Gateway To Freedom Study Notes
VaYishlach - And He Sent
Genesis 32:4 - 36;43
Haftorah Reading
Obadiah 1:1-21
Hosea 11:7-12:12
B’rit Chadashah
Matthew 26:36-46
(1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Revelation 7:1-14; 18:2,4)
Introduction:
Every maturing believer can identify all too well with Jacob in this story about the transformation of his soul from Satan's kingdom of flesh and self to YHVH's kingdom of spirit and faith. In it we see the repeated affirmations of G_d as Jacob walks in the old way of flesh as he wrestles with G_d and His way of faith and obedience.
Review:
In the last Parasha we read that when Laban's countenance toward Jacob "was not toward him as it was before," (31:2), YHVH told him to return to Canaan (31:3) with the promise that He, YHVH would be with him. So as Jacob was in fear of his life and all but forced to leave, G_d encouraged him to go in faith, trusting that the Lord would be with him. Jacob left Pad'dan-aram and Laban in secrete only to be pursued by his father in law, Laban. However, the Syrian was checked in his intents when Elohim spoke to him in a dream. It resulted in a non aggression covenant between them that effectively prevented Jacob from turning back and forced him to face Esau in order to be obedient to YVHV's promise.
Chapter 32
32:4-6 VaYishlach - and he (Jacob) sent messengers to Esau to notify him of Jacob's material status and intent only to hear that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. This news brought great fear and distress upon Jacob. Regardless of our level of spirituality, it is a fact that situations can bring us into fear and distress as our physical bodies react to circumstances. It is what we then think and do that demonstrate our spirituality and relationship with G_d - or the lack thereof.
32:7-12 Jacob's first reaction was to lean upon what he knew - his fleshy thinking to preserve himself and at least part of his family by dividing them into two camps. However, to his credit, he then exhibited faith by speaking forth a prayer to YHVH.
Remember, this entire account is a mirror of how G_d matures his chosen ones into walking in His ways. We must admit that in spiritual immaturity, we all are prone to throw both faith and flesh at the problem before us. It isn't until we come to the end of our schemes and rationalizations before we begin to learn how to totally believe upon Him - His mercy, direction and solutions to our trials.
In our weakness, our G_d is so merciful as we begin to walk His path of faith. Didn't Yeshua heal the man's son who said, "I believe, help my unbelief? (Mark 9:24) Our Lord is a gentle protector and encourager when we begin to stumble around in the realization of spiritual principles and enemies whom we cannot usually see and only discern by His revelation. However, as He teaches us through the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit), don't you think that he expects us to think and "work" (praise, prayer, declaration, etc.) as He has revealed?
Notice that Jacob's prayer concluded with a very important point for intercessory prayer and faith to arise: reminding ourselves and G_d of His promises - "I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for the multitude (vs 12). While He is the object of our faith, His promises (which most often reflect His character and love toward us) are the stair steps we apprehend to increase our faith.
32:13-23 Following his prayer, Jacob prepares and outrageous present in an effort to appease Esau. Furthermore, he sent the present before him in three droves, commanding his servants to address Esau as Jacob's "lord" or superior. Because he stated that "perhaps" (per-adventure) Esau would accept" him, this present and self abasement was more a ploy than of faith or directed by God. Never the less, the book of Proverbs teaches that a wise man would do likewise. (Pro 18:16) Thus, we can learn from his example here.
He then sent his goods and family over the river before him.
32:24-32 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. (32:24) Who did Jacob wrestle with? In Hosea it says, " Yea, he had power over the angel (malak = messenger [human, angelic or divine), and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. (Hosea 12:4-5) Reading verse 30 we note that Jacob called that place Peniel - meaning: the face of Elohim (G_d).
We have three descriptions of this being with which Jacob wrestled:
1. a man
2. a messenger
3. Elohim (G_d)
Doesn't only Yeshua fit all three of these descriptions? This account would appear to be another pre incarnate appearance (theophany) of the Savior of our soul - and Jacob's soul as well!
