This class is the twelfth in our ongoing journey through the Pentateuch and the third teaching from Eleh Toledot Ya’akov. It is based upon material from the annual reading called, VaYiggash (Genesis 44:18–47:29). The narrative in this section is among the most dramatic in biblical literature. Judah draws near to “the man, the lord of the land,” offering himself in the place of Benjamin for the sake of his father. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and then arranges to care for his family in Egypt. The reunion of Israel and his sons seems to point to a great prophetic event – the reunion of the separated tribes of Israel in the latter days.
This class covers the annual cycle reading known as MiKetz (Genesis 41:1-44:17). It is part of the popular series of Pentateuchal studies and the second in the Joseph Saga. In this teaching, we discuss the texts from Pharaoh’s dreams through the meeting in Egypt between all Israel’s sons. The class provides insights into the connectedness of these ancient stories through words and phrases showing patterns used by the ancient scribes.
This week in “Pentateuch: A New Look,” we begin a new section of Genesis called Eleh Toledoth Ya’akov. This section, the final of ten such sections in the book of Genesis, will carry us through the end of the Bible’s first book. Our focus now shifts to Joseph, the favored son of the favored wife of Jacob. The Joseph Saga is one of the most cherished in all of biblical literature. We begin to examine the stories of Joseph and his family in this introductory class.
This week in “Pentateuch: A New Look,” Ross K. Nichols delves into Torah Reading VaYishlach (Genesis 32:4 – 36:43), focusing on the pivotal journey of Jacob. Exploring the intricate relationship between Jacob and Esau, bringing a fresh insight into their legacy. Follow Jacob’s strategic encounters, his transformative night at Peniel, and his emergence as Israel. This narrative, enriched by Hosea’s reflections, invites us to explore the depths of Jacob’s struggles and their significance in faith and history.
In this teaching, we will delve deep into the profound concept of Israel’s chosenness as depicted in the Bible. From the Pentateuch to the Prophets and Writings, we will explore a wide array of texts, encompassing narratives, songs, prose, and poetry, all converging to paint a consistent picture.
Our journey begins with God’s choice of Abram and continues through his physical descendants. This class serves as a comprehensive survey of these diverse texts, all of which underscore the divine selection of Israel as a chosen nation.
In this study, we delve into the recurring phrase גוי גדול, “goy gadol,” or “Great Nation.” This phrase, appearing 18 times in the biblical text, is pivotal to understanding the unique role and identity of Israel as envisioned in the Scriptures.
We explore the specific references to Abram/Abraham and his descendants, the people of Israel, as a “Great Nation.” Our discussion not only highlights the passages where this and related ideas are mentioned but also offers a deeper analysis of the biblical writers’ perspective on what constitutes greatness for a nation.
Key questions we address include:
What attributes made Israel a “Great Nation” according to the biblical narrative?
How does Israel’s portrayal as “great” differ from other nations similarly described?
What significance does Israel’s greatness hold for the nations of the world?
How is Israel’s greatness recognized and understood globally?
Join us on a profound exploration titled ‘The Holy Wars,’ where we delve into the Bible’s intricate narrative of conflict and conquest. Throughout the sacred texts, from the journeys of the Patriarchs to the Israelites’ arduous battles for the Promised Land, warfare is a recurring theme. The Bible portrays God not just as a divine presence but as a formidable warrior leading His people through the tumult of ancient warfare.
In our session on November 4th at 10:30 a.m. CT, we will examine the scriptural accounts of divine battles, where even God is depicted as a combatant fighting for justice and righteousness. We’ll discuss the enigmatic ancient sources referenced in the Bible, including one specifically titled with the word ‘war,’ and another, a lost work only known through brief scriptural excerpts—both connected by the common thread of conflict.
The quest for peace is a central pillar of the biblical vision, yet the scriptures do not shy away from the wars fought to forge a path to that peace. The biblical narrative does not offer an alternative route that avoids warfare; instead, it candidly acknowledges conflict as a part of the divine plan to reach a peaceful end.
Do not miss this opportunity to explore ‘The Holy Wars’ in our LIVESTREAM. Engage with the stories that have shaped centuries of belief, where every battle and every act of valor narrated brings us closer to understanding the Bible’s ultimate goal of peace amidst the echoes of war.
