Objective—Learn how the Torah teaches about the life and ministry of Yeshua HaMashiach. Yeshua said that Moses wrote about Him29. Since the Torah never even mentions the word Messiah, this section will help you see the Messiah in the Torah. This is primarily done using thematic analysis and midrash. Isaac, a Picture of Messiah YeshuaI.Remembering thatthe lives of the Fathers are prophetic shadows of the future of their descendants (especially the Messiah), see if you can understand how Isaac's life is thematically connected to Yeshua's.A.What event occurred the last time the Torah specifically mentioned Isaac?30When is the next time Isaac is specifically mentioned?31Note, after the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22, he isn't mentioned again until the end of Genesis 24. This silence is intentional, as we soon shall see!B.Do you recall the prophetic significance of the Akeida(binding of Isaac)?32What activity was Isaac involved in when he reappears in Genesis 24:63?33What was the next big event that occurred in Isaac's life?34C.Please note the following thematic flow concerning all of the verses that explicitly pertain to Isaac in Genesis 22-24.
•Genesis 22—The Akeida•Genesis 24:63—Intercession•Genesis 24:64-67—MarriageNow, thematically relate the events listed above to the work of the Messiah. If you need help, use this hint—the answer has something to do with the 1st and 2nd coming of Messiah Yeshua and His ministry in the interim. Do you see it?35So, through this Midrash on Isaac's life, we see that the Torah is actually teaching us about the ministry/work of the Messiah! The thematic connections help us see theprophetic shadow. Once again, we see that the events in the lives of the Patriarchs are prophetic shadows of events to occur in the lives of their descendants, especially the Messiah.The Servant With No NameI.In the previous section, we clearly saw the Messianic picture Isaac's life represented. In that picture, Genesis 24 (the search for Isaac's bride) is a prophetic shadow of the time when Yeshua will function as High Priest. Let's continue to ask questions regarding this time period of intercession for Isaac to see what we can learn.A.For what do you think Isaac was praying so earnestly? Let's see if we can make a good guess. Read Genesis 24:67. Knowing that this Torah portion is called the life of Sarah, how does this one verse help us to thematically link the long parsha concerning finding Isaac a bride with the beginning parsha about Sarah's death?36B.Knowing that Isaac was grieved concerning the loss of his mother and that he was in need of a wife to fulfill the promises, and knowing that the servant was off looking for a bride for him, what do you suppose he was pouring out his heart about in prayer about?37C.We know that the Torah purposefully thematically connects people and events by placing them next to each other textually. What do you think is the significance of the fact that while Isaac is praying, Rivka shows up?38II.Thematically, we see that the Torah hints that Isaac was intercedingfor his bride. Therefore, the bulk of Genesis 24 occurred while Isaac was interceding. Earlier, we saw that Isaac is a picture of the High Priestly ministry of Yeshua between his two advents. Therefore, let's probe Genesis 24 to see if we can understand the prophetic significance of the nameless servant.A.Most people would readily agree that the nameless servant is actually Eliezer. Genesis 24:2 describes the servant as the elder of Abraham's household who controls all that Abraham has. In Genesis 15:2, Abraham stated that since he was childless, Eliezer would be his inheritor. Therefore, we should be safe in assuming that the servant is none other than Eliezer.B.We already know that Isaac is a picture of Messiah Yeshua, praying for His bride. What isthe main mission of the servant in Genesis 24?39We know we are the bride of Messiah Yeshua. Whose function is it to find His bride, convince her to marry the groom, and present her to the groom?40That's right. Read John 14-16. Yeshua spends a great deal of time telling the disciples how active the Ruach HaKodesh will be in their lives after He ascends to function as High Priest. Let's see if we can build an even stronger case that the servant is a picture of the Ruach HaKodesh.III.Read Genesis 24:67. How was Isaac finally comforted after the death of Sarah?41Therefore, before Eliezer appeared with Rivka, he needed comforting. Do you see how Eliezer is indirectly connected to the work of comforting? I'm sure you know where I'm going. Now read John 14:26. Yeshua said that the Comforter would testify of Him. IV.See any other thematic connections to the sidra (Torah portion)?42Excellent. In Genesis 24:10, it states that Eliezer had all of the bounty of his master "in his hand." Considering that it would be impossible for Eliezer to literally have all of Abraham's possessions in his hand, I suggest we adopt the interpretation of Rashi, who states that