In Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1–17:27), YHVH calls Abram toleave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. Abramjourneys to Canaan, where he experiences trials, encounters withkings, and receives divine promises. This portion emphasizescovenant, faith, and obedience. It also touches on themes ofidentity, calling, and separation from worldly practices.
This third reading from the Book of Genesis is named LechLecha, meaning "Go forth." In the first verse, YHVHspeaks to Abraham, saying, "Lech Lecha from your country."This portion introduces Abraham and his pilgrimage in pursuit ofYHVH's righteousness.
Opening Prayer:
Blessed are you, Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign ofCreation, who has given us your Torah of truth, implanting within useternal life through Y'shua. our Messiah. Blessed are you, YHVHEloheinu, Adonai, King of Creation.
Torah: (Books of Moses)
Genesis 12: YHVH calls Abram to leave his homeland, promisingblessings, protection, and that all nations will be blessed throughhis lineage. Abram's journey to Canaan begins YHVH's covenant.
Genesis 15: The covenant is formalized, with YHVH promisingdescendants as numerous as the stars and foreshadowing the growth ofIsrael.
Genesis 17: Abram is renamed Abraham, circumcision is establishedas the covenant sign, and Sarah is promised a son, Isaac.
Exodus 12:35-38: The Israelites, like Abram, undertake a journeyof faith as they leave Egypt, demonstrating YHVH's provision.
Deuteronomy 10:16: A call to circumcise the heart, symbolizinginward transformation and submission to YHVH.
Deuteronomy 8:2: A reminder of Israel's wilderness journey,testing their faith as Abraham was tested.
Targum: Jonathan (Aramaic Bible) Seventh Century BC...
Genesis 11: Expands on Abram's background, illustrating histransformation from a Chaldean heritage to faith in YHVH.
Nevi'im: (Prophets)
Isaiah 40: YHVH's strength and care are highlighted, echoingAbraham's faith in divine provision.
Isaiah 41:10: Assurance of YHVH's protection, reflecting Hispromises to Abraham.
Ezekiel 16:49-50: Contrasts Sodom's sins with Abraham'srighteousness.
Daniel 8:9-10: Prophecy of future empires affecting Abraham'slineage.
Writings:
Proverbs 2:1-5: The pursuit of wisdom and fear of YHVH as thefoundation of faith.
Proverbs 6:23: Torah as a guiding light, much like Abraham'sreliance on YHVH.
Proverbs 23:23: A call to acquire wisdom and truth, mirroringAbraham's steadfast faith.
Zechariah 12:1-6: A vision of Israel's restoration, fulfillingYHVH's covenant with Abraham.
1 Samuel 24:13: A warning against wickedness, emphasizingAbraham's distinct path.
Gospels and Epistles:
John 8:51-58: Y'shua affirms Abraham's faith and its eternalsignificance.
Galatians 3:28-29: Through Y'shua, all believers are heirs toAbraham's covenant.
Matthew 5:43-48: Y'shua's call to love enemies, reflectingAbraham's kindness.
Sefarim Hachizonim (Apocrypha):
1 Maccabees 1:41-62: Contrasts Abraham's obedience with Israel'sstruggle under oppression.
Enoch 93:8-10: Prophecy of the righteous, paralleling Abraham'sfaith.
Jasher 11-18: Details Abram's rejection of idolatry andrelationship with YHVH.
Jubilees 17:15-18: Abraham's testing and role as "father ofmany nations."
Writings of Abraham: Various passages highlighting Abraham'scovenant, faith, and role as a witness to YHVH.
Major Themes and Reflections:1. The Journey of Faith:
Abraham's call to leave his homeland represents the essence offaith trusting YHVH's guidance without knowing the full path ahead.
Reflection:
How can we demonstrate faith in uncertain times, trusting YHVH'sdirection without needing every answer beforehand?
2. Separation and Sanctification:
Abraham's physical and spiritual separation from his past lifesymbolizes spiritual circumcision.
What steps do we need to take to separate ourselves from worldlyinfluences and walk in covenant faithfulness?
3. Covenant and Obedience:
Abraham's journey highlights the significance of YHVH's covenantand the call to obedient faith. How does Abraham's example inspire usto remain steadfast in our covenant with YHVH?
4. Trust in YHVH's Promises:
Despite trials, Abraham trusted YHVH's promises, demonstratingunwavering faith. How can we cultivate trust in YHVH's promises, evenwhen circumstances seem uncertain? Lech Lecha teaches usabout faith, covenant, and obedience. Abraham's journey
challengesus to step out in faith, separate from the world, and trust in YHVH'seternal promises.
May we walk in the footsteps of Abraham, living a life ofrighteousness and devotion to our Creator. Shabbat
Shalom!
Study Questions:
1. How does this week's Torah portion relate to the Haftarah(Prophets) and New Testament readings?
2. Which readings stood out to you the most?
3. Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portion?
4. How does this apply to our lives today?
Ending Prayer:
May YHVH bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you, andmay His peace be upon you, now and forever. Emunah
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