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Discussions Torah

Genesis 49:22–33 — Ya’akov blesses his 12 sons — Ben-Yamin and Yosef; Ya’akov dies

We read the prophesies of the last days given to Joseph and Benjamin by Israel, their father. He also gives the final instructions for his burial. He wanted to be buried with his father and grandfather.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Samuel 24 — Saul continues to hunt David; David cuts Saul’s robe

Saul continues to pursue David into En Gedi, a mountainous region on the western shore of what is now called the Dead Sea. Saul thinks he has the upper hand but David is given the opportunity to turn the tables on Saul and deliver himself from Saul’s pursuit, yet David holds back and does not kill Saul. David’s actions fulfilled a prophesy and sent a message to Saul which Saul acknowledged for a time.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 49:16–21 — blessings for Dan, Gad, Naphtali, Asher, Joseph, Benjamin

We finish this chapter discussing the prophesies related to Dan, Naphtali, Asher, Yosef (Joseph) and Ben-Yamin (Benjamin). If we look at these prophesies as only relevant to the sons of Ya’akov (Jacob), we are missing out on the messianic significance of every one of these prophesies.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 49:13–21 — blessings for Yisrael’s sons — Reuben, Zebulun, Issachar

More than just a list of names, these blessings from Ya’akov/Yisrael are prophesies that will be fulfilled in the last days and give us insight into the mission of the Messiah. For Issachar, it’s a blessing rather than a curse.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 49:1-12 — blessings for Reuben, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah

Many people who read Genesis 49 believe that the prophesies Israel gave to his 12 sons were only about their or their immediate descendants. This is not the case. These prophesies encompass our prophetic future and those of our descendants all the way to the very end of time.

Today’s talk focuses on the prophesies given to Israel’s first four sons, culminating with his fourth son, Yehudah (Judah). All 4 of these sons were sons of Leah, the daughter of Laban as well, which gives us an additional insight as well.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 18:1–22 — Did Paul kiss off the Jews?

Many take Acts 18:6 to mean God gave up on the Jews. Is that what it says in context? If so, why did he take a Nazarite vow after his year and a half in Corinth?

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 47–48 — Yosef presents his family to Pharaoh, receives double blessing via Ephraim and Manasseh

We read more about how the land of Egypt survived the seven-year famine thanks to God’s revelation to Yosef (Joseph) and his stewardship of Pharaoh’s land. Later, Ya’akov (Jacob) gives Yosef his double portion of the blessing vicariously through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.