Noach - Reading #2

Noach נֹחַ - Rest

Torah Portion Genesis 6:9-11:32

Reading #2 -  Genesis 7:1–16               

My Thoughts: 

“Entered into the ship”.  I have always thought of Noah and his family just walking up the plank behind the animals, silent and willing. But today I had another thought. What if Noah said “It’s time to get in the boat!” and some of his sons started to wail, “No, I don’t want to! This is crazy!”. And what if they resisted? Would then Noah try to calm them down and remind them of Hashem’s promises to save them? “But what about all our friends? What will they think?” Would the peer pressure be really great on the sons and daughters? What would ultimately bring them into the boat? Would Noah be yelling at them? Ordering them to enter?

I think what brought them into the boat was OBEDIENCE. Their father did this extravagant thing. He got instructions from Hashem how to build a boat, and with the help of his sons and daughters - they built it! It must have been truly witnessing a miracle. When they saw the completed boat and the animals from all over the world entering it - they must have been overwhelmed! The next step was only to OBEY their father and get on the ship! Would you have done that? Would you have left everything behind?

Challenge:

Think today about what you would be willing to give up to “get on the ship” with Hashem? Would you give up everything? You may think you have already done that when you decided to join His Covenant and follow His Commandments. But, really have you?

Reading #2 -  Genesis 7:1–16   

7 Hashem said to Noah, “Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before Me in this generation. 2 You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the male and his female. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the male and his female. 3 Also of the birds of the sky, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive on the surface of all the earth. 4 In seven days, I will cause it to rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. I will destroy every living thing that I have made from the surface of the ground.”

5 Noah did everything that Hashem commanded him.

6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth. 7 Noah went into the ship with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, because of the floodwaters. 8 Clean animals, unclean animals, birds, and everything that creeps on the ground 9 went by pairs to Noah into the ship, male and female, as Elohim commanded Noah. 10 After the seven days, the floodwaters came on the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the sky’s windows opened. 12 It rained on the earth forty days and forty nights.

13 In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the sons of Noah—and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered into the ship— 14 they, and every animal after its kind, all the livestock after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. 15 Pairs from all flesh with the breath of life in them went into the ship to Noah. 16 Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as Elohim commanded him; then Hashem shut him in.

Noach - Reading #1

Noach נֹחַ - Rest

Torah Portion Genesis 6:9-11:32

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22                

My Thoughts:

What does it mean to “walk with G-d” (v. 9)? The word walk in Hebrew is “halakh”. It means to be in a relationship and fellowship. For Noah in a time when it appears there is a lot of corruption, it meant he was in a good relationship with Hashem. He wasn’t going with the mainstream, he was instead walking closely to Hashem.

I imagine that Noah paid a price to be walking with G-d. Maybe some people didn’t like him because of that, probably shunned him or even made fun of him. And think about what criticism he fought when he started to build a gigantic boat. The laughter and jeers were most likely unbearable. It didn’t matter. He still walked with G-d. Because of his righteousness - Hashem saved him and his family from destruction. He preserves the lineage for the Mashiach (Messiah). Praise Him for doing so!

Challenge: 

Today, think about how you can be walking a little closer to Hashem. Imagine you are taking Him everywhere you go. Would that make a difference?

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22

6:9 This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with Elohim. 10 Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 Elohim saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

13 Elohim said to Noah, “I will bring an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them and the earth. 14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels. 17 I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. 

They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort will come to you, to keep them alive. 21 Take with you some of all food that is eaten, and gather it to yourself; and it will be for food for you, and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did. He did all that Elohim commanded him.

Noach - Week #2

• Noach נֹחַ - Rest

• Genesis 6:9-11:32

• Isaiah 54:1-55:5

• Luke 17:20-27

1.1 First reading — Genesis 6:9–22

1.2 Second reading — Genesis 7:1–16

1.3 Third reading — Genesis 7:17–8:14

1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 8:15–9:7

1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 9:8–17

1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 9:18–10:32

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 11:1–32

Bereshit - Reading #7

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5-43:10

Apostolic Scripture: John 1:1-17

SHABBAT READING #7 - Genesis 5:25–6:8

My Thoughts: 

Everyone has thoughts on who the “Sons of G-d” are and the “Daughters of Men” (Genesis 6:1). Many people believe that the “Sons of G-d” are demons or fallen angels. I disagree. My idea is that the “Sons of G-d” are actually the set apart Hebrew people of G-d descending from Adam. Including Seth’s line of ancestry. If you look throughout Scripture this term of being “sons” or “children” relates to people in covenant relationship with Hashem. Click on this for more verses: Sons of G-d.

So that leaves - who are the daughters of men? I have this theory that there was a “pre-creation” (Genesis 1) before Hashem created Adam and the Garden. This population of peoples, male and female, were most likely not following G-d entirely so I believe He created a “set apart” Hebrew people through Adam. If this were true, then at some point His set apart people meet up with His first creation of people and they begin to marry. This is the Bible’s first sign of “mixed” marriages. And the result does not fare well. The descendants of these mixed marriages become corrupt and sinful - so much that Hashem wishes He did not create them.

