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Parsha Page
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,
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Shalom