Parsha Page

  Shalom
  to you,

Wellsprings of Torah,  www.TorahWellsprings.org
Rick Wills - Messianic Elder,  Mishareth@TorahWellsprings.org

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Sidra Overview

The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 15 Wayisau, Journeyed

 

Torah, Genesis 20:1 - 21:21

    Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negeb and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was sojourning in Gerar, Abraham said of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." So King Abimelech of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. 

    In this reading we begin with the deceit of Abimelech king of Gerar by Abraham, who once again has claimed that Sarah is his sister, not his wife. God came to Abimelech to tell him that he had sinned by taking Sarah, since she is another mans wife. Abimelech claimed to have a clean heart since Abraham and Sarah had both lied, and Adonai showed understanding and mercy towards him. This actually ended well, with Abraham being financially and politically blessed, and Abimelech's household was restored to health. Abimelech gave Abraham land and wealth, and Abraham prayed for Adonai to heal Abimelech and his entire household, who had been afflicted because they had taken Sarah.

    Chapter 21 covers a number of subjects; the first is the birth of Yitz'chak. So we find one of the trademarks of God - a miraculous birth from a couple who physically could not have children.  And HaShem announced this in advance. Abraham faithfully circumcised Yitz'chak when the baby was 8 days old, and held a great feast on the day that he was weaned. This is followed by the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. This distressed Abraham greatly, but Adonai reassured Abraham that He would care for them, and make a nation from Ishmael as well. As the two were about to perish from thirst in the desert, Adonai sent a malach (angel) who showed them a well. Ishmael grew up in the wilderness, became a bowman and married an Egyptian.

Qeriath, Isaiah 61:9 - 62:12

    This reading begins with Yesha'yahu (Isaiah) declaring his joy in Adonai, and the promise that Israel will be seen as a people blessed by Adonai. Then we see the glory of Isra’el, as they are reassured that Adonai is always with them, even in their troubles.  HaShem promises that Jerusalem will be set as a praise in the Land. Isaiah then continues on, telling how Adonai has redeemed Isra'el, brought them back to splendor, and He has become their Savior, setting watchmen on Jerusalem's walls.

Da'ath, Hebrews 11:8-16

    The author continues his description of the faith, the trusting, of the great people of old. Here, Abraham trusted Adonai, going to an unknown place. He lived in temporary dwellings, looking forward to a permanent city. God has built for them a city, because Abraham trusted God. Because of Abraham' trust in Adonoi, he was granted a miracle to have a son. Through this son, the promise to become a nation was to be kept.

Igarath, Hebrews 8:7-13

    The author tells us that Adonai has prepared a second covenant for us, because through the first covenant He has found fault with His people, Isra'el. He will establish His presence with all believers, placing Torah in their hearts and minds. There will be no need for teachers of Torah, since all believers will know Him. Adonai will remember their sins no more.

Conclusion

    Torah shows us the faith exhibited by Abraham, and the faithful delivery of a promise from HaShem. Qeriath contains the prophecy that Isra'el will live in shalom, under the faithful protection of Adonai. Da'ath outlines than miraculous provision of a son to Abraham, through whom Israel has come to exist. And Igarath shows another portion of Adonai's blessing, when every believer will know Him directly, and receive the blessing of God's Torah upon their hearts and minds.

 

Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson