Starting after Sukkot 2024, Hallel Fellowship switched to a three-year cycle of Torah and parallel Bible readings (2024–2027), outlined by TorahResource. While there’s ancient evidence for a triennial cycle, a major benefit is to provide more time to mine more of Scripture for lessons.
- Readings
- Corresponding reading in 1-year Torah cycle
- Key Hebrew vocabulary
- Ivri (עִבְרִי) – 'Hebrew' (Genesis 14:13)
- Goyim (גּוֹיִם) – 'nations' (Genesis 14:1)
- Chavar (חָבַר) – 'to join together' (Genesis 14:3)
- Malki-Tzedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק) – 'king of righteousness' (Genesis 14:18)
- El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) — 'God Most High' (Genesis 14:18–20)
- Ma’aser (מַעֲשֵׂר) — 'tithe' (Genesis 14:20)
- Tsedeq (צֶדֶק) — 'righteousness' (Isaiah 41:2)
- Al tiyra (אַל־תִּירָא) — 'fear not' (Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14)
- Tola'at (תּוֹלַעַת) — 'worm' (Isaiah 41:14)
- Yamin tzidki (יְמִין צִדְקִי) — 'right hand of My righteousness' (Isaiah 41:10)
- Additional messianic themes in Isaiah 41:2–14
- Studies
Readings
- Genesis 14
- Isaiah 41:2-14
- Hebrews 7:1-19
Corresponding reading in 1-year Torah cycle
Key Hebrew vocabulary
The following terms in Genesis 14 highlight God’s sovereignty, the call for faith and obedience, and the foreshadowing of Messiah Yeshua’s redemptive work. Abram’s actions demonstrate reliance on God’s provision, rejection of worldly wealth (Genesis 14:22–23), and recognition of God’s righteousness. These lessons remain relevant for believers, who are called to trust in God, live distinct lives, and unite under Messiah’s eternal kingship and priesthood.
These terms collectively highlight themes of divine justice, assurance, transformation, and support, offering deep theological insights into God’s relationship with His people.
Ivri (עִבְרִי) – ‘Hebrew’ (Genesis 14:13)
Abram is called “Abram the Hebrew,” highlighting his role as one who “crosses over” in faith, leaving his homeland to follow God’s call. This term symbolizes separation from worldly systems and allegiance to God’s covenant (Genesis 12:1–3).
The term “Hebrew” signifies a spiritual identity rooted in Abram’s decision to “cross over” physically (from Ur to Canaan) and spiritually (from idolatry to faith in the one true God). This action of crossing over mirrors the call for believers to separate from worldly influences and walk in obedience to God.
Later, the descendants of Abram (the Israelites) are called to live as a distinct people (Exodus 19:5–6). Theologically, this term prefigures the journey of all believers who are called to “cross over” into new life through faith in Messiah Yeshua (2Corinthians 5:17).
Goyim (גּוֹיִם) – ‘nations’ (Genesis 14:1)
“Tidal, king of nations” refers to a coalition of diverse peoples. “Goyim” represents the fragmented, often antagonistic, alliances of human rulers. These alliances reflect humanity’s pursuit of autonomy apart from God, a theme echoed in the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9).
Theologically, “goyim” contrasts with God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12:3, where the nations (goyim) would be blessed through his lineage, culminating in Messiah Yeshua, the Savior of all nations. This term also points to the eventual unity of all nations under the reign of Messiah (Revelation 7:9–10).
Chavar (חָבַר) – ‘to join together’ (Genesis 14:3)
The kings “joined forces” in the Valley of Siddim illustrates human cooperation motivated by fear or ambition rather than reliance on God. These alliances often lead to strife and self-destruction, as seen throughout biblical history.
Theologically, this term critiques misplaced trust in human partnerships over divine guidance (Psalm 2:1–3; 20:7; Isaiah 31:1). Believers are reminded to seek unity in God’s purposes rather than in worldly alliances. The ultimate joining together occurs in the body of Messiah, where people of all nations are united in faith (Ephesians 4:4–6).
Malki-Tzedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק) – ‘king of righteousness’ (Genesis 14:18)
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who combines the roles of king and priest. As “king of righteousness” and “king of Salem (peace),” he embodies the qualities of the future Messiah, Yeshua, who is both righteous and the bringer of peace.
Theologically, Melchizedek prefigures Yeshua’s eternal priesthood, as explained in Hebrews 7:1–3. This passage underscores Yeshua’s superiority over the Levitical priesthood, highlighting His role as the mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6; Jeremiah 31:31–34).
El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) — ‘God Most High’ (Genesis 14:18–20)
This title emphasizes God’s supreme authority over all creation, including the pagan deities worshiped by the nations.
Melchizedek’s blessing of Abram in the name of El Elyon reinforces the idea that Abram’s victory was not by his own might but by God’s providence.
Theologically, this name assures believers that God is sovereign over all powers and circumstances, a theme reiterated in Psalm 91:1–2 and Daniel 4:34–35.
