Parashat 8 Portion 31 ‘’Vayishlach’’ ‘’and he sent’’ Gen 32:3-33:17 Joel 4:12-31, Joel 1:11-12

 Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, Creator of the universe, You have set us apart with Your commandments and You have called us to internalize the words of the Torah. Please, YHVH, our Elohim, sweeten the words of Your Torah in our mouths and in the mouths of Your people, the family of Israel. May we and our offspring and the offspring of Your people, the house of Israel – all of us – know Your Name and study Your Torah for its own sake. Please uncover our eyes and open our hearts that we may carefully examine and receive the marvels and mysteries of Your Torah. Blessed are You, YHVH, who teaches Torah to His people Israel.

Deu 4:5  “See, I have taught you laws and right-rulings, as יהוה my Elohim commanded me, to do thus in the land which you go to possess. 

Deu 4:6  “And you shall guard and do them, for this is your wisdom and your understanding before the eyes of the peoples who hear all these laws, and they shall say, ‘Only a wise and understanding people is this great nation!’ 

Deu 4:7  “For what great nation is there which has Elohim so near to it, as יהוה our Elohim is to us, whenever we call on Him? 

Deu 4:8  “And what great nation is there that has such laws and righteous right-rulings like all this Torah which I set before you this day? 

Deu 4:9  “Only, guard yourself, and guard your life diligently, lest you forget the Words your eyes have seen, and lest they turn aside from your heart all the days of your life. And you shall make them known to your children and your grandchildren.

 

 Moses is addressing the Israelites, (including those grafted into Israel) reminding them that keeping these laws – this Torah - shows their wisdom and understanding to the world today, in the last days and in the world to come.

 

The prophets remind us again and again – if there is any word, any truth – and it does not agree with the words of this Torah as faithfully lived out by an obedient Apostolic community to which these words were entrusted – these words are dark, deceptive and dangerous – Is 8:20

 

The apostolic community of Yahshua agreed with and taught all of the words of the Torah with the realization in their hearts that only Yahshua in us makes it possible for us to walk in the righteousness of the Torah.

 

וישׁלח – “and he sent’’

Gen 32:3  And Ya‛aqoḇ sent messengers before him to Ěsaw his brother in the land of Sě‛ir, the field of Eḏom 

Why did Jacob send messengers? Yahshua gives us the answer - Mat 5:25  “Be well-minded with your opponent, promptly, while you are on the way with him, lest your opponent deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Mat 5:26  “Truly, I say to you, you shall by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. 

Gen 32:4  and he commanded them, saying, “Say this to my master Ěsaw, ‘Your servant Ya‛aqoḇ said this, “I have sojourned with Laḇan and stayed there until now. 

Gen 32:5  “And I have bulls, and donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants. And I have sent to inform my master, to find favour in your eyes.”

Gen 32:6  So the messengers returned to Ya‛aqoḇ, saying, “We came to your brother Ěsaw, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him.” 

Gen 32:7  And Ya‛aqoḇ was greatly afraid and distressed. So, he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups, (Jacobs strategy of dividing his flock may be repeated in the last days – Rev 12)

 

It is possible that Laban also sent a messenger to inform Esau of his brothers returning to the land? Labans intention was to bring harm on Jacob and his family.

 

Gen 32:8  and he said, “If Ěsaw comes to the one group and strikes it, then the other group which is left shall escape.” 

Gen 32:9  And Ya‛aqoḇ said, “O Elohim of my father Aḇraham and Elohim of my father Yitsḥaq, יהוה who said to me, ‘Return to your land and to your relatives, and I do good to you,’ 

 

Gen 32:10  “I do not deserve the least of all the loving-commitment and all the truth which You have shown Your servant, for I passed over this Yarděn with my staff, and now I have become two groups. (note Jacobs’s attitude – even though YHVH chose him and blessed him – Jacob did not feel entitled to YHVH’s protection or blessings – Luke 21:36)

Gen 32:11  “Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Ěsaw, for I fear him, lest he come and shall strike me and the mother with the children. 

Gen 32:12  “For You said, ‘I shall certainly do good to you, and shall make your seed as the sand of the sea, which are too numerous to count.’ ” 

Gen 32:13  And he spent the night there, and took what came to his hand as a present for Ěsaw his brother – 

Gen 32:14  two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 

Gen 32:15  thirty suckling-camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 

Gen 32:16  And he gave into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between drove and drove.” 

Gen 32:17  And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Ěsaw my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? And whose are these in front of you?’ 

Gen 32:18  then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Ya‛aqoḇ’s. It is a present sent to my master Ěsaw. And see, he also is behind us.’ ” 

Gen 32:19  So he commanded the second, and the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “Speak to Ěsaw this same word when you find him, 

Gen 32:20  and you shall say, ‘Also look, your servant Ya‛aqoḇ is behind us.’ ” For he said, “Let me appease him with the present that goes before me, and after that see his face. He might accept me.” 

Gen 32:21  And the present passed over before him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. 

 

Pro 21:14  Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger. 

 

Jacob Wrestles with YHVH

Gen 32:22  And he rose up that night and took his two wives, and his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of Yabboq. (emptying – the dark night of the soul)

 

Hearin lies a very important end time message – when you think things cannot get worse, they become more worse than you could ever have imagined.

 

Gen 32:23  And he took them and sent them over the stream and sent over what he had. 

Gen 32:24  And Ya‛aqoḇ was left alone. And a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 

Gen 32:25  And when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip. And the socket of Ya‛aqoḇ’s hip was dislocated as He wrestled with him. 

Gen 32:26  And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I am not letting You go until You have blessed me!” 

 

The apostle Paul understood this - 2Co 4:8  being hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; being perplexed, but not in despair; Footnote:

2Co 4:9  being persecuted, but not forsaken; being thrown down, but not destroyed;

2Co 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outward man is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day. 

2Co 4:17  For this slight momentary pressure is working for us a far more exceeding and everlasting weight of esteem.

 

If you expand the meaning of verse 8 into a more modern vernacular – it would sound something like this: ‘’We face serious challenges from all sides – yet we are not trapped and even when we feel trapped with nowhere to go, He shows us a way out’’

 

1Co 10:13  No trial has overtaken you except such as is common to man, and Elohim is trustworthy, who shall not allow you to be tried beyond what you are able, but with the trial shall also make the way of escape, enabling you to bear it. 

