בס”ד
Parashat Tolodot (Offsprings) Genesis 25:19-28:9
Haftarah: Malachi 1:1-2:7
In this week’s Torah portion we encounter Esau and Jacob, two very different men from almost every perspective. The prophetic reading tells of Esau’s continued effort to try to hinder the plans and purposes of HaShem. Even though Edom, the people who will come forth from Esau work against the descendants of Jacob one reads from Malachi,
“Your eyes shall see and you shall say, HaShem will be great beyond the border of Israel.” Malachi 1:5
Despite all of Edom’s effort to destroy Israel and the Jewish people, Israel will endure and even grow beyond the current borders of the nation. Today one sees the spirit of Esau guiding the nations of the world. Constantly one reads in the media about how Israel must give up land for “peace”. Malachi makes it most clear this is not G-d’s will. Malachi also scolds Israel’s leaders for not trusting in Him and becoming disobedient themselves to the ways of HaShem. Even though G-d has chosen Israel this does not mean that He will not punish them for failing to respond properly to His word. For the L-rd says,
“If you will not listen and if you will not pay attention to give honor to My Name says the L-rd of Hosts, I will send upon you a curse and I will curse you blessings and I have cursed it because you do not pay attention.” Malachi 2:2
More than to any one else Malachi addresses this prophecy to the Priests (leaders) of Israel, reminding them that they have the responsibility to teach the people the word of G-d. HaShem tells how this responsibility has been ignored by them and that failure to respond to the Word of G-d will bring judgment upon nation and the people.
Today the prayer services in the synagogues beseech HaShem to bring about restoration and fulfill His promises. The common thought is we must continue to pray and wait until G-d decides to move once again in behalf of His people. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is not Israel waiting for G-d to move, but rather HaShem is waiting upon us to respond with faith to His Word! Sadly we are not doing a very good job of reading and obeying the Scripture.
What will bring about a change in us? Persecution, hard times are on the horizon. So many Israelis are hoping for peace and safety, but unfortunately there will be destruction. The Bible warns that there will be a time of turmoil and great distress which the False Messiah will use to come to power. He will bring about a temporary time of prosperity and peace before the bottom falls out and Israel will go through her most difficult period. It is only after this will there be revival in the Land and hearts of Israel.
Shabbat Shalom