and this time he wanted more blessing. He repeated his offer in Gen. 29:15 about the wages. He wanted to deceive Jacob again for his profit. Doesn’t he love his nephew Jacob and his children Rachel and Leah? Didn’t he think they already had a family to take care of?

Then Jacob offered Laban a plan which is difficult to cheat on. He told Laban that everyone that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs of his uncle and found with him shall be counted as stolen. Jacob’s offer seemed in favor of Laban because of his reaction. Maybe he thought that it’s impossible for Jacob to enlarge his flocks. The question is: Did Adonai instruct this? Or was He just being true to His promise in Gen. 28:15—that He would be with him and keep him wherever he goes? The answer can be found in chapter 31:7–10 where Jacob told Rachel and Leah:

“Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but Adonai did not allow him to hurt me. If he said thus: The speckled shall be your wages, then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: The streaked shall be your wages, then all the flocks bore streaked. So Adonai has taken away all the livestock of your father and given them to me.”

It’s very obvious that Adonai YHVH prevented Laban from cheating Jacob again. Paul said in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Thus, Jacob became prosperous and had large flocks because of the divine act of Adonai.

Faith is not just remembering God—but trusting that He remembers you, even in silence.

Are there prayers you've stopped praying because you think God forgot? Rekindle your hope—He listens, and His timing is perfect.

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

Our Haftarah portion deals with the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite. One was Peninah, who had children, and the other was Hannah, who was barren. Just like the case of Leah and Rachel, Hannah was more loved by Elkanah than Peninah. Yearly, Elkanah went to the city to worship and sacrifice to Adonai YHVH, as it was a command that all men should attend three annual feasts (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot – Deut. 16:1–17).

In spite of the many instances in Scripture where a barren woman was miraculously blessed with a child, Hannah was the one who prayed earnestly and made a vow to Adonai.

How did she pray?

• She used Adonai Tz’vaot – It means “The Lord of Hosts,” and it points to God’s power and authority. For Hannah, the power of Adonai YHVH was enough to give her a son.

• She called herself a maidservant of Adonai – We can see here that Hannah was humble and submissive in the eyes of her Creator.

• She asked Adonai to remember her – Hannah made a special request for care and attention from God.

The name Hannah means “Grace,” and in the grace of Adonai YHVH, He remembered her and granted her petition. She bore a son and called him Samuel, which means “God has heard.”

True grace is found in the cry of the humble—those who dare to ask and still believe before they receive.

Like Hannah, can you lay your deepest longings before Adonai and trust His grace, even before the answer comes?

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

In our Apostolic portion, when Paul and his party reached Antioch in Pisidia, they went into the synagogue on Shabbat. Paul gave an exhortation to the people there.

How did he exhort?

• He remembered Adonai’s faithfulness to Israel – From verses 16 to 25, he gave an exhortation about when Israel dwelt as strangers in Egypt and how Adonai brought them out. He also mentioned the forty-year journey of Israel in the wilderness and how Adonai destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan. Next, he shared the story of the Judges, Prophets, and Kings that Adonai provided for Israel, and among the kings was David—and from his seed, Adonai raised up a Savior—Yeshua HaMashiach.

• He remembered the death and resurrection of Yeshua – From verses 26 to 41, Paul exhorts the fulfillment of the prophecies about Yeshua: how He was crucified and laid in a tomb, and how He was raised from the dead so that through Him, the forgiveness of sins must be preached.

As a result of Paul’s exhortation—by remembering and sharing these events—the Gentiles begged that these words of Paul might be preached to them the next Shabbat, and many of the Jews and Gentiles followed him and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of Adonai YHVH (verses 42–43).

When we trace God's hand through history, we find the courage to trust Him with tomorrow.

Share a testimony of God's faithfulness in your life this week with someone. In doing so, you not only strengthen their faith—you reaffirm your own.

The connection of our Parasha is very obvious, and it’s about remembering. In the Torah, Adonai remembered Rachel and gave her a son—Yosef. In the Haftarah, Hannah pleaded with Adonai to remember her and give her Samuel. In the Apostolic Writings, Paul remembers and shares with the people in Pisidia the faithfulness of Adonai to Israel, and the death and resurrection of Yeshua for the forgiveness of sins.

Returning to my introduction… It feels good to be remembered by someone, especially on a special occasion. But sometimes, we long to be remembered by God because we asked something from Him. There are times we want to give up, and when we do, we are not trusting Him. Let us wait for God’s perfect timing. If we put our trust in Him, we can experience genuine shalom and joy.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Psalm 9:12

“For the Lord will remember His people, and His covenant will last forever. He remembers His covenant.”

When Adonai remembers, it's never just a thought—it is a divine movement of mercy, timed with perfection and filled with purpose.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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TheMacArthurStudyBible

Torahclass.com

Bethmelekh.com

Compellingtruth.org

Ots.org.il

Sdjewishworld.com

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Christianstudylibrary.org

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