Tag: messianic prophecy

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

From soothsayer to Savior: Balaam’s prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah (Numbers 22–24)

From soothsayer to Savior: Balaam's prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah (Numbers 22-24). Adobe Firefly AI cartoon-like image of a donkey and two Ancient Near East men on a hill overlooking a large encampment below.

The story of Bilam (Balaam) and his donkey in the Torah reading בָּלָק Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9) reveals striking parallels to Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). In this study, we’ll see that like the donkey, the Messiah was a humble Servant who faithfully followed God’s instructions, even when it led to a dangerous path. Both Balaam and the Messiah were tasked with blessing or cursing, but the Messiah’s blessings ultimately proved more powerful. The donkey’s ability to perceive danger and change course foreshadows the Messiah’s wisdom and discernment. Just as the donkey’s eyes were opened to reveal the angel, the Messiah’s death and resurrection opened the eyes of many to see the truth. These symbolic connections invite deeper reflection on the Messiah’s role as a servant and prophet.

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Discussions Torah

Shiloh or sham: Was the messianic message of Genesis 49:10 lost in translation?

Shiloh or sham: Was the messianic message of Genesis 49:10 lost in translation?

“Jesus asked [a group of Pharisees] a question: ‘What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The son of David'” (Matthew 22:41–42 NASB95). The scribes and teachers of the Scriptures of Israel knew that the Messiah would descend from through King David thanks to a key phrase in the blessing the Patriarch Ya’akov (Jacob) gave to his son Yehudah (Judah) in the Torah passage וַיְחִי Vayechi (“he lived,” Genesis 47:28–50:26).

But in modern times, scholars have come to doubt that messianic interpretation, and some of the latest Bible translations no longer include “Shiloh” as a key messianic title. This study explores whether that older interpretation and translation is correct, pointing us to Yeshua as Heaven’s “Prince of Peace.”

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Torah readings

Torah reading Vayechi (ויחי): Genesis 47:28–50:26

Studies in Torah

We’ve been mining the account of the life of Yosef in Mitzraim over the past three weeks (see the sections Vayeshev, Miketz and Vayigash) to see foreshadowings of the coming Mashiakh.

These shadows grow even more defined in this week’s Torah portion, וַיְחִי Vayechi (“he lived,” Gen. 47:28–50:26). In it, we see parallels between pharaoh, Yosef and Ya’akov, and the Father, the Son and the people called Yisra’el.

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Discussions Torah

Unveiling Jacob’s vision: The Suffering Servant links Heaven and Earth (Genesis 28:10–32:2)

Unveiling Jacob's vision: The Suffering Servant links Heaven and Earth (Genesis 28:10-32:2)

This examination of וַיֵּצֵא Vayetze (“he went out,” Gen. 28:10–32:2), we delve into the crucial significance of Jacob’s vision at Bethel and the intricate dynamics within his family, particularly the rivalry between Leah and Rachel. By drawing parallels between Jacob’s wives and the relationship of Jacob and Esau, the scriptures highlight the emotional toll of polygamy on Rachel, Leah, and Jacob himself. The comparison of Jacob’s family struggles with scriptural teachings of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) underscores the importance of leaving one’s family to establish a new union in marriage. It is evident how Esau’s and Leah’s self-deception led them into unions not meant for covenant bonds. Finally, a connection is drawn between the suffering of Joseph and that of the Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, realized in Yeshua as the bridge between Heaven and Earth.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Lost tribes and messianic restoration: Jeremiah’s message of hope to Rachel (Genesis 24; Matthew 2; Jeremiah 31)

Lost tribes and messianic restoration: Jeremiah's message of hope to Rachel (Genesis 24; Matthew 2; Jeremiah 31)

This study on the Torah reading חַיֵּי שָׂרָה Chayei Sarah (“Sarah’s life,” Gen. 23:1–25:18) explores biblical principles of respect, property ownership and the hope of resurrection. It centers around the stories of Abraham and David, emphasizing their sorrow and the significance of their real estate transactions in the history of the people of Israel, finding resting places for Sarah and the presence of Heaven.

Chayei Sarah also has important connections to prophecies to the events surrounding the birth of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), exploring messianic themes and emphasizing the continuity of these prophecies in early Jewish writings.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Is destruction of the wicked an example of ‘God so loved the world’? (Genesis 18–22; John 3)

Is destruction of the wicked an example of 'God so loved the world'? (Genesis 18-22; John 3)

The Torah reading וַיֵּרָא Vayera (“he appeared,” Genesis 18–22) grabs readers’ attention with its gripping account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the scandalous consequences of Lot’s choices. This seems at odds with “God so loved the world” (John 3:16).

This study explores the importance of trust (faith), the power of prayer and God’s mercy balanced with justice. We’ll see that God’s desire is to save humanity from divine judgment that must come to bring to an end the forces dragging humanity toward death. Mercy indeed triumphs over judgment for those who learn to trust their Creator. That’s how “light” (righteousness) overcomes “darkness” (wickedness).

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Discussions

How Messiah makes the best-laid plans of snake and men go oft awry (Numbers 19–24)

How Messiah makes the best-laid plans of snake and men go oft awry (Numbers 19-24). Photorealistic image of a copper snake slithering across a leather surface.

In the Torah readings of חֻקַּת‎ Chukat (“statute of,” Numbers 19:1–22:1) and בָּלָק Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), we see the mysterious instructions for the red heifer, Israel’s apostasy; judgment by “fiery” snakes then the brass serpent; and also a talking donkey. One may wonder why all of these are coming together.

One thread through it all is the downhill slide of the first generation of Israel post-Exodus as they are dying off and the second generation are ascending into leadership. Chukat and Balak cover nearly 40 years of time in the history of Israel between the Exodus from Mitzraim (Egypt) and her entry into the Promised Land.

How the snake relates to the donkey and the savior finds its fullness in the arrival of Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).