Let’s see, I’m really behind on blogging Torah study. Two weeks ago, we reflected on the story of Jacob’s new name and his encounter with Esau.
Parashat Hashavuah
Vayishlach - “And he sent”
Torah : Genesis 32:4-36:43
Haphtarah : Hosea 11:7-12:12
Gospel : Matthew 17-18
Interestingly enough, the notes didn’t touch on the story of Dinah. That’s sure an embarrassing episode, but it does shed a lot of light on the character of Jacob’s sons.
And here, Jacob gets a new name. God also named Abraham “Abraham” and gave Isaac’s parents his name to give, so it makes sense that Jacob gets a new name. But he has to wrestle with God? An Angel from God? It’s so interesting that Jacob won’t let the entity go until he learns his name and gets a blessing. There is no revelation of a name, but Jacob is profoundly changed. He builds an altar and is aware of how things will be different.
He is worried about his encounter with Esau. ... But it does not go as planned. Esau does not plunder.
Well, it’s harder to reflect after all this time has past. I will hopefully update the next sidra soon.
This blog chronicles the questions, affirmations, and interesting happenings that arise from studying the Torah each week. I study with a group of very interesting folks at Mars Hill church in Grandville, MI. We read the materials from First Fruits of Zion (www.ffoz.org) and discuss together. This is my second year of exploring the Very Words of God in the Torah Cycle.
