Category: Torah

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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 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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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 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.

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Discussions Torah

Love, Deception, and Divine Intervention: Exploring Ya’akov’s Journey in Genesis 28–29

The vision of “Ya’akov’s ladder” and his being hoodwinked on his wedding night with Leah instead of Rachel make for entertaining reading, but why does the message of Yeshua the Messiah touch on these accounts? Genesis 28-29 also shows us how involved God is in this world throughout time.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Mark of a gift: Messianic meaning of circumcision

Daniel Agee

Modern society views the rite of circumcision to be backward at best and barbaric at worst. Yet, it actually is a cutting memorial of what God has cut away from the faithful — men and women — through the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 27: Ya’akov deceives Yitzkhak to receive prophesied blessing

An artistic digital illustration depicting Ya’akov (Jacob) with a humble and determined expression, reaching out to his elderly and blind father, Yitzkhak (Isaac), who has long white hair and a beard. Yitzkhak appears thoughtful as he extends his hand towards Ya’akov. The background is a warm desert scene with golden lighting, symbolizing the biblical setting. In the distance, a faint figure can be seen, representing Rivkah. The text overlay reads: **"Genesis 27 - Ya'akov deceives Yitzkhak to receive prophesied blessing"** with a logo in the upper right corner that says "hallel.info."

Why has the birthright and blessing due Esau but passed to Ya’akov (Jacob) been a persistent factor in world history, even to our day and the future Day of the Lord? Is there a connection between the delusion Ya’akov gave his father, Yitzkhak (Isaac), to gain Esau’s blessing and the “strong delusion” God has planned for the Day of the Lord?