Parsha Page

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Rick Wills - Messianic Elder,  Mishareth@TorahWellsprings.org

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Sidra Overview

The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 25 Wat'tere, She Looked

 

Torah, Genesis 30:1-36

    When Rachel saw that she had borne Jacob no children, she became envious of her sister; and Rachel said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I will die.”

    This begins the contest between Rachel and Leah to see who can bear more children for Ya'akov (Jacob). Ya'akov asks Rachel how he can give her children, if God has denied her?  So, in another similarity with Abraham and Sarah, we see the two wives giving their maidservants to Ya'akov to have more children.  In this way, four more of the sons of Ya'akov are born, and each time a son is born one of the women feels vindicated, or blessed.

    During the wheat harvest, Reuben found some mandrakes, which many believed were an aphrodisiac, and gave them to Leah. Rachel traded her rights to sleep with Ya'akov in turn for the mandrakes, and Leah conceived again. Following that, Leah had another son and a daughter.  Finally, Rachel is remembered by God - this may be translated as God honored Rachel’s status as Ya’akov favored wife - and He opens her womb. She then bears Yosef. Tradition has it that she conceived on Rosh Hashanah, the same date that Sarah conceived Yitzchak, thus they are part of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy.

    After Yosef is born, Ya'akov asks his leave of Laban. He desires to return to his fathers' home. He asks for his wives, children, and compensation for all the work he has done for Laban.  Laban acknowledges that he has been blessed because of Ya'akov, but continues to try to cheat him out of his fair share of the flocks that prospered under Ya'akovs' care.  Ya'akov devised a plan to obtain a share of Laban's flocks, and Adonai caused his flocks to thrive, while Laban's declined.

Qeriath, Isaiah 60:15-61:3

    In this Messianic prophecy, Yeshiyahu (Isaiah) is describing Israel as a nation that is brought from a lowly, despairing position to one that is thriving, and experiencing the Glory of Adonai once more. This time, the Lord will place the people in the Land permanently, and will bring about a Jubilee for all Israel.

Da’ath, Jude 1:17-25

    Jude is telling the Messianic community to work diligently for the faith that has been passed onto God's people. He reminds them that Yeshua's talmadim (disciples) instructed that there would be scoffers who follow their own passions and cause divisions. The believers are to pray in union with the Ruach HaKodesh, staying united in God's love. He ends with a prayer of praise to Adonai, who alone is our Deliverer through Yeshua HaMashiach.

Igarath, Hebrews 11:8-16

    The author continues his description of the faith, the trusting, of the great people of old. Here, Avraham 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 Avraham trusted God. Because of Avraham’s 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.

Conclusion

    Torah shows Adonai blessing Rachel after a period of barrenness and shame. Qeriath prophesies the same for the nation of Isra'el. Da'ath tells us that the ultimate blessing of salvation comes from Adonai through Yeshua. Igarath demonstrates that the great blessings bestowed upon Avraham, Sarah and others came as a result of their faith in Adonoi.

 

Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson