Tag: Israel

Esau’s birthright and the Israel–Gaza conflict (Genesis 25:19–28:9)

Post author By Daniel
Post date November 18, 2023
No Comments on Esau’s birthright and the Israel–Gaza conflict (Genesis 25:19–28:9)

This study of the Torah portion תּוֹלְדֹת Toldot (“generations,” Gen. 25:19–28:9) explores the concept of teamwork in prayer through the story of Isaac and Rebecca, who prayed together for 20 years to conceive children. We delve into biblical relationships, highlighting the patience and perseverance demonstrated by the patriarchs and matriarchs. Comparisons between the sons of the Spirit and flesh, represented by Jacob and Esau, shed light on the importance of spiritual and physical completeness.

We also explore the descendants of Jacob, Esau and historical figures, emphasizing the ramifications of short-term thinking versus long-term vision. It draws parallels between biblical narratives and contemporary geopolitical conflicts, reflecting on how perspectives and narratives can shape perceptions and actions.

Discussions Torah

Numbers 22:1-25:9: God sent emissaries to the Gentiles too

Post author By Daniel
Post date July 8, 2017
No Comments on Numbers 22:1-25:9: God sent emissaries to the Gentiles too

Cartoon of Balaam and the King of Moab by Jack Foster of MrBibleHead.blogspot.com via Creative Commons License.

The prophet Bilam (Balaam) is not an isolated individual, an anomaly in Scripture. He was not the first or last emissary to the Gentiles. God did not leave them without guidance. Bilam is a foreshadowing of the ministry of Saul of Tarsus, aka the apostle Paul, whose experience on the road to Damascus echoes the account in the Torah reading בָּלָק Balak of Bilam’s experience with a “recalcitrant” she-donkey.

Tags Aram, Balaam, Balak, Bilam/Balaam - Strong's H1109a, blessing, curse, Damascus, Gentiles, Israel, Moab, Moses, Numbers, Numbers 22, Numbers 23, Numbers 24, Numbers 25, Parashat Balak, Paul, talking donkey

Discussions Prophets and Writings

Amos 6-9: Only the Messiah can restore Israel’s Northern Tribes

Post author By Daniel
Post date April 29, 2017
No Comments on Amos 6-9: Only the Messiah can restore Israel’s Northern Tribes

God spoke to Amos about his judgement on the Northern Tribes of Israel through a basket of summer's bounty. Photo by zdelia, Freeimages.com.

Our sins affect other people, including our children and grandchildren or as Scripture says, “to the third and fourth generation.” We aren’t punished for our parent’s sins, but we have been affected by them. We suffer when other people sin.

The ancient House of Israel were so far gone, so utterly unrepentant that God’s only recourse was to send 90% of them to the grave and the other 10% into exile. The exile will end only when Messiah Yeshua returns to the earth.