Shemot: Names — שמות

Thoughts on Torah for Last Week:
 
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Genesis 48-50
This portion closes Genesis or what some might call the Book of the Patriarchs.  One of the consistent themes that we see throughout the scriptures is the concept that fathers are kings and priests.  In Genesis, this concept manifests itself through the Melchizedek Priesthood –  the Hebrew word Melchizedek meaning king of righteousness and the priesthood that does not necessarily come through a particular lineage and for which is the type of priesthood that the Patriarchs and fathers held.   

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We know that priesthood is present whenever a sacrifice is offered, which is a priestly function.  So Abraham had priesthood, initially fathers in Israel had priesthood at Passover until Israel sinned with the Golden Calf and in the New Testament when fathers administer communion to their families representing Yeshua’s sacrifice.

Central to this portion is the giving of blessings from Jacob to his sons, which can be considered a priestly function.  This practice of fathers blessing their sons (and why not daughters) probably would have started with Adam but written history begins to record them with Abraham.  As an enduring influence on children, a father's patriarchal blessing can provide the father’s offspring guidance and direction beyond the grave when recorded and preserved.  In Genesis, we see recorded blessings.  The composition of these blessings included:
 
                                                                   Words of Encouragement
                                                                  Details of Inheritance; and
                                                                Prophetic words of the future. 
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Moreover, in Jewish practice, we see children blessed as Ephraim and Manasseh for sons; and daughters to be as Sarah, Rebekah and Leah on Friday nights.  Nevertheless, at Genesis 48:20, Jacob is admonishing that all Israel to be like Ephraim and Manasseh apparently for the examples they set for sibling relationships and for maintaining their religious convictions while living among the pagan culture of Egypt.  Consider this short video teaching:
 

We can also consider New Testament admonishes as foundations for how children are blessed.  In that they follow Yeshua and reach His full stature and image.

 
Practice for Torah-Keeping Believers
Fathers can bless their children with a patriarchal-type blessing, which is to be recorded.  Such a blessing is to be initiated by the father placing his hands (and also the mothers hands) on the child's head and declaring in the Name of God and stating the child's name.  The blessing commences beginning with the fathers words as directed by the Spirit and in consideration of the discussion above.


Isaiah Chapter 11
Before we go onto chapter 12, we are going to revisit chapter 11 to cover an important topic.  This includes the allegory of the olive tree, which Isaiah presents as a stock, shoot and branches.  The illustration below sets out the concepts in this allegory.  In the latter days, God will raise up an Endtime servant who initiates the winding-up scene in preparation for the Millennium.  This Endtime servant will be of Messianic descent and with others that have been concealed from the world among the gentile nations.  Those who are the shoot - Messianic Kings (and Queens) are comprised of those who of Messianic descent and those so adopted through covenant.​

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Resource Links for this Week's Portion

TORAH: Exodus 1:1-6:1
GOSPELS: Matthew 1:1-12

Listen and Read the Portion
First Fruits of Zion

​​Commentary with Nehemia Gordon
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HAFTARAH: Isaiah Chapter 12

Commentary with Avraham Gileadi, PhD