 

‘’The “man” (ish) who wrestles with Jacob is almost universally identified by the sages as the guardian messenger (sar) of Esau (or sometimes called Samael, the accusing messenger associated with Esau/Edom). Samael can be understood as the embodiment of the Severity of Elohim – fallen messenger.

Why this identification? Every nation has a heavenly “prince” (Ps 84) or ministering messenger who represents its interests before YHVH. Esau/Edom’s messenger comes to block or harm Jacob as he returns to the land and prepares to face Esau.

Some sources add mystical depth: the struggle represents the cosmic or spiritual battle between the forces of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (symbolizing Rome, oppression, or the “material world” in later interpretations).’’

 

‘’Jacob himself experiences it as encountering YHVH (or divine presence), which is why he names the place Peniel (“face of El”) and says, “I have seen Elohim face to face and my life was spared” (32:30). The sages hold both ideas together: the visible opponent is Esau’s messenger, but the power and blessing ultimately come from YHVH.’’

 

Gen 32:27  So He asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Ya‛aqoḇ.” 

Gen 32:28  And He said, “Your name is no longer called Ya‛aqoḇ, but Yisra’ěl, because you have striven with Elohim and with men, and have overcome.” Footnote: Yisra’ěl means “to strive with Ěl; to overcome with Ěl; to rule with Ěl”. 

Gen 32:29  And Ya‛aqoḇ asked Him, saying, “Please let me know Your Name.” And He said, “Why do you ask about My Name?” And He blessed him there. 

Gen 32:30  And Ya‛aqoḇ called the name of the place Peni’ěl, “For I have seen Elohim face to face, and my life is preserved.” 

Gen 32:31  And the sun rose on him as he passed over Penu’ěl, and he limped on his hip. 

 

‘’Don’t trust any man who doesnt walk with a limp’’ Bob Mumford.

 

Gen 32:32  That is why the children of Yisra’ěl to this day do not eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the socket of the thigh, because He touched the socket of the thigh of Ya‛aqoḇ, in the sinew of the hip. (the sciatic nerve (sinew) is a thick piece of ‘’gristle’’ in the rear part of the animal hind quarters (rump) which is very difficult to chew)

 

Jacob Meets Esau

Gen 33:1  And Ya‛aqoḇ lifted his eyes and looked and saw Ěsaw coming, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children among Lě’ah, and Raḥěl, and the two female servants. 

Gen 33:2  And he put the female servants and their children in front, and Lě’ah and her children behind, and Raḥěl and Yosěph last. 

Gen 33:3  And he himself passed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. 

Gen 33:4  And Ěsaw ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 

Gen 33:5  And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” And he said, “The children with whom Elohim has favoured your servant.” 

Gen 33:6  Then the female servants came near, they and their children, and bowed themselves. 

Gen 33:7  And Lě’ah also came near with her children, and they bowed themselves. And Yosěph and Raḥěl came near, and they bowed themselves. 

Gen 33:8  Then Ěsaw said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” And he said, “To find favour in the eyes of my master.” 

Gen 33:9  But Ěsaw said, “I have enough, my brother, let what you have remain yours.” 

Gen 33:10  And Ya‛aqoḇ said, “No, please, if I have now found favour in your eyes, then receive my present from my hand, because I have seen your face like seeing the face of Elohim, and you were pleased with me. 

Gen 33:11  “Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because Elohim has favoured me, and because I have all I need.” And he urged him, and he took it. 

Gen 33:12  And he said, “Let us depart and go, and let me go before you.” 

Gen 33:13  But he said to him, “My master knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flocks shall die. 

Gen 33:14  “Please let my master go before his servant, and let me lead on slowly according to the pace of the livestock that go before me, and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my master in Sě‛ir.” 

Gen 33:15  And Ěsaw said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “Why this? Let me find favour in the eyes of my master.” 

Gen 33:16  And Ěsaw returned that day on his way to Sě‛ir. 

 

 

Jasher Says (Chapter 32)

Jacob sends messengers to Esau with words of supplication and humility (similar to Genesis).

Esau responds with pride and contempt. He has not forgiven Jacob for the blessing and birthright. Jasher portrays Esau as actively advancing with hostile intent — coming to destroy or harm Jacob and his household, accompanied by 400-armed men from the children of Seir (the Horites).

Jacob prays earnestly to YHVH for deliverance.

YHVH intervenes supernaturally and sends three messengers from heaven. These messengers appear to Esau and his men as two-thousand-armed horsemen, divided into four camps (with chiefs leading them).

The angelic “camps” repeatedly charge at Esau’s group in a terrifying manner (one camp at a time, four times total). This causes great fear: Esau falls off his horse in alarm, his men scatter, and they are filled with anguish and astonishment.

The messengers declare (in effect): “We are servants of Jacob, the servant of YHVH — who can stand against us?” They warn Esau that they would have destroyed him and his men if not for Jacob.

As a result, Esau becomes greatly afraid of Jacob. His heart is temporarily changed through fear, and instead of attacking, he goes to meet Jacob in peace (though Jasher notes he still concealed hatred in his heart).

 

Gen 33:17  And Ya‛aqoḇ set out to Sukkoth, and built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. That is why the name of the place is called Sukkoth. 

 

1Co 10:11  And all these came upon them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come, 

1Co 10:12  so that he who thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall. 

 

Blessed are you YHVH, our Elohim, King of the Universe, you have given us your Torah of truth and have planted everlasting life within our midst. Blessed are you, YHVH giver of the Torah –

Let us attempt to build and end time outline from Yahshua’s teaching on the last days:

Signs of the End of the Age

Mat 24:3  And as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the taught ones came to Him separately, saying, “Say to us, when shall this be, and what is the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 

Mat 24:4  And יהושע answering, said to them, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. 

Mat 24:5  “For many shall come in My Name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they shall lead many astray. 

The first sign Yahshua gives his disciples is about the deception in the world regarding his identity. We have often said that if you get Yahshua wrong, you get everything wrong.

Prof John Lennox calls this “the greatest deception in history” because it is sophisticated, widespread, and targets the very people who think they are following Christ.

