Torah Portion - Rosh HaShannah - Aleph (Day 1)
EJD
The Bagel: A conception that is the exception. The Rosh HaShannah Aleph reading commences with the fulfilment of prophecy. Abraham was told by Adonay that Sarah would conceive and her child would be the child of promise. Now, in this week's reading that child was born to Sarah. It was a miracle of supernatural intervention that enabled Sarah to conceive. She was unable to have children.
Isaac, the son of the promise, was persecuted by Ishmael. The word used for persecute means to mock, to make fun of. It has the same root as Isaac, which means "he shall laugh." Somehow Ishmael's attitude was a threat to the security of the child of promise and so Ishmael had to go. Toward the end of Genesis 21 is another security issue that was resolved by an agreement or a covenant. Abraham and Abimelech of Philistia came together over the matter of the wells and made a peaceable arrangement. But the role of Sarah's conception, which is the main focus of the reading means that there are four elements in the structure:
- A woman was incapable of conception.
- A supernatural intervention acted to bring about a child.
- A child was born whose role was important for the destiny of Israel.
- An opposition arose to destroy or thwart that role, but was overcome.
The Haftarah portion follows the structure. Hannah, like Sarah, could not have children. But her desperate prayer was answered by another intervention of G-d. Samuel was born. He became the flagship prophet of Israel. He spoke for G-d, Who was King to the people. Israel's destiny was under the aegis of Samuel's prophetic word. But Samuel's role as spokesman was indirectly rejected. The people wanted to be like the surrounding nations and have an earthly, human king, even though G-d was said to be Israel's King. The people overruled all objections and pressed for a human king, so G-d commissioned Samuel to carry out their desire. Israel would never be the same, yet Samuel remained as G-d's faithful spokesman right to the end in spite of Israel's rejection and unbelief.
Something must be said of Hannah's wonderful song in chapter two. She sang it after Samuel was weaned. In its poetic verse she describes the beneficial actions of G-d both in a present sense, and in a future sense as well. Hannah was delivered from the tauntings of Penniah by the birth of Samuel. It was just like when Isaac was delivered from the rantings of Ishmael and a possible future murder by a jealous Ishmael. The high positions of Peninnah and Ishmael were lowered, while Hannah and Sarah were exalted, because of Adonay's intervetion. One day, all who exalt themselves against G-d and against His chosen people will in like manner be humbled.
The reading from the Brit Chadashah holds the same structure as found in Genesis 21. Miriam (Mary) was capable of conceiving, but not without a man. As long as she remained a virgin, she was incapable of conception. Like Hannah, Miriam also received an angelic visitation that announced a supernatural intervention in her life. A Child would be conceived by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Immediately upon receipt of the prophecy, Miriam departed out of Galilee to visit her cousin in Jerusalem, an arduous journey of many days. When she arrived another child of destiny, Jonathan, was conceived and had been gestating in Elizabeth's womb for six months.
Jonathan's conception heralded in a new era. Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband, officiated as a Kohen (priest) in the Temple. He too received an angelic visit and the people of Jerusalem knew its significance because it occurred in the Temple. Suddenly, after many centuries of silence, heaven spoke. Great anticipation was prominent as this child developed in the womb. When Miriam arrived that child leaped in Elizabeth's womb. Jonathan's actions in the womb, signified that Miriam was pregnant. Apparently, the supernatural conception took place on the road as Miriam journeyed to Jerusalem. It is at that moment that Miriam sang her song. Known as the Magnificat, such a song in the context of two angelic visitations ending the broken silence of G-d indicated that something very, very important was happening. It was the coming of the Messiah.
Both children, Jonathan, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Yeshua, or Jesus, the son of Miriam, died in the midst of their respective ministries. Jonathan succeeded in prophetic declaration of Yeshua as the Messiah in spite of opposition and death. Yeshua succeeded in completing in the atonement necessary for the permanent removal of sin and for the permanent inscription of any believer into the Book of Life.
Cream Cheese: An exception-conception requires faith's reception resulting in a permanent inscription.
The weekly reading for the week of 1 Tishrei, 5764 - September 27, 2003 Rosh HaShannah Aleph: Holiday Torah reading Genesis 21:1-34; Haftarah: 1 Samuel 1:1 to 2:10) Brit Chadashah: Luke 1:39-56
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