Category: Discussions

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Discussions Torah

The Tragedy and Injustice of Dinah and Shechem (Genesis 33-34)

Humility and loyalty are underlying teachings of Genesis 33-34. The phrase “women and children first” is held up as selfless chivalry, but it it seems Ya’akov (Jacob) wasn’t so chivalric in his sending his wives and children ahead of him toward what he thought would be his heavily armed and bloodthirsty brother, Esau.

Then there’s the disaster that followed the defilement of Ya’akov’s daughter, Dinah, whose forceable conquering at the hands of a city’s “first son” led to the deaths of all the men and the enslavement of the women and children of that city by the hands of two of Ya’akov’s sons.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Kings 12, part 2: Idolatry of the ego

Idols are actually as prevalent in modern times as they were back in the days of Rehoboam and Yeroboam (Jeroboam). Bowing down to a statue as a representation of a divine is not as common in our world, but what is common is spiritual idolatry — the core of physical idolatry.

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Discussions Torah

God converts Ya’akov the supplanter into Yisra’el the ruler (Genesis 32)

Studies in Torah

Ya’akov (Jacob) had a conversion experience the night he wrestled with a Heavenly visitor. Not only did he receive a new name, but also he received a new “vision” for what his future would hold.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Luke 18:1-8: Loss of trust in God’s promises, justice

Jeff

In Luke 18:8, Yeshua said that before the Son of Man’s return that “the faith” would be scarce on Earth. From the Greek word for “faith,” pistis, we learn that we need to seek God’s strengthening of the “pillars” that supporting our role as “temples” for God on Earth: trust in God’s promises and justice.

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Discussions Torah

Laban and Ya’akov’s final covenant (Genesis 30:25–31:55)

We look at the final covenant between Laban and his son-in-law Jacob. Jacob’s six-year prosperity with Laban, marked by unconventional animal husbandry, leads to tension as Laban’s wealth declines. Amid disputes, God directs Jacob to return to his homeland. Laban pursues, accusing Jacob of theft, but God intervenes in a dream, preventing harm. Jacob confronts Laban, recounting years of mistreatment. A covenant is formed, and fear shifts from Jacob to Laban. The narrative highlights God’s role in trials and underscores the prophetic nature of biblical stories, urging readers to seek divine understanding in difficulties.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

1st Kings 12, part 1: Yeroboam leads a tax rebellion, ends up rebelling against God

As it says in Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The rebellion Yeroboam (Jeroboam) started that split ancient Israel in northern and southern parts is still with us today, because the “hearts” of people haven’t changed.

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Discussions Torah

Battle of Ya’akov’s handmaidens foretells of Messiah’s gathering of the nations (Genesis 30)

Does this chapter have anything to do with the Messiah, or is it just a history about the family of Ya’akov (Jacob)? The meanings of the names of each of these children in sequence tells the story of the Messiah and how He will gather the nations (gentiles) into God’s family. The entire Bible is about Yeshua the Messiah, not just about Abraham, Yitskhak (Isaac), Ya’akov, Yosef (Joseph) or their descendants.