The weekly reading for the week of 29 Heshvan, 5765 - November 13, 2004 Parashah: Toledot Genesis 25:19 to 28:9; The regular Haftarah: of Malachi 1:1 to 2:7 is replaced by the Rosh Chodesh reading of 1 Samuel 20:18-42; Mei Kituvim: Psalm 47:1-10(9); Brit Chadashah: Romans 9:1-33


The Bagel: Chosen inheritance. It sounds redundant to say that an inheritance is chosen for us. Inheritances by nature are instruments that are determined by the those who create them, rather than by the recipients. But only in the case when G-d passes on His inheritance is there an interplay of human and divine choice in the process. The readings bear out several different instances of this interaction.

Torah:
Genesis 25:19 to 28:9. In Parashat Toledot, we see the plan of Isaac. He wanted to pass on his inheritance according to the law of the first born. Esau was supposed to be the primary inheritor. Jacob would've been practically cursed if Isaac had ever found out the ruse as he was imparting the inheritance of G-d's blessing. But it was because it was a chosen inheritance that G-d overruled Isaac's plans and bestowed the inheritance on Jacob instead.

Adonay knew who was the real inheritor in this situation. Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl of food. Could the true and lasting divine inheritance be entrusted to him? Would he not have squandered it as well? Jacob, in firm heel-grabbing fashion, wrested the birthright and the blessing from Esau. G-d knew Jacob's heart and knew that he could be trusted with the blessings of G-d. So He chose the inheritance for Jacob and his descendants.

Haftarah:
1 Samuel 20:18-42. In the Haftarah reading, there is a contest of wills in Saul vs. David. The matter of inheritance was driving Saul insane. He was upset that David, not Jonathan, would receive the inheritance of the Kingdom. Saul nearly murdered Jonathan with the spear in his rage at an imaginary David. It was in the plan of Saul to pass on the inheritance of the throne to his able son Jonathan. But he was well aware of the prophecy against him by Samuel. The kingdom would become another's. Adonay put it upon Jonathan's heart to relinquish his right to the throne in deference to David. Jonathan found his inheritance in David's inheritance that he was to receive from G-d.

In the reading we see a another "song of the bow" written in narrative form. Jonathan shot the arrow beyond the teenage arrow-fetcher as a secret sign to warn David of Saul's designs on his life. This shooting of the arrow signified that Saul was determined to make sure that Jonathan would receive the kingdom by slaying David. But that plan was eventually defeated and was even lamented in the real Song of the Bow (2 Samuel 1:17-27). David was sorry that Jonathan had to die in order for him to receive the kingdom. It was a chosen inheritance. Chosen by G-d.

Mei Kituvim:
Psalm 47:1-10(9). In the reading of the Kituvim, this idea of a chosen inheritance is set to song. The text is enveloped by the clapping of the hands in praise at the beginning to the clanging of the shields from the army that snaps to attention at the regal Divine Presence at the ending line. G-d will inherit the might of all nations one day. The focus of the Psalm is in the middle of the text where the line: "He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom He loved" is found. Adonay simply loved Jacob. He knew his character. Jacob could be expected to go G-d's way.

This Psalm is prophetic of the Days of the Messiah. The fullness of Israel's (Jacob's) inheritance will be manifest and the whole world will join in celebration. It will be the triumph of "philosemitism"^* over antisemitism that will characterise the blessed messianic inheritance. This will be the ultimate chosen inheritance for Israel that is expressed in the words: "Am Yisrael Chai!" "The People of Israel live!".

Brit Chadashah:
Romans 9:1-33. When we get to the Brit Chadashah, we find some the strongest language of divine will and sovereignty: "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use" (Romans 9:20-21 ESV)? G-d chooses our inheritance for us. It is appropriate for Him to do so for He knows the future. He knows our ultimate character, whether we will be a Jacob or an Esau.

We have our plans for an inheritance, but it is G-d who ultimately has the final say. He does this in the midst of our choices and rules to bring an ultimate good end. That good end may not include us if we are unsaved. This is why it is important to find Yeshua, the Messiah who can give you access to divine inheritance: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV). This is the best chosen inheritance indeed!

Cream Cheese: G-d's will to power becomes our power to will.

^* "Philo" means "love of" in Greek, whereas "anti" means "against." The day will come when the world will seek the good of Israel instead of her hurt.

• Torah:
  Genesis 25:19 to 28:9.
  
• Haftarah:
  Malachi 1:1-2:7.
  
• Mei Kituvim:
  Psalm 47:1-10(9).
  
• Brit Chadashah:
  Romans 9:1-33.