Tag: Parashat Vayetze

This Torah portion, the name of which means “he went out, covers Gen. 28:10-32:2.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Purity from the inside out: Heaven provides the Way (James 4; Genesis 32)

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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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prayer Prophets and Writings

Transforming pain: The Hannah principle (1Samuel 1–2)

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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Discussions Parenting tips Torah

Children: Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion (Genesis 29–30)

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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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

No place too hidden: God’s all-present mercy (Genesis 28; Ephesians 5)

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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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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Torah readings

Torah reading Vayetze (ויצא): Genesis 28:10–32:2

Studies in Torah

A founding father of Israel dreams of a ladder between Heaven and Earth while snoozing in God’s house. He then visits his uncle and gets duped into marrying the oldest sister over his beloved. Then the sisters wage a fertility war, resulting in 12 sons who would be the 12 tribes of Israel. Sprinkled through these accounts in the Torah reading (parashah) וַיֵּצֵא Vayetze or Vayetzei (“he went out,” Gen. 28:10–32:2) are prophetic breadcrumbs leading to the Son of God.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Jacob’s ladder vs. Babel’s tower: Choose what’s true; reject what’s false (Genesis 28)

Jacob's ladder vs. Babel's tower: Choose what's true. Reject what's false. (Genesis 11 and 28; John 1)

Ever since the beginning, people have been trying to connect with the divine, that which transcends the drudgery of the common, that which helps us divine truth from falsehood.

The account of Jacob’s ladder in the Torah reading ויצא Vayetze/Vayetzei (“he went out,” Gen. 28:10–32:2) is a foreshadowing of Heaven reaching to Earth in Immanuel (“God with us”), Who is fully realized in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).