Ma’aser (מַעֲשֵׂר) — ‘tithe’ (Genesis 14:20)
Abram’s act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s provision and authority.
This is the first mention of tithing in Scripture, setting a precedent for giving as an act of worship and trust in God’s provision (Deuteronomy 14:22–23; Malachi 3:10).
Yeshua chastised those who should have known better — P’rushim (Pharisees) and scribes — that remembering the Source of all things is more than tithing, but a generous response to God’s grace (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 2Corinthians 9:7).
Tsedeq (צֶדֶק) — ‘righteousness’ (Isaiah 41:2)
Context: God raises “one from the east” in righteousness.
Lessons: This term signifies God’s just and moral governance, emphasizing that His actions, including raising leaders, are rooted in righteousness. It underscores the divine attribute of justice and the moral order God establishes in the world.
Messianic lessons: The “one from the east” raised in righteousness is often interpreted as a prophetic type of Messiah, who embodies divine justice and righteousness. Yeshua is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5–6), bringing justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1). He leads with perfect moral integrity, inaugurating the Kingdom of God marked by peace and justice (Matthew 5:6).
Al tiyra (אַל־תִּירָא) — ‘fear not’ (Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14)
Context: God repeatedly tells Israel not to fear.
Lessons: This phrase reflects God’s assurance and presence with His people. It conveys the idea that fear is removed not by human effort but by God’s intervention and support. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s protection and strength, knowing He is with them.
Messianic lessons: God’s repeated assurance of “fear not” finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua, who offers eternal peace to His followers (John 14:27). Yeshua’s presence as Emmanuel (“God with us,” Isaiah 7:10–16; 8:8; Matthew 1:18–25) provides believers with the confidence to overcome fear, knowing He is always with them (Matthew 28:20). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Yeshua defeats the ultimate sources of fear: sin, death, and separation from God (Hebrews 2:14–15).
Tola’at (תּוֹלַעַת) — ‘worm’ (Isaiah 41:14)
Context: God addresses Jacob as a “worm.”
Lessons: The term “tola” can mean both “worm” and “scarlet material.” Here, it symbolizes Israel’s perceived insignificance and vulnerability. Yet, despite this lowly state, God promises redemption and assistance, highlighting His grace and the transformation He brings.
Messianic lessons: The term “worm” reflects Israel’s humility and perceived insignificance. This imagery foreshadows Yeshua’s self-humbling as described in Psalm 22:6: “I am a worm and not a man.” Yeshua willingly took on the lowliness of humanity and bore the shame of the cross to redeem Israel and the world (Philippians 2:6–8). The scarlet connection of “tola” also alludes to Yeshua’s blood, shed for the atonement of sins (Hebrews 9:14).
Yamin tzidki (יְמִין צִדְקִי) — ‘right hand of My righteousness’ (Isaiah 41:10)
Context: God declares He will uphold Israel with His righteous right hand.
Lessons: The “right hand” signifies power and authority, while “righteousness” denotes moral integrity. This phrase emphasizes God’s commitment to uphold and support His people through His just and powerful intervention, assuring them of His unwavering support.
Messianic lessons: The “right hand” symbolizes power, authority, and salvation. In the New Testament, Yeshua is exalted to the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3), indicating His divine authority and role as the Savior. Through Yeshua, God’s righteous hand upholds and saves His people, fulfilling the promise of deliverance in Isaiah 41:10. Believers are upheld by Yeshua’s intercession and the assurance of His eternal reign (Romans 8:34).
Additional messianic themes in Isaiah 41:2–14
God’s sovereignty over history: The passage highlights God raising leaders and directing history. Yeshua, as the “Alpha and Omega” (Revelation 22:13), fulfills this role, bringing God’s ultimate plan of redemption to completion.
Redemption and transformation: God’s promise to help Jacob (Israel) despite their lowly state mirrors Yeshua’s mission to redeem the spiritually weak and oppressed (Luke 4:18). The transformation of Israel foreshadows the restoration brought by Messiah to all creation (Romans 8:19–21).
Victory over enemies: The imagery of overcoming adversaries (Isaiah 41:11–12) parallels Yeshua’s victory over sin, death, and the forces of darkness (1Corinthians 15:57).
Studies
God’s unwavering love: Foreshadowed in Abraham, realized in Messiah (Genesis 12–17)
Where everyone knows the Name (Genesis 12)
Oppressing others oppresses your soul (Genesis 13–14)
How Abram learned faith, fought fear and become a friend of God
Genesis 12:1–17:27: Why God cannot be bribed
What is the ‘order of Melchizedek’?
Genesis 12–17: Instant gratification is never instant or gratifying
Genesis 12–17: Abram’s ‘slaves’ aren’t like American slavery
Conversion by circumcision vs. by the Spirit (Galatians 5)
Mature believers and the Torah: Meaning of ‘Sarah’ and ‘Hagar’ in Galatians 4
Who is Malakh YHWH (the Angel of the LORD)?
You want to be one of God’s firstfruits
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