Parsha Page

  Shalom
  to you,

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

---

Sidra Overview

The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 22 Ki-Zaqen, Now Older

 

Torah, Genesis 27:1-40

    When Isaac was old and his eyes were too dim to see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” He answered, “Here I am.” And he said, “I am old now, and I do not know how soon I may die. Take your gear, your quiver and bow, and go out into the open and hunt me some game. Then prepare a dish for me such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my innermost blessing before I die.”

    In Chapter 27 we read the story of how Yitz'chak decides it is time to give Esau his blessing. He is old, and believes that his death is imminent. Yitz'chak enjoys eating the game that Esau hunts, and asks Esau to get meat, and prepare a meal that he likes. Rivkah initiates a deception that fools Yitz'chak into thinking he was blessing Esau, while actually it was Ya'akov. 

    Regarding these deceptions, we know that HaShem had already promised to Rivkah that the "elder would serve the younger". So in a way, you could also conclude that Ya'akov was just taking what already his. But the lesson that Torah seems to be teaching here is not to take matters into our own hands. What Ya'akov did was still wrong, and caused great heartache for the whole family. Ya'akov knew as soon as Rivkah suggested the plan that this was wrong, but rather than resisting her efforts in order to do what was right, he only expressed the objection that they may get caught.

    After Yitz'chak gave Esau's blessing to Ya'akov, Esau discovered the trickery, and cried out in anger and pain. He begged Yitz'chak for a blessing of his own, and Yitz'chak prophesied that Esau would live by the sword, and serve his brother, but that he would eventually break his yoke from his neck. Later history would prove Yitz'chak correct, as Edom, the descendants of Esau, is subjected by King David, but later rebel.

Qeriath, Isaiah 46:3 - 47:4

    Yeshiyahu (Isaiah) is telling Isra’el to remember the things that Adonai has done for them in the past, and encouraging them to rely on Him alone. Those who liken the Lord to created things, and who make idols to worship are only squandering their lives. Yeshiyahu then prophesies that Adonai will ultimately take vengeance on Babylon, the kingdom that captured Isra'el, specifically Judah, and took them into exile. This exile was the result of previous generations sin and idolatry.

Da'ath, Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

    Rav Shaul has given several reasons why he could have confidence in his human qualifications, yet he steadfastly holds to his faith in Yeshua as his only source of righteousness before Adonoi. Now he exhorts us to join him in living according to his pattern, turning away from the things of this world. We are to live as citizens of Heaven, standing in union with Yeshua. 

Igarath, Hebrews 10:26-31

    The author describes the consequences of willfully violating Torah, which is death by the hands of men. But the rejection of Yeshua as Messiah is much worse! This judgment will come at the hands of Adonoi. Verse 31 should rightfully cause us to fear the judgment of Adonai as it says, "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"

Conclusion

    Torah shows Rivkah and Ya'akov sin against Esau and Yitz'chak as they take matters in their own hands to obtain the blessing the Adonai promised to Ya'akov. Qeriath tells us that Isra'el was sent into exile in Babylon for their disobedience and idolatry. Da'ath tells us to turn away from the worldly things that caused the transgressions shown in Torah and Qeriath. Igarath tells us of our need to accept the deliverance of Yeshua, depending on Him to save us from HaShem's judgment.

    Throughout this is woven the truth that all who willfully disobey the commands of Adonoi will experience His discipline. But that knowledge is designed to bring all who truly believe and obey Him into repentance and a relationship with Him throughout eternity.

Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson