“And Jacob sent [vayishlach וַיִּשְׁלַח] messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.” (Genesis 32:3)
After 22 years in Haran, it was likely difficult for Jacob to free himself from Laban’s wicked manipulation and control, but he did succeed. However, he had to first pass through Edom, the territory of Esau, his estranged brother.
Jacob's decision to send messengers ahead to his brother Esau reflects a complex mix of fear and a desire for reconciliation. Jacob's fear is rooted in his troubled relationship with Esau. The memory of Esau's anger over the traded birthright creates apprehension in Jacob's heart.
Despite the fear, Jacob's message reveals a genuine desire for reconciliation. He refers to Esau as "my master" and expresses hope for approval. The generous gifts and the humble tone in seeking approval suggest a longing to mend the strained relationship.
As Isaiah says, the time has come when we must prepare the way for the Lord to come and live like messengers who go before the Lord. The verse from Isaiah, emphasizing the preparation of the way for the Lord, can be related to Jacob sending messengers to Esau for reconciliation in the following ways:
Preparation for Divine Encounter: Both Isaiah's message and Jacob's action highlight the importance of preparation for a significant encounter. In Isaiah, it's the preparation for the coming of the Lord, while in Jacob's case, it's the preparation for a meeting with his estranged brother Esau.
Messengers as Harbingers: Messengers play a crucial role. In Isaiah, the voice crying in the wilderness serves as a spiritual messenger preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Similarly, Jacob sends messengers ahead to convey his message, acting as heralds for the impending encounter.
Clearing Obstacles for Reconciliation: The idea of making the way straight and leveling the terrain in Isaiah can be metaphorically linked to Jacob's desire to clear any obstacles in the way of reconciliation with Esau. Both instances involve a readiness to address and remove hindrances for a positive encounter.
Seeking Approval and Reconciliation: Jacob's message to Esau reflects a humble desire for approval and reconciliation. This aligns with the spiritual preparedness advocated in Isaiah, emphasizing repentance and a straightening of paths, reflecting a heart ready to receive the Lord.
Human Effort and Divine Intervention: While Jacob takes practical steps by sending messengers and strategically dividing his possessions, the underlying theme in both Isaiah and Jacob's narrative is the synergy of our duties and divine intervention. It emphasizes the need for both personal initiative and a reliance on God's guidance for a successful reconciliation.
The structure of Israel and the Gentile churches, as illustrated through the wisdom of Mahanaim, reflects a divine plan that involves forewarning and mutual support.
the structure can be summarized as follows:
Mahanaim's Wisdom:
Forewarning and Divine Guidance: Mahanaim, meaning "two camps" or "double camp," signifies a divine strategy where God's army is divided into two groups.
Two camps in Romans 11:11,12:
Israel's Role as Forerunners: Romans 11:11,12 draws a parallel between Israel and the Gentile churches. Israel, depicted as going ahead, plays the role of forerunners in receiving warnings and facing challenges. This aligns with the wisdom of Mahanaim, where one camp may bear the initial brunt.
Suffering for the Sake of Others: The relationship between Israel and the Gentile churches reflects a pattern where Israel, akin to the first camp, may undergo challenges and suffering. This suffering serves a purpose, offering a warning and paving the way for the Gentile churches to turn back and heed the lessons learned from Israel's experiences.
Mutual Support and Divine Order:
Mutual Learning: The first camp, Israel, learns from experiences and imparts wisdom to the second camp, the Gentile churches, promoting a cycle of growth and understanding.
Divine Order and Redemptive Plan: Both Mahanaim and the wisdom reflected in Romans 11:11,12 underscore a divine order and redemptive plan. Israel's experiences contribute to the broader narrative of God's redemptive work, inviting the Gentile churches to benefit from these insights.
The churches of Israel and the Gentiles, though appearing as distinct entities,
they pursue unity and alignment as God's holy camp
This article was written based on Pastor Daewi Kang's Torah Portion and the inspiration gained from it.
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