There is another very subtle, interesting and enlightening nuance in the translation of Peniel of verse 30 as compared to Penuel in verse 31 that seems to be confirmed by, and in accordance with, the name change from Yakov to Yisrael. The original manuscripts from which our scriptures are translated most often do not contain vowel points. Thus, the insertion/assumption of vowel points can bring a different meaning to a word. The Hebrew word pnuel could express three slightly different nuances, depending upon the assumed vowel points. For example:
Peni'el = the face of El
Penu'el = turn to El
Penai'el = my face (is toward) El
In other words, the translation to Penu'el would indicate that a turn of Jacob's heart toward G_d. This would seem to be confirmed by the name change spoken by Yeshua when he changed the name;
Jacob (Yakov), a man who followed man (i.e. "hand on heal") to
Israel (Yisrael), a Prince of G_d (i.e. "rules with G_d")
Jacob wrestled with the messenger and held on until he was blessed by Him. However, he was left with a limp for His struggle. The sages have many different interpretations and insight into these passages. I would suggest that the application to us is that too we often "wrestle" with G_d through the dark times (night) trying to find our way. But as we approach the light (dawn) and apprehend the blessing we are also often left with a weakening of the flesh as a reminder to our faith. Unless our flesh (our thoughts, rationalizations, carnal walk, etc.) is weakened we will not quit "wrestling" with G_d and increase in faith. It is a reminder to die to our flesh.
It is also noteworthy to recognise that the sinew, representing the strength of the flesh, was not removed, it only shrunk. After we are born again and finally turn over our life to G_d do we lose our soul - i.e. mind, will and emotions? Of course not. It is renewed by Spirit so that it can be conformed to His perfect will and way. As Paul instructs us in Romans 7:14-25 we must wrestle to put away that part of us (soulish-man) that tries to assert dominance over the spirit-man that was birthed through Christ.
Jacob had been transformed from a man who would bargain with G_d for his allegiance (Gen 28:20-22) to someone who would wrestle all night to overcome and insure the divine blessing was his. Just how many times must the Lord show us - in His Word, dreams, visions, prophetic utterances, "coincidental" circumstances, answers to prayer, etc. - before we believe AND do!? We too must prevail with YHVH with wholehearted pursuit so that we can enter into our promised land and the place of blessing.
Chapter 33
33:1-11 In this description of the meeting between the brothers, it seems apparent that Jacob still has his flesh working. Still fearing the wrath of Esau, Jacob put forth those of his company that are of the least importance to him-- with Joseph and Rachael in the rear. Jacob bows seven times before Esau and repeatedly call him his "lord." Do you think that Jacob really considered his brother his superior - or just a superior physical threat?
Consider the dialog regarding the present (mincha) offered for appeasement (32:20) and grace (vs 8). Esau: I have enough. Jacob: I am blessed of G_d and have enough. Esau is appeased, grants his grace, and assumes his superior position by the acceptance of the gift. Esau still does not see nor acknowledge the spiritual blessing upon Jacob, but will certainly take the benefit of it in both stature and material increase. So it is today (i.e. Israel's aid to Gaza, US aid to PLO, etc.)
33:12-16 Esau suggests they join together to go to Seir. Jacob makes excuse to separate but promises to follow Esau unto Seir. As the ensuing passages reveal, Jacob never went to Seir. Was this just the old worldly deceiving Jacob promising this or was this uttered by the prophetic Spirit of the Lord about the end times? Obviously, the sages of Israel thought so as we read a portion of the Haftorah from Obadiah:
And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it. And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S. (Obadiah 1:18-21)
33:17-20 Jacob went to Succoth and built a house and booths instead of going on to Seir. we must not miss the special meaning and fulfillment of the words or actions in the obscurity of our translation: And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. (Genesis 33:18) In other words - Jacob came into peace/peaceful place in the land of Canaan. Do you remember Jacob's vow to YHVH some 20 plus years earlier?
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: (Genesis 28:20-21)
Isn't this the acknowledgement that YHVH fulfilled His part? Then what did Jacob do?
And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel. (Genesis 33:20)
This was an acknowledgment on his part and an act of faith. By building and naming this altar literally, "G_d, the G_d of Israel," he is making a permanent declaration of He,with whom he will walk into the fulfillment of this new name. This is the evidence of a new relationship, a new man and Israel's continuing declaration of his fulfilling his part of the vow.
Note: To learn who inherited this land and another significant change of relationship with God, refer to John 4:5-14.
Chapter 34
34:1-4 According to the historian Josephus, Dinah became enmeshed with Shechem's maidens and took part in one their pagan feasts. If those reported facts were obvious in the scriptures themselves, there wouldn't be a more pointed warning to avoid heathen festivities. Dinah's walk into pagan worship, even if it was curious observance, led to her being ravished and ruined. Subsequently, it led to the bloody revenge by Levi and Simeon.