Yahshua here in vs 4 is talking about how he himself would be misrepresented – 2 Cor 11:3,4

The confusion as to the true identity of Yahshua will most probably trigger the great tribulation of the last days, when the ‘’abomination of desolation’’ makes himself known -

Mat 24:6  “And you shall begin to hear of fighting’s and reports of fighting. See that you are not troubled, for these have to take place, but the end is not yet. 

Mat 24:7  “For nation shall rise against nation, and reign against reign. And there shall be scarcities of food, and deadly diseases, and earthquakes in places. (Rev 6)

Mat 24:8  “And all these are the beginning of birth pains. (Rev 6)

Mat 24:9  “Then they shall deliver you up to affliction and kill you, and you shall be hated by all nations for My Name’s sake. (Rev 6:5)

Mat 24:10  “And then many shall stumble, and they shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another. 

Mat 24:11  “And many false prophets shall rise up and lead many astray. 

Mat 24:12  “And because of the increase in lawlessness, the love of many shall become cold. 

Mat 24:13  “But he who shall have endured to the end shall be saved.a Footnote: aSee Mat_10:22. 

Mat 24:14  “And this Good News of the reign shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come. 

At the end of the first 3 ½ year period the people will be praying for death to come upon them –

Rev 6:15  And the sovereigns of the earth, and the great ones, and the rich ones, and the commanders, and the mighty, and every slave and every free one, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 

Rev 6:16  and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us Hos_10:8 from the face of Him sitting on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, 

Rev 6:17  because the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” 

 

The Abomination of Desolation – this is the beginning of the last 3 ½ year period called the great tribulation – our final journey to the promised land – millennial kingdom. Rev 8-15 trumpet judgments and related issues – first resurrection)

Luk 21:36  “Watch then at all times, and pray that you be counted worthy to escape all this about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Aḏam.” 

Mat 24:15  “So when you see the ’abomination that lays waste,’b Dan_11:31 spoken of by Dani’ěl the prophet, set up in the set-apart place” – he who reads, let him understand – Footnote: bSee also Dan_9:27 and Abomination that lays waste in Explanatory Notes. 

Mat 24:16  “then let those who are in Yehuḏah flee to the mountains. 

Mat 24:17  “Let him who is on the house-top not come down to take whatever out of his house. 

Mat 24:18  “And let him who is in the field not turn back to get his garments. 

Mat 24:19  “And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing children in those days! 

Mat 24:20  “And pray that your flight does not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 

Mat 24:21  “For then there shall be great distress,c such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Footnote: cOr great pressure, or great affliction. 

Mat 24:22  “And if those days were not shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the sake of the chosen ones those days shall be shortened. 

Mat 24:23  “If anyone then says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe. 

Mat 24:24  “For false messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and they shall show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. 

Mat 24:25  “See, I have forewarned you. 

Rev 3:10  “Because you have guarded My Word of endurance,(Torah Mat 5:17-19) I also shall guard you from the hour of trial which shall come upon all the world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 

 

 

Parashat 7 Portion 30 Gen 31:3-32:3 ‘’Vayetzei’’ Jer 30:10-18, 22, 24.

 Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, Creator of the universe, who has set us apart with His commandments and has called us to internalize the words of Torah. Please, YHVH, our Elohim, sweeten the words of Torah in our mouth and in the mouths of Your people, the family of Israel. May we and our offspring and the offspring of Your people, the house of Israel – all of us – know Your Name and study Your Torah for its own sake. Please uncover our eyes and open our hearts that we may carefully examine the marvels and mysteries of your Torah. Blessed are You, YHVH, who teaches Torah to His people Israel.

שׁוב אל־ארץ – ‘’return to the land’’

Why? History shows us that this world has not always been a safe place for the Covenant people of YHVH. This situation is currently becoming worse and will become critical in the last days. There are currently 15 million Jews in the world. If Jews were not subject to the various genocidal attempts to completely erase them from the face of the earth – what could the possible total number of Jews in the world today?

Demographers -experts in the study of statistics relating to the changing structure of human populations – calculate that for any comparable ancient people group spared large population losses, the estimate today would fall in the low-to-mid hundreds of millions – (100–200+ million)

Gen 31:3  And יהוה said to Ya‛aqoḇ, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. And I am with you.” 

Gen 31:4  And Ya‛aqoḇ sent and called Raḥěl and Lě’ah to the field, to his flock, 

Gen 31:5  and said to them, “I see your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before, but the Elohim of my father has been with me. 

 

Before the great tribulation covenant people will experience growing hostility especially from close associates and certain religious groupings.

 

Mat 10:36  and a man’s enemies are those of his own household.

 

Gen 31:6  “And you know that I have served your father with all my strength. 

Gen 31:7  “Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but Elohim did not allow him to do evil to me. 

Gen 31:8  “When he said this, ‘The speckled are your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And when he said this, ‘The streaked are your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. 

Gen 31:9  “So Elohim has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. 

Gen 31:10  “And it came to be, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and looked in a dream and saw the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and mottled. 

Gen 31:11  “And the Messenger of Elohim spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Ya‛aqoḇ.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 

Gen 31:12  “And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laḇan is doing to you. 

Gen 31:13  I am the Ěl of Běyth Ěl, where you anointed the standing column and where you made a vow to Me. Now rise up, get out of this land, and return to the land of your relatives.’” 

Gen 31:14  And Raḥěl and Lě’ah answered and said to him, “Do we still have any portion or inheritance in our father’s house? 

Gen 31:15  “Are we not reckoned by him as strangers? For he has sold us, and also entirely consumed our silver. 

Gen 31:16  “For all the wealth which Elohim has taken from our father is ours and our children’s. Now then, do whatever Elohim has told you.” 

 

An end time remnant will not leave this present world system empty handed.

 

Before leaving Egypt, the Israelites, acting on YHVH’s instructions through Moses, requested articles of silver, gold, and clothing from their Egyptian neighbours. YHVH granted the Israelites favour, causing the Egyptians to willingly give them these treasures, effectively plundering them and leaving with great possessions.

 

 YHVH predicted this event at the burning bush - Exo 3:21  “And I shall give this people favour in the eyes of the Mitsrites. And it shall be, that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed. 

Exo 3:22  “But every woman shall ask from her neighbour and from the stranger in her house, objects of silver, and objects of gold, and garments. And you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters, and shall plunder the Mitsrites.” 

