But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'” – Messiah Yeshua
THIS WEEK
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UPDATED ON MONDAYS
November 17- November 23 Chayei Sarah Life of Sarah חַיֵּי שָֹרָה Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31 Brit Chadashah: John 4:3-14
TORAH PORTION QUESTIONS
One of the questions I get all the time concerns cremation. While I still haven’t settled on an answer, in Gen 23 note all the ways Abraham values and cares for Sarah’s body. Read also Deuteronomy 34:6. What did Yahweh do with Moses’s body? Since it was not uncommon in pagan cultures in Abraham’s time to burn the dead, and because of the expense Abraham incurred, what things might you consider regarding cremation?
Read Gen 15:2. What clues do you find that the servant in Gen 24 is Eliezer?
In our parasha (portion of the Torah), it’s imperative Isaac take a wife from his kinsman. Before Abraham sends his servant, likely Eliezer, out to secure such a bride, he does something in Gen 24:2-3. What is it? Note how Abraham makes the servant “swear.” Do a little research. Why was the hand placed under the thigh?
Read Jeremiah 31:31. Who is the New Covenant with? Read Amos 3:2. What does this say to us about who Yahweh “knows”? Now, put on your thinking cap. As it concerns the biblical narrative, why is Israel so important? And why is it so important that non-Israelites (Gentiles) can be grafted into Israel?
In Gen 24, we see Abraham’s servant led by the command(s) of his master (Abraham) and by the Spirit (see Gen 24:27). As believers, like Abraham’s servant, we’re to faithfully abide in our Master’s Law (instruction) and in His Spirit. And as we grow, being faithful in little, the assignments Yahweh gives us get bigger: that is, if we can be trusted. Abraham trusted his servant with a big task. Can Yahweh trust you with big tasks? Have you been faithful to His Law and Spirit? Take a little walk with Yahweh and talk about it. Repent if needed.
HAFTARAH QUESTIONS
In 1 Kings 1-8, we learn Adonijah wants to take advantage of the situation and make himself king. From the story, we know he’s up to no good. In verse 8, Adonijah conveniently doesn’t invite a few people, one of whom is Nathan the prophet. All the time, we’re sending subtle messages. What subtle messages are you sending, either good or bad, to those around you? To Yahweh? When we deliberately disobey one of Yahweh’s commands (e.g., keeping the sabbath day holy, see Leviticus 23:3), what “message” are we sending Yahweh about His kingship in our lives?
Song of Songs 3:11 leads me to believe that Solomon’s reign was a conflation of kingship and marriage. Adonijah, of course, intended to derail all of it. But alas, Bathsheba and Nathan (and others) intervene. They intercede. Yahweh is your King and Bridegroom, and there may be a present situation in your life where “Adonijah” is looking to derail it. How will you respond in prayer? Like Bathsheba and Nathan, will you fight?
At the end of David’s life, he willingly gave up his kingship, effectually handing over his legacy. Think about your greatest treasure – Yeshua. Who are you investing in today that will take up the way of Yeshua? Read Matthew 28:19-20 and pray that Yahweh would use your life to leave a legacy.
Below you’ll find two study guides for this week’s Torah Portion. Using the Hebrew name for the “portion,” scroll down to the right one, then open the PDF. Highly recommend!