Embark on a captivating journey through biblical prophecies and divine promises, all leading to the irrefutable conclusion: Israel is destined to return and unite in their promised land.
With the dramatic visual of Ezekiel 37’s Two Sticks prophecy as our starting point, we witness the prophesied reunion of Judah and Ephraim, setting the stage for a profound exploration of Israel’s journey. Delving into Genesis 28, we revisit Jacob’s transformative dream, interpreting it as a foretelling not just of a man’s fate, but of an entire nation’s destiny. We interweave the heartfelt cries of the Psalms and the hopeful visions of the prophets, highlighting the recurring biblical themes of Israel’s dispersion and eventual divine gathering. The concept of ‘Aliyah,’ the return to the land of Israel, becomes a focal point as we reflect on Cyrus’s pivotal words in 2 Chronicles 36: ‘Go up.’ This invitation, extended by a figure referred to as ‘messiah,’ underscores the enduring call for Israel to reclaim their God-given heritage. Drawing parallels with Theodor Herzl’s inspirational words, ‘if you will it, it is no dream.’
This class reaffirms the consistent biblical message: Israel, though scattered, will unite and ascend to their promised land, fulfilling God’s unwavering oath and realizing the ancient dream.
From the time of the Patriarchs to the words of the Prophets, the pages of the Bible echo a promise – that the Holy Land belongs to the people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today, many nations and voices deny this right, but God’s promise is unwavering. The title deed to the Holy Land was handed from the heavens to Israel. No nation, no power can revoke what the Almighty has granted. Israel’s right to the land is more than a present-day dispute; it’s a biblical mandate.
Join us as we delve into one of the most fascinating sections of the Book of Isaiah: chapters 11:1-12:6. Commonly categorized as “messianic,” this passage intriguingly omits direct mentions of the “messiah” or David, prompting profound theological contemplation. Is this section a subtle nod to a coming figure of Davidic lineage? Was Isaiah reflecting on a contemporary figure, or was he envisioning a future leader? Some see these verses as foundational to understanding the roots of messianic faith and identity. Join us in “Roots of Faith” as we seek to unravel the intricacies of this specific section, challenging traditional interpretations and discovering its rich tapestry of meaning anew.
Step with us into a journey through time as we traverse the aligned pathways of the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah. This enigmatic parallelism begs the question: when did their shared vision crystallize, and which clues within the sacred scriptures illuminate its moment? As we meticulously untangle their prophetic parallel, insights from another prophet of a distinct era provide the compass for our exploration.
Central to their conjoined prophecy is a resonant message, echoing across time. What teachings are foreseen, and what old ways must be shed to embrace the united vision of Micah and Isaiah?
Though Micah’s foresight of the Temple’s demise once echoed as a faint whisper of the future, its manifestation now heralds the dawn of the “Last Days” sanctuary atop the mount. How does this revelation transform our foresight and hindsight of divine plans?
Join us for this enlightening exploration as we stitch together age-old prophecies, revealing a story steeped in time, intent, and heavenly insights. Witness a shared future vision unfolding through dual prophetic lenses in “A Prophetic Parallel.”
According to the Jewish calendar, the first day of the seventh month is celebrated as Rosh HaShanah, or “Head of the Year.” Yet, in the Biblical narrative, this day is termed Yom Teruah, frequently translated as the “Festival of Trumpets.” However, a keen observation reveals two inconsistencies: the Bible doesn’t designate the first day of the seventh month as the start of the year, and intriguingly, ‘Teruah’ doesn’t directly translate to ‘trumpet.’
This beckons several questions:
What does the Scripture genuinely convey about the first day of the seventh month?
How is the term ‘Teruah’ defined and applied throughout the Hebrew Bible?
What are the Biblical guidelines on observing this day, and are there explicit traditions to eschew?
Can we pinpoint instances of Yom Teruah being commemorated in the Biblical annals?
To navigate these intricacies and shed light on this revered day, join Bible teacher Ross K. Nichols for a profound exploration and understanding.
![Miketz [Pentateuch: A New Look]](https://unitedisraelworldunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pnl-12-1080x675.jpg)
![VaYeshev [Pentateuch: A New Look]](https://unitedisraelworldunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pnl-11-1080x675.jpg)
![VaYishlach [Pentateuch: A New Look]](https://unitedisraelworldunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pnl-10-2-1080x675.jpg)