Except for one man - Noah. He found favor. Hashem always has a “remnant” that truly loves and serves Him. I want to be a part of this group - those who love Hashem with their whole heart, soul and being. Don’t you?

Challenge:

Do you desire to be a “son/daughter of men” or a “son/daughter of G-d”. I want to be a daughter of G-d. I want to be picked to be a part of His remnant. I challenge you and myself to find out how we can do that.

READING #7 - Genesis 5:25–6:8

5:25 Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, then became the father of Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 27 All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.

28 Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, then became the father of a son. 29 He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which Hashem has cursed.” 30 Lamech lived after he became the father of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 31 All the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years, then he died.

32 Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

6 When men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them, 2 Elohim’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives. 3 Hashem said, “My Spirit will not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; so his days will be one hundred twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when Elohim’s sons came in to men’s daughters and had children with them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

5 Hashem saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart was continually only evil. 6 Hashem was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in His heart. 7 Hashem said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the surface of the ground—man, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky—for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in Hashem’s eyes.

THIS WEEK’S HAFTARAH:

My Thoughts:

What promises we have from our great and mighty G-d! If only we could understand that He requires us to be active in our love for Him! That means following His commandments and displaying true worship to Him in every waking moment.

He says, “But now Hashem who created you, Jacob, and He who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you. For I am Hashem your Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

He knows our name! He has redeemed us! And He will be with us through every trial and test. For He is G-D!!! Amen!

Challenge:

In this verse think about how He has redeemed you. Yes, He sent His son Yeshua. How else has He redeemed you? Go deep.

Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10

42:5 Hashem Elohim,  He who created the heavens and stretched them out, He who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, He who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it, says:

6 “I, Hashem, have called you in righteousness. I will hold your hand. I will keep you  and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations, 7 to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.

8 “I am Hashem That is My name.I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images. 9 Behold, the former things have happened and I declare new things, I tell you about them before they come up.”

10 Sing to Hashem a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is therein,the islands and their inhabitants, 11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices, with the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing.  Let them shout from the top of the mountains!

12 Let them give glory to Hashem, and declare his praise in the islands. 13 Hashem will go out like a mighty man. He will stir up zeal like a man of war. He will raise a war cry. Yes, he will shout aloud. He will triumph over his enemies.

14 “I have been silent a long time.I have been quiet and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a travailing woman. I will both gasp and pant. 15 I will destroy mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs.I will make the rivers islands, and will dry up the pools, 16 I will bring the blind by a way that they don’t know. I will lead them in paths that they don’t know.  I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.

17 “Those who trust in engraved images, who tell molten images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back. They will be utterly disappointed.

18 “Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind,  that you may see. 19 Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as Hashem’s servant? 20 You see many things, but don’t observe. His ears are open, but he doesn’t listen. 21 It pleased Hashem, for His righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law and make it honorable. 22 But this is a robbed and plundered people. All of them are snared in holes,and they are hidden in prisons. They have become captives, and no one delivers,and a plunder, and no one says, ‘Restore them!’

23 Who is there among you who will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come? 24 Who gave Jacob as plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Didn’t Hashem, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, and they disobeyed his law. 25 Therefore he poured the fierceness of his anger on him, and the strength of battle. It set him on fire all around, but he didn’t know. It burned him, but he didn’t take it to heart.”

43 But now Hashem who created you, Jacob, and He who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you.I have called you by your name. you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.

3 For I am Hashem your Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you have been precious and honored in My sight, and I have loved you, therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.

5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. 6 I will tell the north, ‘Give them up!’ and tell the south, ‘Don’t hold them back! Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth—7 everyone who is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made.’”

8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes,and the deaf who have ears.9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified, or let them hear, and say, “That is true.” 10 “You are my witnesses,” says Hashem,“With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me  and understand that I am he.

Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after Me.”

THIS WEEK’S APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE:

My Thoughts:

Yeshua is the Word. He is Torah. He was there as an “emanation” of Hashem at the creation of the world. How beautiful and wonderful that He would come to us as a human to walk with us once again. His purpose I believe in doing this was to bring us back to Hashem. People had strayed away and Hashem knew He was going to disperse His people for doing this. But, in one last attempt, He sends His only begotten Son to save the world. To bring us back to Truth and the Covenant. 

We rejected Him back then. But, now our eyes are opened. Now we see the magnificence of His appearance. And now we can pray that He will return in full glory. To the Temple in Jerusalem to rule and reign forever. Amen.

Challenge:

I challenge you to study in Hashem’s Word about the return of Yeshua. What are the signs? Where will He come to rule and reign? Look in the Tanakh (Old Testament) for your answers about the return of the Mashiach (Messiah).