 

 The Israelites followed these instructions, as noted in Exo 12:35  And the children of Yisra’ěl had done according to the word of Mosheh, and they had asked from the Mitsrites objects of silver, and objects of gold, and garments. Exo 12:36  And יהוה gave the people favour in the eyes of the Mitsrites, so that they gave them what they asked, and they plundered the Mitsrites. 

 

While there's no explicit mention of Israelites packing literal household idols like Rachel did centuries earlier, the pattern is similar idolatry lingered in their hearts and habits. They left Egypt with Egyptian gold and silver (Exodus 12:35-36), some of which quickly became the raw material for idolatry. YHVH repeatedly had to confront and purge this "Egyptian baggage" from His people, as seen in the wilderness rebellions and later warnings.

This echo’s broader biblical themes: physical deliverance from bondage is one thing, but fully separating from idolatry (heart and practice) is a longer process. Rachel's act in Genesis 31 serves as an early illustration of how even those in covenant families could cling to or smuggle along pagan objects/practices much like the Exodus generation did on a larger scale.

 

There is a profound and direct link between idolatry and Torah obedience in the Scriptures. In fact, idolatry is portrayed as the ultimate form of disobedience to the Torah, while faithful obedience to YHVH's commandments is fundamentally about exclusive loyalty to Him alone rejecting all forms of idolatry.

Idolatry as the Core Violation of the Torah

The Torah places the prohibition against idolatry at the very foundation:

Exo 20:2  “I am יהוה your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, out of the house of slavery. 

Exodus 20:3: "You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:4-5 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image... you shall not bow down to them or serve them."

The entire Torah is built on this exclusive worship of Yahweh. Jewish tradition (and many biblical scholars) emphasizes that accepting idolatry effectively denies the entire Torah because it rejects the foundational principle that YHVH is One and demands total allegiance. As one source puts it: "Whoever endorses idolatry (in any form) rejects the entire Torah; and whoever renounces idolatry accepts the entire Torah."

 

Deuteronomy 13 prescribes severe penalties (even death) for anyone—prophet, family member, or entire city—who entices Israel toward idolatry, showing how seriously YHVH views it as rebellion against the whole Torah.

Idolatry isn't just one sin among many: it's spiritual adultery (e.g., Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), covenant-breaking on the deepest level. Obeying the Torah means walking in faithfulness to YHVH alone; idolatry is the opposite

This link becomes especially relevant when we look at the end-time believers described as those "who keep the commandments of YHVH and have the testimony of Yahshua Ha Mashiach" (Revelation 12:17).

 

In the wilderness experiences we discussed (Exodus generation, Ezekiel 20's "wilderness of the people"), YHVH sifted out those who clung to idolatry/Egyptian influences. The end-time parallel suggests the same: commandment-keepers (Torah-faithful in heart, rejecting idolatry) are protected, while those who compromise with idolatry face judgment.

 

Gen 31:17  So Ya‛aqoḇ rose and put his sons and his wives on camels, 

Gen 31:18  and he drove off all his livestock and all his possessions which he had acquired, his property of the livestock which he had acquired in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Yitsḥaq in the land of Kena‛an. 

Gen 31:19  And when Laḇan had gone to shear his sheep, Raḥěl stole the house idols that were her father’s. 

Gen 31:20  And Ya‛aqoḇ deceived Laḇan the Aramean, because he did not inform him that he was about to flee. 

Gen 31:21  And he fled with all that he had. And he rose up and passed over the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gil‛aḏ. 

Gen 31:22  And on the third day Laḇan was told that Ya‛aqoḇ had fled. 

Gen 31:23  Then he took his brothers with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gil‛aḏ. 

Gen 31:24  But in a dream by night Elohim came to Laḇan the Aramean, and said to him, “Guard yourself, that you do not speak to Ya‛aqoḇ either good or evil.” 

Gen 31:25  Then Laḇan overtook Ya‛aqoḇ. Now Ya‛aqoḇ had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laḇan with his brothers pitched in the mountains of Gil‛aḏ. 

Gen 31:26  And Laḇan said to Ya‛aqoḇ, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and driven my daughters off like captives taken with the sword? 

Gen 31:27  “Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and not inform me, and I would have sent you away with joy and songs, with tambourine and lyre? 

Gen 31:28  “And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have been foolish to do this. 

Gen 31:29  “It is in the power of my hand to do evil to you, but the Elohim of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Guard yourself, that you do not speak to Ya‛aqoḇ either good or evil.’ 

Gen 31:30  “And now you have gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, but why did you steal my mighty ones?” 

Gen 31:31  And Ya‛aqoḇ answered and said to Laḇan, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you tear your daughters away from me.’ 

Gen 31:32  “With whomever you find your mighty ones, do not let him live. In the presence of our brothers, see for yourself what is with me and take it with you.” For Ya‛aqoḇ did not know that Raḥěl had stolen them. 

Gen 31:33  And Laḇan went into Ya‛aqoḇ’s tent, and into Lě’ah’s tent, and into the tents of the two female servants, but he did not find them. And he came out of Lě’ah’s tent and entered Raḥěl’s tent. 

Gen 31:34  Now Raḥěl had taken the house idols and put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laḇan searched all about the tent but did not find them. 

Gen 31:35  And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my master that I am unable to rise before you, for the way of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the house idols. 

Gen 31:36  And Ya‛aqoḇ was wroth and contended with Laḇan, and Ya‛aqoḇ answered and said to Laḇan, “What is my transgression? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? 

Gen 31:37  “Now that you have searched all my goods what have you found of all your household goods? Set it here before my brothers and your brothers, and let them decide between the two of us! 

Gen 31:38  “These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your sheep. 

Gen 31:39  “That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you, I myself bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 

Gen 31:40  “Thus I was! By day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes. 

Gen 31:41  “These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 

Gen 31:42  “Unless the Elohim of my father, the Elohim of Aḇraham and the Fear of Yitsḥaq, had been with me, you would now have sent me away empty-handed. Elohim has seen my affliction and the labour of my hands, and rendered judgment last night.” 

Gen 31:43  And Laḇan answered and said to Ya‛aqoḇ, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and this flock is my flock, and all that you see is mine. But what shall I do today to these, my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? 

Gen 31:44  “And now, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and it shall be a witness between you and me.” 

Gen 31:45  So Ya‛aqoḇ took a stone and set it up as a standing column. 