34:5-31 The unfolding of this story is replete with unanswered questions. The first concerns the character of Israel. Why would Israel silently agree with his son's (meaning all his sons?) deceptive (deceitful) circumcision proposal (vs. 13) for the marriage of his daughter? Did he think that the all the Hivites of Shekhem would never agree to their proposal and thus it was a tactical way out? This understanding is given some credence by Israel's subsequent anger toward Levi and Simeon's actions.
Verse 17 implies that Dinah was still in Hamor's house as it reads, "we will take our daughter.." Verse 26 specifically says they, "took Dinah our of Shechem's house." So the deceitfulness of the offer may have had its motive in the belief that 1) they would never agree or 2) if they did, then Dinah could be rescued in their weakness. But, instead of just rescuing Dinah, Levi and Simeon were angered, slew all the males, and made a bounty of the city and its inhabitants.
Israel was fearful of reprisal and angered at his two sons for their actions. In his prophecy over them for the last days he said:
Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. (Genesis 49:5-7)
Because of their vengeance, Simeon and Levi were passed over at the time of the receiving the firstborn inheritance, as was Ruben (for lying with Bilhah). This is how Judah, the fourth son of Leah, inherited the firstborn blessing.
Chapter 35
35:1-15 G_d directs Jacob back to Luz/Bethel where the Lord first appeared to him as he was fleeing Canaan. It seemed that the Lord used Jacob's distress to motivate him to uphold his vow and build the promised memorial "house" upon the rock he called a pillar. (Gen 28:22) One might wonder if Jacob had neglected to fulfill his vow because, like many of us, he may not have become too much at ease/peace dwelling in Shechem. How many times must the Lord put us in distress to break us so that we might move forward? Isn't Jacob’s life a prophetic road map of the church and each individual believer's walk to obtain the spiritual inheritance/destiny that YHVH has for us?
In preparation of going to Bethel and possibly meeting Elohim, Jacob cleanses the family by washing (mikvah), changing garments, and putting off their idols and ear rings by burying them. (Did he know about the idols because of the trouble encountered?) Isn't this a lesson we should take note of as we approach G_d? I wonder if we grieve the Holy Spirit or have sometimes made His presence common when we gather together upon His promise of being there (Mat 18:20) without any preparation. As a minister, the people's preparation and state of spiritual focus is easily discernable from one meeting to another. It is much easier to enter into His presence when people have prepared and come in one accord.
Paul tells us that as we seek to be in fellowship with G_d we should:
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry…rid yourselves of all such things as [these]: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new man (self), which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Col 3:5,8-10)
Notice that after this preparation and began their journey, the terror of God was upon the cities that Jacob had feared to destroy him and his family. He was not pursued.
Jacob goes to Bethel and builds an altar upon the rock/pillar calling it El-bethel - literally meaning G_d of the house of G_d which understood that G_d's presence was (felt) in Bethel. Elohim again appears to Jacob, revealing himself as El Shadday, the almighty one who has the strength to do everything. In other words G_d not only confirms that Jacob is Yisrael/Israel, but G_d is well able to make both a nation (Israel) and a company (multitude) of nations out of his loins (vs. 10,11).
35:16-26 Rachael gives birth to Benjamin and dies in childbirth. It is interesting to note that she was buried in Ephrath (Bethlehem) and not with the rest of the family. Because G_d has not revealed the relevance of this to us, I will not take the time discussing the rabbinical speculations.
35:27-29 Jacob returns to his former home and his father Isaac. Isaac dies at 180 years old - a long time (about 40 years) after the spoken blessing. Esau joined Jacob in Isaac's burial.
Chapter 36
This chapter references the lineage of Esau, the father of the Edomites.
Haftorah
Hosea 11:7-12:12
Although we have already read a portion of the Haftorah to unlock of the mystery identity of the "man" who wrestled with Jacob, it is important to understand its context. Hosea's writing invokes the example from Jacob's life in order to move Ephraim and Judah to repentance in their backslidden condition.
The Lord calls Ephraim a consistent liar following after the father of lies. (11:12, 12:1) It is company that makes covenant with the unbelievers and a rich merchandiser with unfair balances (12:7) who loves to oppress others and finds no sin in herself. (12:8) Doesn't this sound like the desciption the nations lay at the charge of this nation called by G_d - these United States?
Furthermore, YHVH says that he will bring Ephraim down to dwell in tents (temporary dwellings) and has warned us according to His Word (through the prophets), in visions, by example and by prophetic words. (12:9, 10) And those from the West shall not be destroyed, but will tremble when G_d roars. (11:10,11)
We have been warned - again - to repent and turn to G_d. Let those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, hear His Word for today.
Shabbat Shalom,
Randy