John 1:1-17

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. 2 The same was in the beginning with Elohim. 3 All things were made through Him. Without Him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. 6 There came a man, sent from Elohim, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world didn’t recognize Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own didn’t receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become Elohim’s children, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Elohim. 14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw His glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for He was before me.’” 16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Yeshua HaMashiach.

Bereshit - Reading #6

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Reading #6 - Genesis 4:23–5:24

My Thoughts:

If you study the phrase “Men began to call on G-d’s name” (verse 4:26) you will be surprised to actually find two possible meanings. The first being that men began to give the name of Hashem to other physical forms including themselves. In other words they began to initiate false deity. I guess if sin has now entered the world, it will manifest itself in many ways, including false worship.

The second meaning we would probably agree on. That man began to call upon, pray and/or worship Hashem. Now having a sense of “good and evil” they most likely found that worshiping Hashem and seeking Him brought peace and joy into their lives. It would become obvious that man was beginning to distinguish between “light” and “dark” - and just like us - desired to be in the light!

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to “call upon Hashem’s Name”. See if you can closely walk with Him today in very special ways. Look for what He is doing and try to join Him.

READING #6 - Genesis 4:23–5:24

4:23 Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Lamech, listen to my speech, for I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me. 24 If Cain will be avenged seven times, truly Lamech seventy-seven times.”

25 Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “for Elohim has given me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on Hashem’s name.

5 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that Elohim created man, He made him in Elohim’s likeness. 2 He created them male and female, and blessed them. On the day they were created, He named them Adam. 3 Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after His image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of other sons and daughters. 5 All the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years, then he died.

6 Seth lived one hundred five years, then became the father of Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 8 All of the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then he died.

9 Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he became the father of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 11 All of the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then he died.

12 Kenan lived seventy years, then became the father of Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters 14 and all of the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then he died.

15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 17 All of the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then he died.

18 Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of other sons and daughters. 20 All of the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.

21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah. 22 After Methuselah’s birth, Enoch walked with Elohim for three hundred years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 23 All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years. 24 Enoch walked with Elohim, and he was not found, for Elohim took him.

Bereshit - Reading #5

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Reading #5 - Genesis 4:19–22

My Thoughts:

After Cain moves away and leaves the presence of G-d and his family, Scripture begins to list a line of his descendants. In this rather short reading we learn a little about Tubal Cain “a forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron.” If you begin to research this you may find that it was thought that Tubal Cain was actually a blacksmith that made weapons. Kind of ironic don’t you think? His distant great grandfather - Cain - commits the first documented murder in the Bible. Now his great grandson (to the 5th order?) is producing weapons.

Hashem specifically gives us the commandment not to murder. And yet we see how early on in the history of mankind this commandment is broken and sin perseveres. Don’t you ever wonder how man so quickly and easily began to sin, even when Hashem’s presence was still evident? Just something to think about. 

Challenge:

So, maybe you have a great time praying with Hashem or you are in a church/assembly service and really feel His presence in that place. But, five minutes later you do something sinful? I’ve been there and done it. My challenge today is to see if you can become MORE conscious of NOT sinning. Even if for just a day?

Reading #5 Genesis 4:19–22

4:19 Lamech took two wives: the name of the first one was Adah, and the name of the second one was Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe. 22 Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron. Tubal Cain’s sister was Naamah.

Bereshit - Reading #4

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Reading #4 - Genesis 3:22–4:18                  

My Thoughts: 

What exactly is the “sign” on Cain? I always thought it was some type of mark on his forehead so everyone could see it. But, rabbinical literature has the sign being “a mark of forgiveness”. After Hashem confronted Cain of his evil deed of murdering his brother, Cain remarks ““My punishment is greater than I can bear.” It sounds like he is repenting. And when we repent, Hashem forgives us. 

Maybe this is the first time forgiveness is given in the Bible. After all we are only in chapters 3 and 4. This forgiveness is so huge, that G-d puts a “mark” on Cain so that no one will hurt him. What a powerful sign that must have been! That is G-d’s grace for sure. Forgiveness and protection. It also reminds us that with sin comes consequence. Truly the sadness of this all is that Cain will now be “hidden from Elohim’s face”.

Challenge:

Are you wearing a “sign of forgiveness” on your face? Or is that not possible because there is actually someone in your life you are having a hard time to forgive? I challenge you to take that person that Hashem has just put into your mind, go to them and seek forgiveness - from them. Go ahead, then you will be able to be acceptable for G-d’s forgiveness. And that really needs to happen!

READING #4 - 3:22–4:18

3:22 Hashem Elohim said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—” 23 Therefore Hashem Elohim sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

4 The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with Hashem’s help.” 2 Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 As time passed, Cain brought an offering to Hashem from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Hashem respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 6 Hashem said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” 8 Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.

9 Hashem said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”

He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

10 Hashem said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won’t yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth.”

13 Cain said to Hashem “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me out today from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth. Whoever finds me will kill me.”

15 Hashem said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Hashem appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.

16 Cain left Hashem’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 17 Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and named the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 Irad was born to Enoch. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.