Gen 31:46  And Ya‛aqoḇ said to his brothers, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. 

Gen 31:47  And Laḇan called it Yeḡar Sahaḏutha, but Ya‛aqoḇ called it Gal‛ěḏ. 

Gen 31:48  And Laḇan said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” That is why its name was called Gal‛ěḏ, 

Gen 31:49  also Mitspah, because he said, “Let יהוה watch between you and me when we are out of each other’s sight. 

Gen 31:50  “If you afflict (humble) my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us; see, Elohim is witness between you and me!” 

Gen 31:51  And Laḇan said to Ya‛aqoḇ, “See this heap and see this standing column, which I have placed between you and me. 

Gen 31:52  “This heap is a witness, and this standing column is a witness, that I do not pass beyond this heap to you, and you do not pass beyond this heap and this standing column to me, for evil. 

Gen 31:53  “The Elohim of Aḇraham, the Elohim of Naḥor, and the Elohim of their father rightly rule between us!” And Ya‛aqoḇ swore by the Fear of his father Yitsḥaq. 

Gen 31:54  And Ya‛aqoḇ slaughtered a slaughtering on the mountain, and called his brothers to eat bread. And they ate bread and spent the night on the mountain. 

Gen 31:55  And Laḇan rose up early in the morning, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. And Laḇan left and returned to his place. 

Gen 32:1  And Ya‛aqoḇ went on his way, and the messengers of Elohim met him. 

 

According to the Book of Jasher (Chapter 31), Laban breaks his covenant of peace with Jacob by sending his son to inform Esau that Jacob is returning to Canaan. This action sets the stage for Esau to meet Jacob with four hundred men. 

 

Gen 32:2  And when Ya‛aqoḇ saw them, he said, “This is the camp of Elohim.” And he called the name of that place Maḥanayim. (two camps) – Rev 12?

Gen 32:3  And Ya‛aqoḇ sent messengers before him to Ěsaw his brother in the land of Sě‛ir, the field of Eḏom 

 

"Ezekiel 20:35-38 suggests that the YHVH's people will endure a wilderness experience like the Israelites endured after they left the land of Egypt."

 

Eze 20:35  “And I shall bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and shall enter into judgment with you face to face there. Eze 20:36  “As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Mitsrayim, so I shall enter into judgment with you,” declares the Master יהוה.

 

"Ezekiel 20:37-38 describes what will happen in the wilderness of the people: (37) And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: (38) And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am YHVH." (possibly also a future reference to the great tribulation)

Croley explains the sifting process (like a shepherd counting sheep):

"The phrase 'pass under the rod' refers to a shepherd counting his sheep as they pass under his rod to ensure none are missing or to separate them. This implies a time of evaluation and separation in the wilderness of the people." (great tribulation)

"YHVH will purge out the rebels and those who transgress against Him. The rebels will not enter the land of Israel, meaning they will not participate in the restoration blessings."

The "wilderness of the people" is not a single physical desert (like Sinai or Petra exclusively) but locations outside of the land of Israel (the nations of the earth) where YHVH's faithful people are sifted, protected, and preserved amid persecution.

Amos 9:9-10 to reinforce that the end-time experience isn't total destruction but divine discrimination: rebels removed, faithful preserved worldwide.

Eph 4:1  I call upon you therefore, I the prisoner of the Master, to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 

Eph 4:2  with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 

Eph 4:3  being eager to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – 

Eph 4:4  one body and one Spirit, as you also were called in one expectation of your calling, 

Eph 4:5  one Master, one belief, one immersion, 

Eph 4:6  one Elohim and Father of all, who is above all,a and through all, and in you all. Footnote: aSee Mrk_12:32, Mrk_12:34, 1Co_8:6, 1Ti_2:5, Mrk_12:29-34. 

Eph 4:7  But to each one of us favour was given according to the measure of the gift of Messiah. 

 

This is the only reality that will survive the coming apocalypse and preserve His chosen into all eternity.

 

Blessed are you YHVH, our Elohim, King of the Universe, you have given us your Torah of truth and have planted everlasting life within our midst. Blessed are you, YHVH giver of the Torah –

Additional midrash:

I posed the following question to AI for analysis:

‘’Is it possible that a remnant end time generation will be identified as such because they will have recognized and embraced the human track record as being one of almost complete global catastrophic failure, covenant treachery and an almost complete rejection and alteration of YHVH’s ways.

This remnant will know they are as much part of the human condition as any one else, but what distinguishes them is that they have faith that YHVH will do for mankind what mankind is utterly unable to do for themselves – eventually YHVH will bring healing and restoration for the most underserving of mankind – through this faithful remnant.’’

(A)   Yes, it is not only possible — it aligns very closely with Wayne Croley’s teachings on the end-time remnant, even though he doesn’t use those exact modern-sounding phrases. His writings (especially the Ezekiel 20:35 article and related pieces) portray the remnant as survivors who have confronted the reality of humanity’s (and Israel’s) repeated failure, covenant-breaking, and rejection of YHVH’s ways — yet they are distinguished by humble faith that YHVH alone can accomplish what no human effort or self-improvement ever could.

The Contrast Croley Highlights: Rebels in Denial vs. Remnant Who “Get It”

Croley repeatedly points to Amos 9:9-10 as describing the end-time sifting in the “wilderness of the people”:

“All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.” Vs 10

These are the ones in denial — they refuse to acknowledge the catastrophic track record of covenant treachery, idolatry, and alteration of YHVH’s commandments. They think “it won’t happen to us.” Croley ties this directly to Ezekiel 20:38’s purging of “the rebels, and them that transgress against me” who will not enter the restored land. The rebels embody the very human condition you described: ongoing rejection and self-deception.

In contrast, the faithful remnant (the “least grain” that does not fall) survives because they do not live in denial. They have faced the sword/persecution and the full weight of humanity’s failure — yet they find grace (Jeremiah 31:2, which Croley quotes often):

“The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.” (Jer 31:2)

Croley emphasizes this grace is unearned — given to survivors who have been sifted, pleaded with “face to face” (Ezekiel 20:35-36, like the Exodus generation that repeatedly failed), and still trust YHVH’s restoration.

