Studies

This week’s study

  • Readings: May 31, 2025
    Genesis 32:3–33:17; Obadiah 1; and James 1:1–12 emphasize reconciliation, humility, and perseverance. Jacob’s encounter with Esau in Genesis 32–33 reflects teshuvah (repentance) and seeking shalom (peace) through action. Obadiah warns Edom — descendants of Esau — against pride and betrayal, reminding Israel of God’s justice and covenant faithfulness. Apostle Ya’akov (James), writing to the 12 tribes in the Diaspora, urges perseverance through trials, producing spiritual maturity. Together, these texts call believers in Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ) to live with integrity, humility, and hope.

Related readings

See the full year of readings from First Fruits of Zion and TorahResource (one-year cycle or three-year cycle). For a schedule of readings to go through the Apostolic Writings and Prophets & Writings, see the Scripture-reading cycle at MessianicJudaism.net.

Latest study notes and audio recordings

A digital painting (created using Adobe Firefly) of a man with closed eyes and a peaceful expression, softly illuminated with radiant light suggesting inner transformation. The background is dark, enhancing the glowing effect around his head and shoulders. Overlaid text reads: “Purity from the Inside Out – Heaven provides the Way – James 4; Genesis 32.” The image represents spiritual renewal and inner cleansing through divine intervention, reflecting themes from the Bible passages. The hallel.info logo appears in the top right corner.
Ya’akov’s flight away from his father-in-law in Genesis 31-32 and Israel’s exodus from Mitzraim (Egypt) foreshadow the work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). This study examines James 4 and related passages to see God’s consistent plan of transformation, drawing near to believers and calling them to holiness. The New Covenant’s promise of internal change, includes God’s writing His Torah on hearts. The Word and the Spirit enable believers to live as a “kingdom of priests” dedicated to Heaven’s purposes.
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A woman with tied-up brown hair is leaning forward in emotional distress, resting her head on her clasped hands. Overlaid text reads: "Transforming Pain" with "The Hannah principle, 1 Samuel 1–2" underneath. The image promotes a message of finding spiritual growth through suffering, inspired by the biblical story of Hannah. The logo and URL “hallel.info” appear in the top right corner. Image source: Adobe Stock.
Hannah’s prayers in 1Samuel 1–2 teach us about honest heart-wrenching grief, persistent faith and surrender to Heaven’s will. In this study, we also explored the parable by Yeshua (Jesus) of the persistent widow in Luke 18, James 5’s instruction on prayer for the sick, and John 11’s account of Yeshua’s weeping at Lazarus’ tomb. We discussed how Hannah’s desperate plea for a child mirrors humanity’s need for redemption, emphasizing community support, authentic prayer and hope in God’s ultimate plan of resurrection and restoration.
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Adobe Firefly illustrated banner featuring three joyful young girls running through a vibrant field with sunlight and colorful brushstroke-style background. The large bold text in the center reads, “CHILDREN,” with the subtitle below: “Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion – Genesis 29–30.” The hallel.info logo is visible in the top left corner.
Children are a divine blessing and essential to God’s covenant. In this study, we zeroed in on the bigger lessons from the sibling rivalries in Genesis, focusing on Leah and Rachel’s struggle to bear children (Genesis 29–30). Contrary to a frequent refrain on social media, children aren’t an inconvenience, but a sacred trust for passing faith between generations. Modern society is slowly recognizing children’s importance as birth rates plummet to civilization-ending levels. Scripture reveals the crucial role parents play in teaching God’s words and modeling trust across generations.
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Adobe Firefly digital painting banner illustrating Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28. The scene shows Jacob lying on the ground, gazing upward in awe, wrapped in warm, ethereal light. A glowing staircase ascends into radiant clouds where a divine, luminous lamb-shaped figure appears in the sky, representing the Messiah. Angels ascend and descend the ladder amid golden and blue celestial light. Large bold text reads: “No Place Too Hidden – God’s all-present mercy. Genesis 28; Ephesians 5.”
Jacob’s ladder vision in Genesis 28:10-17 shows how God sees everything and desires closeness with us. Using passages from Psalms, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ephesians, this study unpacked how nothing escapes God’s sight. The key message? God isn’t just watching to judge, but wants to connect with us. The Messiah bridges Heaven and Earth, transforming us from who we were to who He wants us to be.
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Digital artwork created with Adobe Firefly depicting an enraged man shouting intensely, rendered with dramatic lighting and strong emotion. To the left, large bold text reads: "SPIRITUAL FREEDOM — How to let go of grudges before they destroy you — Genesis 27 & 4; Leviticus 19." The background is blurred with warm, golden light, enhancing the intense mood. The website "hallel.info" is faintly marked in the lower right corner.
This study explores the destructive power of resentment by examining Esau’s grudge against Jacob (Genesis 27) and Cain’s anger toward Abel (Genesis 4). Unchecked emotions can lead to hatred and potential violence. However, God’s Word (particularly, the Golden Rule) offers a transformative path: choose love over vengeance, seek reconciliation and allow God’s Spirit to heal wounds. By mastering our impulses and embracing forgiveness, we can break cycles of bitterness and experience divine restoration.
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A vivid, impressionist-style digital painting bby Adobe Firefly depicts a multitude of people walking along a parted path through the sea, symbolizing the Exodus. The scene is filled with rich colors—blues, greens, oranges, and purples—conveying a sense of movement and divine presence. Bright light shines at the end of the path, suggesting hope and deliverance. Overlaid text reads: “God’s grace – It’s more than forgiveness. Exodus 33–34; 1 Corinthians 5–6, 10.” In the bottom right corner is the logo and website “hallel.info.”
This study explores spiritual maturity through ancient Israel’s journey from Egyptian slavery to freedom. Examining Exodus 13-15 and 33-34, alongside 1Corinthians 5, 6 and 10 reveals how God’s grace requires active participation, not passive acceptance. The Red Sea crossing symbolizes spiritual baptism, while the journey demonstrates the ongoing process of purging spiritual leaven and maintaining God’s presence through obedience, ultimately pointing to Messiah’s redemptive work and the believer’s transformative path.
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**Alt-text**: A vibrant digital painting in an impressionist style shows four figures—two women and two men—dancing joyfully in a beam of light surrounded by swirling colors of blue, green, yellow, and red. The scene evokes a sense of spiritual celebration and renewal. Overlaid text reads: “Cleaning the temple of the heart. Hezekiah’s spiritual revival flows from 2nd-chance Passover – 2 Chronicles 29–32; 2 Kings 18–20; Isaiah 36–39.” In the lower-left corner is the logo and website “hallel.info.”
This study dives into Passover’s themes of return and renewal in 2Chronicles 29–32. Drawing on the Torah’s “Second Passover” instruction, King Hezekiah restored temple worship and invited the northern kingdom to celebrate this pivotal memorial to freedom, revival and unity. Also explored are Messiah’s eternal role in atonement and the importance of maintaining spiritual momentum from generation to generation.
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