Tag: Torah reading 001

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Discussions Torah

The Messianic fingerprint: Decoding the 7 days of creation

"The Messianic fingerprint: Decoding the 7 days of Creation." Adobe Stock image of two hands holding a globe.

The Hebrew text of Genesis 1:1–2:3 can be read with symbolic significance in each of the seven days of creation. For example, the first Hebrew word of the first sentence (Gen. 1:1) could be a prophecy about the Messiah, based on symbols of the letters. Each day of creation has been seen as paralleling 1,000-year “millennial days” of Earth’s history. And that can point to the Messiah’s return and the establishment of the millennial Sabbath in the seventh 1,000 years, like the Sabbath instituted on the seventh day of creation.

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Discussions Torah

Seed of hope is planted in the hearts of humanity groaning in a world of hate and violence (Genesis 1–4)

Seed of hope is planted in the hearts of humanity groaning in a world of hate and violence (Genesis 1-4)

The origins of not just the universe and creation but also hatred and violence in contemporary and ancient society are revealed in the first Torah reading, בְּרֵאשִׁית B’reisheet (“In the beginning,” Genesis 1:1–6:8), reveals. What makes the difference in not going down that dark road is listening to God’s voice in a world filled with confusion and disobedience.

This study explores the nature of sin, highlighting the responsibility individuals bear for their actions and how the Age of Ignorance is over with the revelation of the Creator through Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ). This exploration also touches upon gender and marriage in the context of God’s design, with an emphasis on the covenant of marriage and its role in humanity.

The origin and purpose of Israel are discussed, stressing its role as a light to the world. Additionally, we delve into the symbolic connection between nakedness and shame, relating it to the account of Adam and Chavah (Eve) and their choices that lead to judgment. It concludes with a message of hope centered around the Seed of the woman and the need for unwavering faith — trust — in God’s healing and salvation.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 1:1–6:8: God commanded, but why should I listen?

If you were to chop off Genesis 1–5, you would not be able to competently answer this about the instructions and teachings of the Father and Messiah: “Why should I do that?” Two-thirds of children from Christian homes will walk away from their faith to varying degrees, and one of the main reasons for that fall off is they are not given honest answers about the authority of the Scriptures.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 1:1–6:8: The Creator shows why to ‘have no other gods before [Him]’

Fresco of God creating the sun, moon and stars. Fanefjord Church, Møn, Denmark.

Some Bible versions translate Gen. 1:1 as “In the beginning, God created…” or “In the beginning of God’s creating the heavens and the earth….” בְּרֵאשִׁית Bereysheet (Genesis) is not a science book. It is not designed to teach you how God created anything. The purpose of the beginning of Bereisheet is to teach us who God is, what He did and how powerful He is, much like Devarim (Deuteronomy) starts with reminding the people who God is and why the Ten Commandments say to have no other gods before Him.

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Discussions Shabbat Torah

Genesis 1:26-2:8: The Sacred Pause: Discovering Shabbat as a Divine Invitation

The graphic shows a peaceful, dreamlike scene of a man and a woman resting close together, their eyes gently closed, surrounded by lush green foliage. They appear serene, symbolizing tranquility and connection. The text overlaid reads, "The Sacred Pause: Discovering Shabbat as a Divine Invitation" in a flowing, elegant font. In the lower right corner, the logo "hallel.info" is displayed, adding a subtle branding element to the image. The colors are soft and harmonious, emphasizing a calm, restful atmosphere.

The last two things God created was the Shabbat/Sabbath and the Garden of Eden. God did not create the Shabbat because He was exhausted or tired. Rather, He wanted to set aside a day for mankind to have a special time with Him. Also some are confused about the creation narratives of Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 but a careful reading of each shows us that Gen. 2 focuses specifically on the creation of mankind and the special Garden called Eden that was made by God as mankind’s primary residence.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 1:3-31: ‘And God said…’

Richard Agee

Genesis 1 tells us that God did not create the earth and the heavens above for His own comfort, He created it for ours. The primary purpose of creation was for the use of mankind — His Image upon the Earth. God said it was good and He took pleasure in His creation, particularly its culmination in creating mankind with His own hands. God will fulfill His pleasure and it will be complete.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 1:2: ‘The land became formless and empty’

The image depicts a scene inspired by Genesis 1:2, showing the earth in a chaotic, formless state before creation. Dark, swirling waves represent the deep waters, shrouded in a mysterious darkness, while a soft, ethereal glow from above suggests the presence of the Spirit of God hovering over the surface. The color palette consists of deep blues, blacks, and subtle hints of white light, emphasizing the depth and obscurity of the setting. At the bottom of the image, the Hebrew phrase "tohu va-bohu" (תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ), meaning "formless and void," appears in an elegant, mystical font. The overall atmosphere is one of stillness and anticipation, evoking the transition from chaos to order.

The end will be greater than the beginning, according to prophesy. If you want to know how the current world will end, you need to know how it began. We are continuing our survey through the start of creation.

Did God create the world in chaos and confusion? Isa. 45:18 says no. So how do we understand Gen. 1:2 because it seems to imply otherwise.