The Remnant’s Defining Faith: YHVH Does What Man Cannot

Croley describes the remnant (Revelation 12:17’s “remnant of her seed” who keep the commandments and have the testimony of Yahshua) as those who endure Satan’s wrath precisely because they refuse to compromise with the ultimate idolatry and covenant alteration (beast worship). They know the global failure — they live in it — yet they trust YHVH’s supernatural provision, protection, and final gathering.

He connects this to:

• The saved remnant of Israel who “survive the horrors of the tribulation and will trust Yahshua as their saviour when He comes to save His people and destroy the wicked” (from his article “Who Will Populate the Millennium Kingdom?”).

Croley stresses this is Satan’s wrath (temporary thumos), not YHVH’s final wrath (orge), which believers avoid. The Day of the YHVH’s wrath comes only after the tribulation, when Yahshua returns and gathers the surviving remnant.

This two-group framework (Maḥanayim?) is central to Croley’s teaching and appears across his articles (especially the Revelation 12 Sign piece and his safe-places discussion). It shows YHVH’s precise care: one localized miracle for Israel’s remnant, and worldwide refining protection for the commandment-keeping believers who will help populate the coming restoration.

Wayne Croley's Views on the 144,000

Croley addresses the 144,000 directly in several Q&A articles on prophecyproof.org and in his book Prophecy Proof Insights on the End Times (Chapter 13: "The Mysterious 144,000"). He takes a straightforward, literal interpretation:

• Who they are: Literal 144,000 people from the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8 lists specific tribes). He rejects symbolic views (e.g., the Church as spiritual Israel or Jehovah's Witnesses' claims) and stresses they are ethnic/national Israelites sealed for protection and service.

 

Jer 30:11  For I am with you,’ declares יהוה, ‘to save you. Though I make a complete end of all nationsa where I have scattered you, yet I do not make a complete end of you. But I shall reprove you in judgment, and by no means leave you unpunished.’ Footnote: aSee Jer_46:28, Isa_34:2, Isa_45:17, Dan_2:44, Amo_9:8, Hag_2:22. 

Jer 30:12  “For thus said יהוה, ‘Your breach is incurable, your wound is grievous. 

Jer 30:13  No one pleads your cause, to bind up. There are no healing medicines for you. 

 

Jer 30:15  Why do you cry about your breach? Your pain is incurable. Because of your many crookednesses, because your sins have increased, I have done this to you. 

Jer 30:16  However, all those who devour you shall be devoured. And all your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity. And those who exploit you shall be exploited, and all who prey upon you I shall make a prey. 

Jer 30:17  For I restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ declares יהוה, ‘for they have called you an outcast saying, “This is Tsiyon, no one is seeking her.” ’ 

 

Jer 30:24  The burning displeasure of יהוה shall not turn back until He has done and established the purposes of His heart. In the latter days you shall understand it.b Footnote: bSee Jer_23:20. 

Parashat 7 Portion 29 ‘’Vayetzei’’ Gen 30:22-31:2 1 Sam1:11-19, 22

 Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, Creator of the universe, who has set us apart with His commandments and has called us to internalize the words of Torah. Please, YHVH, our Elohim, sweeten the words of Torah in our mouth and in the mouths of Your people, the family of Israel. May we and our offspring and the offspring of Your people, the house of Israel – all of us – know Your Name and study Your Torah for its own sake. Please uncover our eyes and open our hearts that we may carefully examine the marvels and mysteries of your Torah. Blessed are You, YHVH, who teaches Torah to His people Israel.

Recap on the four puzzle pieces of Jacobs family portrait – from previous week’s Torah portion.

In this week’s Torah portion, we are once again introduced to the way YHVH establishes His covenant with His people. This is the recurring them of all scripture – YHVH establishing His Covenant on earth through His chosen people.

The scribes who separated these Torah portions gives us valuable insight into last week’s Torah portion (28) and this week’s Torah portion (29) regarding YHVH creating and establishing His covenant on earth.

ויזכר אלהים

Gen 29:31 וַיַּרְא יְהוָה כִּי־שְׂנוּאָה לֵאָה וַיִּפְתַּח אֶת־רַחְמָהּ “And YHVH saw that Leah was unloved/hated, and He opened her womb…” (Portion 28)

Gen 30:22 וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־רָחֵל וַיִּשְׁמַע אֵלֶיהָ אֱלֹהִים וַיִּפְתַּח אֶת־רַחְמָהּ “And Elohim remembered Rachel, and Elohim heard her, and He opened her womb…”(Portion 29)

‘’These two short phrases (‘’and YHVH saw’’ and ‘’Elohim remembered’’) are among the most emotionally and theologically significant hinges in the entire patriarchal narrative. They frame the births of the first eight sons of Jacob and mark the turning points for both Leah and Rachel. Their parallel structure is deliberate, and the choice of different divine names (YHVH vs. Elohim) is not accidental.’’

So, what’s really going on here? ‘’YHVH saw’’ and ‘’Elohim remembered’’

YHVH is His Covenantal name, and Elohim is His Creation name – He is the only ‘’God or Mighty One’’ who can create and sustain an eternal covenant between Himself and mankind. There never was nor ever will be another ‘’Mighty One’’ who is able to create and sustain this kind of eternal covenant.

 The eternal Mighty One – Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is within them - established His covenant through one family – the Hebrews – Abraham Isaac and Jacob and through their seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

If you diminish this Covenant family the Almighty Himself will curse you, if you bless this family the Almighty Himself will bless you.

Mankind, past present and future are called and invited to become part of this covenant family.

In the Torah the name ‘’Elohim’’ is used 570 times – the name ‘’YHVH’’ is used 1820 times.

According to the principle of ‘’first appearance’’ – the name ‘’Elohim’’ appears the first time in Gen 1:1 and the name ‘’YHVH’’ appears the first time in Gen 2:4 – this too is not accidental and very significant.

‘’Elohim’’ is used 35 times from Gen 1:1 -2:4 – before YHVH’s Name appears for the first time in Gen 2:4

The first time the name Elohim is used, it is used as the platform and foundation for creating and protecting Covenantal life – Gen 1:1’’In the beginning Elohim created …’’

The first time YHVH is used it is used in the context of birthing or bringing forth Covenantal life.

Gen 2:4  These are the births (eleh toldot - אלה תולדות) of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that יהוה Elohim made earth and heavens. 

