Parashah 7

Vayetze (He went out) December 10, 2016

Friends of the Bridegroom Ministries “Proclaiming the TRUTH by Divine Appointment”

Torah Questions for discussion Genesis 28:10-32:2

10-22: Ya’akov finds himself escaping the anger of his brother, Esav and running to his uncle Lavan to find a wife. While traveling he came upon a certain place; Mt Moriah, where Isaac, his father was bound and Adonai provided his own sacrifice and eventually where the future sight of the Holy Temple would be built; then he stayed the night and dreamed a dream. In seeing this gateway, (Ps 78:23, Pr 8:34, Jn 1:51) angels descending and ascending upon a ladder, anchored in heaven above devolves downward to earth, suddenly Adonai was standing next to him, renews the covenant with Jacob and provides supernatural providential protection through His angels and promises to extend his future territory, Ya’akov then sets up a standing stone, anoints it and re- names the town of Luz, Beit-El. Ya’akov personally experiences Adonai for himself not as a tradition from his forefathers but personally and now he knows Adonai directly for himself and pledges his loyalty.
·  Have you had a personal experience with Adonai that’s tangible, augmenting your faith?
·  Though feeling small (i.e. the small place where Ya’akov laid upon) in the Body of Christ, do you believe you have the capacity for more? Allow Adonai to stretch you!
Chap. 29: Ya’akov finds his bride and with supernatural strength serves Rachel and her flock of sheep after his long journey. When meeting Lavan, Rachel’s father and telling him all that had happen, Lavan says “You are indeed my own flesh and blood”. After working for a whole month Ya’akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said “I will work for you seven year in exchange for Rachel, Ya’akov had matured and was patience, willing to wait and not desiring instant gratification; but Lavan exchanged Rachel for Le’ah and Ya’akov works for an additional seven years to attain Rachel as his bride. Ya’akov says he has been victimized (27:18-30). (Job 4:8) It is only when Ya’akov is the victim does he realize the pain that deception causes. (29:25) Lavan justifies his deception by sighting Ya’akov’s previous deception saying, “In our place that isn’t how it’s done, to give the younger daughter before the firstborn”. Lavan wasn’t just stating the traditions of his people, he was implying the supplanting of his brother’s birthright.
·  Are you deceptive in your actions or have you learned to wait on Adonai to give you your inheritance?
·  Are you reaping what you have sown yet still blaming others
Deut. 24:15 tells us not to oppress hired workers, otherwise upon doing so they would cry out against you to Adonai, and it will be your sin; and James 5:4-6 sends out warning to the rich and powerful of the world. Ya’akov was landless and should have been treated fairly, even Lavan’s daughters, Ya’akov wives realized that their father (31:15) considered them as foreigners and sold them as slaves.
·  Have you cried out to Adonai against the ill treatment of your employers? See what YHVH will do!
30:37 Ya’akov learned to depend on Adonai and His ministering angels (31:10-12) to prepare him to return to Beit-El , where he vowed a vow. Adonai was not just teaching Ya’akov how to return with plenty, but He was showing Ya’akov a deeper part of his character and ours that needs to be dealt with. What is placed before our eyes will impact the inner person (Ps 101:3, 4) whether disturbing, immoral, violent or perverted it will impact us.
·  Where have you set your eye gate?
Ya’akov’s family was far from ideal, one wife was beloved and infertile the other was unloved but full of hope giving grounds to continued rivalry, (Lev 18:18) and yet his children were fulfillment of Avraham’s covenant. Adonai is able to work his purposes in less ideal conditions.
·  Even though your previous decision was not ideal, do you believe Adonai will guide you into his purpose?
31:36-32:1 How do you rebuke a person in public? (Pro 27:5) When Lavan catches up with Ya’akov he says “What do you mean by deceiving me and carrying off my daughters as if they were captives taken in war?” Ya’akov’s response was not eruptive or a spontaneous emotional outburst but calculated response to Lavan’s actions, it demanded harsh criticism spoken with respect. Because of Ya’akov’s response and Adonai’s (21:29) warning Lavan’s proposes a peaceful truce, (31:47, 48) the pile of stones would be a witness between the two. Lavan would speak in Aramaic and Ya’akov would speak in Hebrew to confirm the agreement. Ya’akov maintained his principles and kept his beliefs, eventually Lavan could not stand against truth. (2 Ti 4:2, Tit 1:13; 2:15)
·  Are you able to rebuke in love and without emotional outburst?

Proverbs Reading 3

Haftorah/Gospel Reading Notes Matthew 3:13-4:11

Psalms 3

2