Audio Message & Outline Notes for Parashat Vayetze
Bereshit (Genesis) 28:10-32:2
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Introduction
A. Outline (Adapted from Parashah in a Nutshell – Chabad.or)
- Jacob leaves his hometown Be'er Sheva and journeys to Charan . On the way, he encounters " the place " and sleeps there, dreaming of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels climbing and descending on it; G-d appears and promises that the land upon which he lies will be given to his descendents. In the morning, Jacob raises the stone on which he laid his head as an altar and monument, pledging that it will be made the house of G-d . – Bereshit (28:10-22)
- In Charan, Jacob stays with and works for his uncle Laban , tending Laban's sheep. Laban agrees to give him his younger daughter Rachel -- whom Jacob loves -- in marriage, in return for seven years' labor. But on the wedding night, Laban gives him his elder daughter, Leah , instead -- a deception Jacob discovers only in the morning. Jacob marries Rachel, too, a week later , after agreeing to work another seven years for Laban. (Bereshit 29:1- 30)
- Leah gives birth to six sons -- Reuben , Shimon , Levi , Judah , Issachar and Zebulun -- and a daughter, Dinah , while Rachel remains barren. Rachel gives Jacob her handmaid, Bilhah , as a wife to bear children in her stead, and two more sons, Dan and Naphtali , are born. Leah does the same with her handmaid, Zilpah , who gives birth to Gad and Asher . Finally, Rachel's prayers are answered and she gives birth to Joseph . (Bereshit 29:31- 30:24)
- Jacob has now been in Charan for fourteen years and wishes to return home, but Laban persuades him to remain, now offering him sheep in return for his labor. Jacob prospers, despite Laban's repeated attempts to swindle him. After six years, Jacob leaves Charan in stealth , fearing that Laban would prevent him from leaving with the family and property for which he labored. Laban pursues Jacob, but is warned by G-d in a dream not to harm him. Laban and Jacob make a pact on Mount Gal-Ed , attested to by a pile of stones, and Jacob proceeds to the Holy Land, where he is met by angels . (Bereshit 30:25- 32: 3)
B. This week’s theme is “ Word Power” - Twelve Types
C. Words are similar to a ladder that connects Heaven and
Earth.
II. Parashat Vayetze Bereshit 28:10 – 32: 3 – Word Power
- Words on Words.
1. The power of life and death are in the tongue
(Mishlei ( Proverbs) 18:20 – 21; Matt 12: 33- 37)
- Your word is your bond ( Matt. 5: 33- 37; Ecc 5:1-7)
- Preface your words with “God willing.” (James 4:13-17)
B. Words in this week’s Parashah ( Bereshit 28:10 – 32: 3)
1. Words of promise – Reaffirming the covenant with
Avraham Ber. 28: 10-15)
2. Words of sacred oaths between man and God (neder) -
Ya’acov pledges to tithe his finances, time, & talents
Ber. 28: 18-22; Rashi 32:14
3. Words of kindness – Ya’acov lifts a heavy burden
Ber. 29:1-12, cp. 2 Peter 1:5-11
- Words of love – Ya’acov is empowered by love Vss 29:14-20
- Words of deception – Ya’acov is deceived by Lavan Ber. 29: 18- 25, cp. Ber. 27:25
- Words of conviction – Ya’acov can not subvert Leah’s birthright Ber. 29: 26, cp. Gal 6: 7 - 10
- Words of frustration – Raquel complains to Ya’acov Ber. 30:1-2
- Words of hope – Raquel puts her trust in God Ber. Isa 40: 27:1-31; Rom 5:5
- Words of guidance God directs Ya’acov to return to the place/ land of promise - Let God confirm a rumor Ber. 30:1-3
- Words of foolishness - Ya’acov makes a foolish vow Vss 31:30- 32 cp. 35:16-20 (Raquel not buried in the cave of Machpelah)
- Words of sacred covenants between people – Ya’acov and Lavan with God as their witness Ber. 31: 44-54
- Words of affirmation – Ya’acov affirms that God has kept his promise Ber. 32:1-3
- Conclusion
A. Words of silence - I have never regretted a [hasty] word I have not spoken
B. Words of life - He who desires long life should guard his tongue James 3:8-12
C. Words of gold and silver – Words fitly spoken Mishlai 25:11