 

The root of ‘’toledot’’ is יָלַד (yalad): "to bear, beget, give birth, bring forth." The kind of birthing that brings forth YHVH’s Covenantal life. (chap 2 introduces the birthing of mankind)

The full spelling of toledot (with the vav) in 2:4 is sometimes noted in Jewish tradition (e.g., Midrash) as symbolizing original perfection and completeness before sin/death entered—contrasting with the "defective" spellings afterward. Only the toledot leading to the Messiah (Ruth 4:18, Perez) restores the full form, pointing to ultimate covenant restoration through Messiah. (Gen 3 records the fall of mankind)

The "half-sized Hei" in the Hebrew word for "created" in this verse, ( בְּהִבָּרְאָם ‘’behibaram’’ the ‘’hey’’ is diminished)  combined with Toledot, leads some scholars to suggest the phrase hints that the heavens and earth were still "developing" or maturing at this point,

Perfection of Creation and Covenant could only come through Messiah

Col 1:16  Because in Him were created all that are in the heavens and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulership’s or principalities or authorities – all have been created through Him and for Him. c Footnote: c Jhn_1:3. 

It is possible that when the scribes created these two sections of ‘’Vayetzei’’ (28,29) they deliberately or ‘’inadvertently’’ draw our attention to the Messiah’s protection and perfection of the Covenant family. This reality is evident in the focus of this week’s portion of the Torah where only one of Jacobs sons – Joseph is mentioned – a type of pre Messianic redemption.

Joseph, son of Jacob, is widely considered a significant “type" or foreshadowing of Yahshua, sharing profound parallels in life and mission. Both were beloved sons rejected by their brothers, sold for silver, falsely accused, and exalted to positions of power, ultimately saving YHVH’s people from death.

In rabbinic tradition (Talmud, Tractate Sukkah 52a-b -https://brightmorningstar.org/messiah-ben-joseph-in-the-talmud/ ) the Messiah must first appear as Messiah ben Yosef.

These two little phrases (‘’YHVH saw’’ and ‘’Elohim remembered’’) carry enormous weight  they show that YHVH’s attention never leaves His chosen family, even when they cannot see each other clearly – because of dispersion, idolatry serving other gods (mighty ones) and violating His covenant as revealed in the Torah.

Gen 30:22  And Elohim remembered Raḥěl, and Elohim listened to her and opened her womb. 

Gen 30:23  And she conceived, and bore a son, and said, Elohim has taken away my reproach.” 

Gen 30:24  So she called his name Yosěph, and said, “יהוה has added to me another son.” 

 

Gen 30:24  ותקרא את־שׁמו יוסף לאמר יסף יהוה לי בן אחר׃ 

 

‘’The full phrase is a wordplay: Rachel says the name "Yosef" (with vav, the participle/name) while explaining it with "yosef" (without vav, the future verb): "May YHWH add to me another son."

But Rachel deliberately links it to the future/imperfect verb יסף (without vav) to express faith/hope: God has given this son (removing her reproach, v. 23), and He will add another.

This was fulfilled in Benjamin's birth (Genesis 35:16–18), though tragically (Rachel dies giving birth to him).’’

 

‘’These (midrashim) interpret Rachel's words with prophetic vision (ruach hakodesh): She foresaw that descendants of Joseph would produce an "anointed savior" (moshiach/meshuach milchamah, "one anointed for battle") who would remove Israel's disgrace (charaph) in the end times.

Specifically, "יֹסֵף יְהוָה לִי בֵּן אַחֵר" ("May YHWH add to me another son") is midrashically expanded: "Ben acher" (another/other son) → interpreted as "ben acharono shel olam" ("a son at the end of the world/age") or a future redeemer figure from Joseph's line.’’

 

‘’Reproach’’‘’châraph’’  disgrace, shame - primitive root; to pull off, that is, (by implication) to expose (as by stripping).

 

This is how barren women felt – ashamed.

 

And in the last days the voice of Rachel is heard again –

 

Jer 31:15  Thus said יהוה, “A voice was heard (vs 22) in Ramah, wailing, bitter weeping, Raḥěl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” 

Jer 31:16  Thus said יהוה, “Hold back your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work,” declares יהוה, “and they shall return from the land of the enemy. 

Jer 31:17  “And there is expectancy for your latter end,” declares יהוה, “and your children shall return to their own country. (Jacobs children)

Jer 31:18  “I have clearly heard Ephrayim lamenting, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained calf. Turn me back, and I shall turn back, for You are יהוה my Elohim. 

Jer 31:19  For after my turning back, I repented. And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh. I was ashamed, even humiliated, for I bore the reproach (charaph) of my youth.’ 

Jer 31:20  “Is Ephrayim a precious son to Me, a child of delights? For though I spoke against him, I still remembered him. That is why My affections were deeply moved for him. I have great compassion for him,” declares יהוה. (Ephrayim and Yosef are uses synonymously in scripture)

Jer 31:21  “Set up signposts, make landmarks; set your heart toward the highway, the way in which you went. Turn back, O maiden of Yisra’ěl, turn back to these cities of yours! 

Jer 31:22  “Till when would you turn here and there, O backsliding daughter? For יהוה has created what is new on earth: a woman encompasses a man!” (possible reference to the virgin birth of Messiah)

 

Midrash Rama: - This draws from Genesis 35:21, where after Rachel's burial, Jacob "pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder" (Tower of the Flock), a watchtower mentioned in Micah 4:8 as a prophetic site near Bethlehem ("And you, O tower of the flock... the former dominion shall come...").

 

In the ‘’galut’’ the diaspora (displacement) has also brought shame (charaph) on the covenant family - Galut (גָּלוּת) comes from the Hebrew root ג־ל־ה (g-l-h), which has the basic idea of “to uncover,” “to reveal,” or “to remove.” The same root גלה (galah) is also used in the Bible for “uncovering nakedness.”

 

Currently the family of Jacob is hardly recognizable

 

The redeemed covenant family of Jacob have been in the ‘’galut’’ long enough we want to go home back to our land – ‘’we have been outside our land for 20 years -20 centuries’’

 

According to Genesis 31:41, Jacob served his uncle Laban for a total of 20 years. This period consisted of 14 years to earn Laban's daughters, Rachel and Leah, and another 6 years to earn his own flocks. 

 

Gen 30:25  And it came to be, when Raḥěl had borne Yosěph, that Ya‛aqoḇ said to Laḇan, “Send me on my way, to go to my own place and to my land. 

