Tag: Genesis 27

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Spiritual freedom: How to let go of grudges before they destroy you (Genesis 27; Genesis 4; Leviticus 19)

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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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Blindness and God’s sovereignty: How our spiritual arrogance can battle His hidden hand (Genesis 27; Isaiah 46; Hebrews 11)

BLINDNESS & GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY: How our spiritual arrogance can battle His hidden hand (Genesis 27; Isaiah 46; Hebrews 11).

This study of Genesis 27:1–29; Isaiah 46:3–11; and Hebrews 11:17–22 explores how divine plans supersede human intentions, prejudices and shortsightedness. Faith/trust and generational legacy play out in the lives of Abraham, Yitzkhak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob). But Yitzkhak’s physical blindness reveals his inability to see God’s choice of unexpected vessels, and the importance of seeking divine wisdom. The Prophets reveal how curing spiritual as well as physical vision problems would be a key role for the Messiah — and fundamental to Heaven’s redemptive plan.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Toledot (תולדת): Genesis 25:19–28:9

Studies in Torah

At first glance, the trustworthiness troubles of Abraham, his son Yitzkhak (Isaac) and grandson Ya’akov (Jacob) can be disturbing, considering they are pillars of faith in the Kingdom of God. How can we forget Ya’akov’s “red, red stuff” deal with his brother, Esau?

Rather than a descent into “truthiness,” their legacy for the commonwealth of Israel is growth from faith-fickle to faithful. In this week’s Torah portion (תּוֹלְדֹת Toldot, “generations,” Gen. 25:19–28:9), we follow Ya’akov’s journey to becoming a “new man,” renamed Israel (“struggles with God” or “rules with God”). That “rebirth,” pictured via Ya’akov’s dream of a ladder between Earth and Heaven, is why Yeshua (Jesus) likened that ladder to Himself (John 1:43–50).

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 25:19–28:9: ‘Be perfect, as your Father in Heaven is perfect’

The Mess of Pottage, c. 1896-1902, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902), painted between 1896-1902. Currently owned by the Jewish Museum, New York. Photo from Wikipedia Commons via Creative Commons License.

One lesson from the life of Esau in Torah reading תּוֹלְדֹת Toldot/Toledot (“generations,” Genesis 25:19–28:9) is who and where we came from doesn’t necessarily define who we are or will become. Another takeaway is to recognize the good around us and become wise to the frequent folly of “following your heart” after what appears to be good. This is why Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) wants us to learn how to be “complete,” not lacking in anything.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 25:19–28:9: What does Heaven really want from me?

"Abraham Casting Out Hagar" by Guercino, 1657
Giovanni Francesco "El Guercino" Barbieri (1591–1666), "Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael," oil on canvas, 1657

It’s difficult for those of us who are naturally rebellious to understand God’s will. But if we have our eyes and hearts open, we can find out what it is. That’s what the Bible accounts of Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob and Esau teach us. In the Torah section Toldot (Genesis 25:19–28:9), we explore the beginning of Isaac’s account in earnest and how the battle over Esau’s birthright and blessing reveals God’s Spirit in us battles our fleshly clinging to our old way of life.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Genesis 25:19–28:9: Esau lives out why ‘following your heart’ can be folly

The “big picture” lessons of Parashat Toldot both come to us from the life of Esau. First, we need to understand that who and where we came from doesn’t necessarily define who we are or will become. Second, we need to recognize the good around us and become wise to the frequent folly of “following your heart.”

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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?