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Parsha Page
Torah, Genesis 9:18 - 10:32
The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were
Shem, Ham, and Japheth – Ham being the father of Canaan. These three were the
sons of Noach, and from these the whole world branched out.
This Sidra concludes the history of Noah. As Noah
and his family leave the Ark, they carry with them some of the old nature that
lead to the judgment of the earth in the first place.
In chapter 10, we read the story of Noah planting a vineyard, and
becoming drunk. As he lay exposed
in his tent, Ham saw him and instead of covering him, he told his brothers about
it. Shem and Japheth covered him, and Noah subsequently cursed the descendents
of Ham, specifically Canaan, but blessed the descendants of Shem and Japheth. The commentators do not agree upon the
specific act of Ham; the comments range from a very literal interpretation that
Ham saw Noah exposed, to interpretations that include incest with Noah’s wife,
and even extending other abhorrent acts by Ham. While these commentators
disagree upon the specifics, it seems that this shows the beginning of why
Israel commonly considered the Canaanites to have sexually perverse practices.
The genealogies of Japheth, Ham, and Shem are
given. These descendants comprise the seventy nations of the earth that existed
in the ancient Middle East. The descendants of Ham generally aligned themselves
in the area of Egypt, including Nimrod, the first strong leader, perhaps an
emperor of Mesopotamia. Japheth’s line was more northerly, including the Black
Sea and areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Shem generally occupied the area of
Saudi Arabia, and the area surrounding Canaan. The curse of Noah upon Canaan set
up much of the conflict that still exists today among the peoples of the Middle
East. The blessings of Noah to Shem and Japheth establish that they will
eventually dominate Canaan, and Shem will become a strong nation, with Japheth
dwelling with him.
Qeriath, Isaiah 49:9-23
This portion of Isaiah
provides a series of prophecies that provided the people comfort and hope after
the destruction of the Temple. Isaiah has just said, in 49:6 For He has said:
“It is too little that you should be My servant in that I raise up the tribes of
Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel: I will also make you a light of
nations, that My salvation may reach the ends of the earth.”
But the people believe that
Adonai has abandoned them. From there, Isaiah reminds the people, that just as a
mother cannot forget the baby she is nursing, Adonai is still with them. He will return the people to their land,
and they will become so numerous the land is full! There will be a reversal of
the desolation that Israel has experienced, as the reenter the Land and live in
peace and prosperity. The nations and kings will serve them. Adonai continues to
say he is beckoning to the nations, he will snatch away warriors captives, and
everyone will know that He is the Savior and Redeemer of Israel, the Mighty One
of Jacob.
Da'ath,
Revelation 22:1-7
We begin to see the beauty
of the New Yerushalayim. Beside the street is the River of Life, flowing from
the throne of God and of the Lamb. Between the street and the river are twelve
trees, with fruit. The leaves provide the healing for the nations; there will no
longer be any curse. The people will see the face of God, and worship Him. There
will be no need for lights or lamps, because the presence of God will illuminate
the City. Yochanon is promised that this will be soon, very soon, and everyone
who follows all of the prophecy of this book will be blessed.
Igarath, Hebrews
4:14 - 5:6
The author of Hebrews has
described Yeshua as our Judge. Now he is describing how Yeshua is our great
Cohen Gadol, (High Priest), having been tempted just like us but living without
sin. Through Him, we can approach the Throne of God boldly, with confidence. His
position as Cohen Gadol was appointed by God, just as all of the cohanim from
amongst the people were chosen by God. Every Cohen Gadol was to act on people's
behalf, offering sacrifices for their sins. This is the system that we have seen
laid out in Torah portion, with the people taking their offerings to the cohen,
who then presents it to Adonoi, so the person may find God's mercy and grace.
Yeshua is this Cohen Gadol forever.
Conclusion
In Torah, Adonai has provided restoration of mankind after the judgment due to
sin, through the restoration of Noah and his descendants. Qeriath promises the
restoration of Israel after their exile that was a result of their sin against
God. Da'ath gives a view of the New Jerusalem, where all believers will be
restored into a relationship with God. Igarath tells us that Yeshua is our Cohen
Gadol, who sacrificed Himself so that we may be cleansed of our sins, and look
forward to living in the New Jerusalem with Him for all eternity.
Barukh HaShem,
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Shalom