Gen 30:26  “Give my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go, for you yourself know my service which I have done for you.” 

Gen 30:27  And Laḇan said to him, “If I have found favour in your eyes, please stay, for I have diligently watched that יהוה has blessed me for your sake.” 

Gen 30:28  And he said, “Name me your wages, and I give it.” 

Gen 30:29  So he said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. 

Gen 30:30  “For the little you had before I came has increased greatly, and יהוה has blessed you since my coming. But now, when am I to provide for my own house too?” 

Gen 30:31  And he said, “What do I give you?” And Ya‛aqoḇ said, “Give me naught! If you do this for me, I shall again feed and guard your flocks: 

Gen 30:32  “Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the black ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. And these shall be my wages. 

Gen 30:33  “And my righteousness shall answer for me in time to come, when you come concerning my wages: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the lambs, it is stolen if it is with me.” 

Gen 30:34  And Laḇan said, “See, let it be according to your word!” 

Gen 30:35  And on that day he set aside the male goats that were speckled and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the black ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 

 

Gen 30:36  And he put three days’ journey between himself and Ya‛aqoḇ, and Ya‛aqoḇ fed the rest of Laḇan’s flocks. 

 

Midrash:

Why does the Torah say 3 days? What significance is three days? Was it even necessary to include this detail?

 

The phrase "there is no idle word in Torah" is a foundational principle in Jewish interpretation, often referencing Deuteronomy 32:47, which states that the words of the Torah are "not empty" (or "not idle" in some translations), but rather "your life". 

This concept means that every letter, word, and even punctuation mark in the Torah is considered essential, deliberate, and carrying profound meaning, with no superfluous or meaningless content. 

 

If you are called to covenant life- in times of reversal and even death – your spiritual ‘’instinct’’ tells you that any set back is temporary and will in due time produce and result in the manifestation of covenant life that is impossible to achieve in the natural realm.

 

Jacobs business prospects may have looked bleak but three days after Laban left him, blessing and increase came to Jacob that could not be explained in the natural realm.

 

Gen 30:37  And Ya‛aqoḇ took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods. 

Gen 30:38  And he set the rods which he had peeled before the flocks in the gutters, in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, and they conceived when they came to drink. 

Gen 30:39  So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. 

Gen 30:40  And Ya‛aqoḇ separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the black in the flock of Laḇan, but he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laḇan’s flock. (selective breeding)

Gen 30:41  And it came to be, whenever the strong ones of the flock conceived, that Ya‛aqoḇ placed the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, so they would conceive among the rods. 

Gen 30:42  But when the flocks were weak, he did not put them in, so the weak ones were Laḇan’s and the strong ones Ya‛aqoḇ’s. 

Gen 30:43  Thus the man increased very much, and had many flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys. 

Jacob Flees from Laban

Gen 31:1  And he heard the words of Laḇan’s sons, saying, “Ya‛aqoḇ has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” 

Gen 31:2  And Ya‛aqoḇ would look at the face of Laḇan and see that it was not toward him as before. 

 

Midrash:

Jacob separated the speckled animals to create a clear wage system, avoid accusations, and use selective breeding to grow his own flock, while the story also emphasizes that his success ultimately came from YHVH’s blessing.

 

The striped sticks (rods) in Genesis 30:37–43 are one of the most unusual details in the story. Jacob peels the bark off branches to make white stripes, then places these rods where the animals mate. The text says that when the animals looked at the rods during mating, they produced speckled or spotted offspring.

 

In the ancient world there was a common belief called “maternal impression.”
People thought that what animals or mothers saw during conception could influence the appearance of the offspring.

 

·         He placed the rods when strong animals mated.

·         He avoided doing it when weak animals mated (Genesis 30:41–42).

This meant:

·         Strong animals - Jacob’s speckled flock

·         Weak animals - Laban’s flock

So, Jacob may have been practicing a form of selective breeding.

 

Some scholars do not believe Jacob was using deceptive ‘’magic’’ Jacob was responding to specific instruction given to him by a ‘’messenger of Elohim’’.

 

Gen 31:11  “And the Messenger of Elohim spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Ya‛aqoḇ.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 

Gen 31:12  “And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laḇan is doing to you. 

Gen 31:13  I am the Ěl of Běyth Ěl, where you anointed the standing column and where you made a vow to Me. Now rise up, get out of this land, and return to the land of your relatives.’ ” 

 

Midrash on Laban’s flock:

According to the biblical account in Genesis 30, the vast majority of Laban's sheep were white, and his goats were solid-coloured (black or brown).

 

Jacob negotiates wages: He will take only the speckled, spotted, striped, or dark-colored lambs/goats as pay; everything solid-coloured stays with Laban.

 

Laban agrees but immediately cheats by removing all existing speckled/spotted/dark animals (which were rare) and giving them to his sons, placing them three days' journey away (Gen 30:35–36). Jacob is left tending Laban's mostly solid-coloured flock.

Laban likely thought this would minimize Jacob's gains, as multi-colored births seemed unlikely to be common.

 

Jer 23:3  “Therefore I shall gather the remnant of My flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and shall bring them back to their fold. And they shall bear and increase. 

Jer 23:4  “And I shall raise up shepherds over them, and they shall feed them.b And they shall fear no more, nor be discouraged, nor shall they be lacking,” declares יהוה. Footnote: bSee Jer_3:14-17. 

Jer 23:5  “See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall raise for Dawiḏ a Branchc of righteousness, and a Sovereign shall reign and act wisely, and shall do right-ruling and righteousness in the earth. Footnote: cOr Sprout. 

Jer 23:6  “In His days Yehuḏah shall be saved, and Yisra’ěl dwell safely. And this is His Name whereby He shall be called: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’ 

Jer 23:7  “Therefore, see, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when they shall say no more, ‘As יהוה lives who brought up the children of Yisra’ěl out of the land of Mitsrayim,’ 

Jer 23:8  but, ‘As יהוה lives who brought up and led the seed of the house of Yisra’ěl out of the land of the north and from all the lands where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell on their own soil.” 

 

Blessed are you YHVH, our Elohim, King of the Universe, you have given us your Torah of truth and have planted everlasting life within our midst. Blessed are you, YHVH giver of the Torah –