Eliezer held a deed in his hand. This deed was proof of all Abraham had deeded over to Isaac. Now that should have been quite a convincing testimony!A.How is John 16:13-15 thematically related to the Torah portion?43Furthermore, remember the deed Eliezer brought with him “in his hand” which contained all of the bounty of his master? He showed it to Rivka and her relatives. This is exactly what John 16:15 states—he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.B.How is John 14:26 thematically related to the sidra (Torah portion)?44C.Howis John 15:26 thematically related to the sidra?45D.Does Eliezer show Rivka “things to come” as stated in John 16:13?46In summary, I think the connections above provide a good foundation for understanding that Eliezer is functioning in the role of the Ruach HaKodesh, sent to work in the life of the bride. The B’rit Chadasha informs us of the important role the Ruach HaKodesh has in the life of the believer during the time Yeshua performs His High Priestly ministry. Prophetically this corresponds to Isaac’s intercession as his bride was being prepared for him.The Nature of the One and Only True ElohimI.Last week, we saw that the Torah clearly presented the Holy One as a plurality. Yes, it is true that He is Echad (One); however, his oneness does not preclude a plurality in some mysterious manner. As I said last week, I will refrain from giving specific definitions of the nature of the Holy One. My goal is simply to show you that the concept of a plurality in the Godhead is clearly taught in the Torah.It is not a "New Testament" concept. I have mentioned before that it is very instructive to outline the stories of the sidras following the Parsha markings. Furthermore, it is very instructive to interpret the Parshiot thematically. You know, standingback and seeing in generalthe thematic message underlying the text. Let’s see what happens when we apply this concept to the last three Parshiot. First, let’s divide the last three sidras into three sections; 1) Genesis 12:1-15:21, 2) Genesis 16:1-22:24 and 3) Genesis 23:1-25:18. Next, let’s see if we can discern the main theme of each section.A.Genesis 12:1-15:21—Browse over this portion of Scripture paying particular attention to the promises Adonai makes to Abraham. Do you see a common theme?47That’s right. The promises all relate to him fathering many descendants or to the land he will inherit that will be a home to the multitude of his descendants. However, the emphasis is that he will be the FATHERof a great number of descendants.B.Genesis 16:1-22:24—Browse over this portion of Scripture paying particular attention to the promises Adonai makes to Abraham. Do you see a common theme?48That’s right.
Almost every narrative is connected to either the promise of a particular son, or his mistake in trying to have a son by Hagar, or the actual birth of his son, or to events that occur in the lives of his sons (Ishmael in the desert or the binding of Isaac). Clearly, the emphasis is on the promised SON.C.Genesis 23:1-25:18—Browse over this portion of Scripture paying particular attention to the promises Adonai makes to Abraham. Do you see a common theme?49In the previous section, we saw that Eliezer is a prophetic shadow of the work of the Ruach HaKodesh! Therefore, midrashically, we can state with confidence that this last section of Scripture is emphasizing the work of the RUACH HAKODESH!As you can see, we have an interesting picture here. The last THREEsidras have focused our attention on three themes—events concerning the Father, Son and Ruach HaKodesh. Do you think this is a coincidence? I think not. I think the Torah has once again provided us with its foundational teaching concerning the nature of our Elohim. And, if you can see this revelation, then You’ve Got It!Fun For the WholeFamily!Okay, time to show what you’ve learned. Word searches and crossword puzzles are available for you to test your understanding. The word searchfor adults(and older children) consists of 20-30 words taken from this week’s sidra (portion). Some of the words may be common Hebrew words or English phrases. The crossword puzzlefor adults (and older children) may also contain common Hebrew words or English phrases. There is also a word search for the little guys! And of course, the answer key is provided for the crossword puzzle.Adult and children’s crossword puzzles and word searches are available on Restoration of Torah’s website: www.restorationoftorah.org. Click on the link entitled, The Weekly Torah Portion Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches.Shabbat Shalom!1Shabbat is Hebrew for Sabbath.2In its most limited form, the Torah comprises the first five books of Moses.3Holy Spirit.4The Parashat HaShavuah, or weekly Parashat, are the weekly readings from the Torah. Each week, beginning on the Shabbat, we read specific selections from the Torah, such that we complete the entire Torah each year.
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