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 31 Hu Edom, He is Edom

 

Torah, Genesis 36:1-43

    This is the line of Esau - that is, Edom. Esau took his wives from among the Canaanite women -

  Chapter 36 chronicles the descendants of Esau; Jacobs twin brother, who is also referred to as Edom. It does seem somewhat strange to spend so much time detailing the descendants of someone who does not directly impact the patriarchal lineage from Abraham to the nation of Isra’el. Perhaps there was more emotional connection between Yitz’chak (Isaac), Yakov (Jacob) and Esau than it appears later in Scripture. At any rate, this chapter is placed such that it gives a break between the story of Ya’akov and the story of his son Yoseph (Joseph).

    The first thing we see is that Esau has little interest in following Yitz’chaks instructions to take wives from his family. It seems somewhat intentional that Esau took a number of wives from various Canaanite clans. He also married Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael who is his uncle. This continues to establish two family lines from Avraham, one that goes through Yitz’chak and Yakov, the other line that become enemies through Ishmael and Esau. In fact, Amalek is considered a descendant of Esau, and becomes a sort of symbol of all Isra’el’s enemies.

    In verses 6 through 8 we see a physical separation between Esau and Yakov similar to that between Avraham and Lot, because they had so much livestock and people in their families that they could not live in close proximity. So Esau left, and occupied the hill country of Seir. There, they destroyed the Horites and took possession of their land.

    There is a list of kings given, these individuals may have been more similar to the first judges of Israel than a king in our traditional thinking.

Qeriath, Isaiah 61:1-9

    The prophecy here contains the basis for Jubilee for Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), with freedom and a glorious future for the humble and mourners in Zion. They will be planted by Adonai in their old, ruined cities, and shall be called “Priests of the Lord” and “Servants of our God”. Their descendants will be known among the nations, and all of this will bring glory to Adonoi.

Da'ath, James 5:1-11

    Ya'akov continues, telling the rich that have taken advantage of the poor that all of the wealth they have stored up will be destroyed, because the end of days is upon them. There are specific references to several mitzvoth (commands in Torah) to treat each other fairly and with compassion. Ya'akov encourages all believers to be patient until Messiah returns, to persevere. We are told again not to grumble against each other, thus avoiding condemnation. He reminds us that Adonai is compassionate and merciful. These comments are not directed at non-believers, who are not likely to read the letter, but at believers in Yeshua as Messiah.

Igarath, Hebrews 13:1-6

    The author continues instructing the Messianic Community in ways to live according to Torah. Thus they will obey Adonai's instruction, and be a blessing to Him. The mitzvoth to be hospitable to strangers, those in prison or under persecution are given. Maintaining purity within a marriage is emphasized, followed by instructions to maintain faith that Adonai will provide, rather than depending on worldly goods such as money.  

Conclusion

     Torah shows the line of Esau, who later persecutes Isra’el. Qeriath declares a favorable day of the Lord –- giving joy to Isra’el in her freedom, and glory to God for His deliverance. Da'ath tell believers to wait for Messiah’s return, as Yesha’yahu told Isra’el to expectantly await the deliverance of Adonoi. Igarath tells us to provide for the needy, and Yeshua will consider that as providing for Him.

 

Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson