contact us at: bethmelekh@gmail.com
בית מלך Beth Melekh
  • Home - דף בית
  • Soundbites with Yaakov
  • Yaakov's Commentary - פירוש יעקב
  • Yeshivah Videos - וִידֵאוֹ
  • This Week at Yeshivah
  • Faith Statement - הצהרת אמונה
  • Worship Songs
  • Yeshivah - ישיבה
  • Weekly Torah - פרשה התורה
  • Yaakov Ben Yehoshua a Concise Life Story
  • Yaakov's BOOKS ספרי שׂל יעקוב
  • Torah Kosher Foods - אוכל כשר
  • Festivals 5780 - 5781 - חגים
  • Affiliate - בית הכנסת שותפים
  • Counting the Omer - ספירת העומר
  • Eliyahu Chris Hennessy

Genesis 21: Well of Seven

5/11/2016

 
“Listen to all that Sarah has said to you, hear her voice, for she is a prophetess.”
-Targum of Yonatan
Picture
Introduction:
​

Soon after the promise of the heir had been reaffirmed, S’dom was destroyed and Sarah abducted by Avimelech, her promised progeny almost defiled by the seed of Avimelech. However, God protected Sarah’s purity and secured her womb for Avraham’s seed. Now, having suffered many trials, both Avraham and Sarah can rejoice in the delivering of the son and heir, Isaac. But even this event will prove Avraham’s resolve as he is asked to part with his beloved son Ishmael, born to him by Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant.

The literary devices of Hebraic repetition and counterpoint are prolific in this chapter: an indication of things firmly decided and implemented by HaShem. Laughter is given to Sarah in the form of a son and with laughter Ishmael mocks the heir Isaac. Hagar sits a bow’s length away from Ishmael and her son subsequently becomes a bowman. The well of seven is a refuge for Hagar and a place of contention between Avraham and Avimelech, finally secured by Avraham through a sevenfold covenant of rest. The Holy name YHVH begins and ends the account as an allusion to the Mercy of God and the Judge Elohim is seen throughout.

Ultimately God’s will is done and the promised heir is made secure in the bosom of the father of faith, protected from the mocking laughter of his future enemies through the prophetic voice of his mother, the great matriarch and princess of Israel.

Gen 21:1 And HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) cared for Sarah (Princess), visiting her as He had said, and HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) made in Sarah that of which He had spoken. Gen 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bore Avraham (father of nations, father of trust) a son in his old age, at the set time (moed) of which God had spoken to him. 

Tradition holds that Sarah conceived on the first day of Rosh Hashanah (b. Rosh Hashana. 11a.), as a result, the present narrative is the Torah reading for that day.

“God did a wonder or wonders for Sarah.” –Yerushalayim & Yonatan Targums

It is God as Mercy Who begins this important account. He cares for Sarah and fulfills His promise to her.

“In trust also Sarah herself received the ability to conceive seed, and delivered a child when she was past age, because she judged Him Who had promised to be trustworthy.” –Hebrews 11:11

The similarities to the later birth of the Messiah are prophetic in nature. The differences equally important. Sarah, who had doubted HaShem’s angel now gives birth with great joy. While Miriyam (Mary), who received Gavriel’s message with great joy and firm belief, would give birth in a time of turmoil and later suffer the loss of her son, only to receive Him again with even greater joy than any experienced by Sarah. All this illuminates the metanarrative of God’s redemptive plan, which He decided upon before the creation of the world.

Verses 2 & 3, and later 25:19, emphasis the fact that Avraham is the father of Isaac. This is to ensure the reader that despite his age it was his fertile seed that impregnated Sarah and not the wicked king Avimelech.

Gen 21:3 And Avraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Yitzchak (Isaac: he laughs). Gen 21:4 And Avraham circumcised his son Yitzchak at eight days old, as God had commanded him. 

The name Yitzchak is the first of many uses of the Hebrew root tz’chok (laughter). Avraham was given the name by God in 17:19. There is much to learn from the ways laughter is used both in joyous proclamation and in sinful mockery. The halakhic applications abound.  
 
Gen 21:5 And Avraham was a hundred years old, when his son Yitzchak was born to him. 

The birth of Isaac took place 25 years after Avraham departed from Haran (Genesis 12:4).

Gen 21:6 And Sarah said, “Tzichak (laughter) has been made for me by Elohim (God: Judge), so that all that hear will Tzichak (laugh).” Gen 21:7 And she said, “Who would have said that for Avraham, sons would be nursed by Sarah? Yet my child, a son, I have born him in his old age.” 

This laughter is joy, the text intends to convey the idea that a person who brings joy has entered the world, that all who hear of his birth will be filled with joy and respond in laughter. This joy has been introduced by the Merciful Judge of the universe so that all may join in celebrating the fulfillment of His promise. The laughter that accompanies this birth is a response of right action born of God’s mercy.

Rashi observes that this event brings hope and joy to the barren women of Israel, thus the joy shared by those who hear of Sarah’s miracle, forms a foundation for their trust in the God Who is able to bring life forth from a dead womb. This too is a picture of the Messiah and His resurrection.

The neighbors of Elisheva (Elizabeth), the mother of the prophet Yochanan rejoiced in this same way when they heard that she had given birth (Luke 1:58). In that context it is called, “rejoicing” which is synonymous with the term, “laughter” in Genesis 21:6.

Gen 21:8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Avraham made a great feast the same day that Yitzchak was weaned. 

The age of weaning cannot be determined with certainty. The rabbinical views range from three years to twelve years, citing various sources. Though some modern readers may find the idea of lengthy weaning periods to be distasteful (no pun intended), it was not unusual in ancient times for children to be nursed well into their formative years. When we add to this the fact that at the time of these events people were still living much longer than we do today, it seems reasonable to split the difference and settle on an approximate age of seven (Philo: De his Verb. Resipuit. Noe, p. 275) for Isaac’s weaning.

Rashi (Tanchuma) claims that the feast was great because the great men of that generation attended: Shem, Eber and Avimelech. Note the names: Shem (Name), Eber (Beyond) and Avimelech (My father is King). Each name describes God, The Name (Mercy), Messiah, Who enters the world from beyond, and My Father the King of worlds.

Gen 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar (flight) the Mitzree (Egyptian: double distress), which she had born to Avraham, m’tzacheik (laughing, mocking). 

The Hebrew, “m’tzacheik” is a play on Isaac’s name, “Yitzchak”. The text can be read, “And Sarah saw the son Hagar the Egyptian, who she had born to Avraham, playing (m’tzacheik laughing, mocking).” We could say that Ishmael was Isaacing, or playing at being Isaac. This is yet another hint at the type of mockery that was taking place and illuminates the reason for Sarah’s firm resolve regarding Ishmael’s removal from the camp of Avraham. It seems that Ishmael was, at his mother’s prompting, seeking to usurp Isaac’s position as heir. This is of course confirmed by 21:10.

Ishmael is now a young man (17-27) and is fully aware of his moral responsibility. From the text we can discern that Hagar’s influence and his own delusions of grandeur are responsible for his mocking of Isaac (21:10). Ishmael could have chosen to laugh in joy at the honoring of his new brother, however, he instead seeks to humiliate Isaac in the presence of those over whom he will rule as heir. This is not the innocent mocking of a child rather it is the intentional sin of a young man. 

This same kind of mocking laughter (tz’cheik) is linked to the sins of idolatry (Exodus 32:6), adultery (Exodus 39:17) and murder (2 Samuel 2:14). Rashi notes that this infers the complete corruption of Ishmael and sees his being sent away as a necessary act for the sake of Isaac’s spiritual character and protection. 

“Keep not Your silence, O Elohim: don’t hold Your peace, and don’t be still, O Elohim. For, behold, Your enemies make a tumult: and they that hate You have lifted up their heads in pride. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people (Israel), and consulted against the ones You protect. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel shall be remembered no more. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against You: The shelters of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;”
 –Psalm 83:1-6 

Gen 21:10 So she said to Avraham, “Cast out this maid-servant and her son: for the son of this maid-servant shall not be heir with my son, even with Yitzchak (Isaac: he laughs).”

“Now we, fellow Jewish brothers and sisters in Messiah, are as Isaac was, the children of promise. But as it was then, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless, what does the scripture say? ‘Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.’ So then, fellow Jewish brothers and sisters in Messiah, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” –Galatians 4:28-31

As the matriarch of Israel, Sarah saw the danger that Ishmael posed to her son and his Godly mission. Sarah’s response is not one of vindictiveness but of protection.

Gen 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Avraham's sight because of his son. 

Avraham was grieved both by his son Ishmael’s behavior and due to the resulting need for expelling him from the camp.

Pirke Eliezer calls this the most difficult of Avraham’s trials (Pirke Eliezer, c 30 ).

Gen 21:12 And God said to Avraham, “Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your maid-servant; shema listen to all that Sarah has said to you, hear her voice; for in (through) Yitzchak your seed will be called (identified).”

The Targum of Yonatan reads, “Listen to all that Sarah has said to you, hear her voice, for she is a prophetess.”

The Talmud refers to Sarah’s protection of Isaac’s rights as evidence of the fact that she is a prophetess (b. Meg. 14a).

The Hebrew, “Shema”, listen, hear, understand, comprehend; is used here in the present continuous or perfect tense of the Hebrew. It is the positive counter to the use of the same word in the past tense in Genesis 3:17, where Adam has listened (Shema’ta) to the flawed advice of Eve. By listening to Eve’s advice Adam invited sin into the world, whereas by listening to Sarah’s advice (via HaShem) Avraham invites light into the world. That is, Isaac was to be the heir who would produce the struggling people Yaakov/Israel. Israel in-turn was to be light to the nations, a calling that was fulfilled by the Mashiyach Yeshua, born to the line of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov according to His humanity.

God affirms Sarah’s instruction, which is an act of righteous trust. With these words Sarah becomes Israel’s second prophet. God reminds Avraham that Isaac is the chosen seed who will perpetuate the ministry of light to the nations through his son Yaakov, Israel.

Gen 21:13 And also of the son of the maid servant will I make a nation, because he is your seed. 

By way of consolation God comforts Avraham with the knowledge that He will also take good care of Ishmael, making him a great (subservient) nation.

Gen 21:14 And Avraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder with the child (young man), and sent her away: and she departed, and teitah (strayed, practiced error) in the wilderness of Beer-sheva (Well of seven, sevenfold covenant, well of blessing, covenant of rest).”

The act of waking early is a sign of immediate obedience on Avraham’s part. Regardless of his own grief at the loss of Ishmael, Avraham trusted God and acted in prompt obedience.

The Hebrew v’teitah indicates Hagar’s return to idolatrous practice as she sought a place of solace in the wilderness near Beer-sheva (a well which will be illuminated in the latter section of this account). Rashi suggests that Hagar returned to the idolatrous practices of her father’s house. 

Ishmael is thought to be between 17 (Shalshalet Hakabala, fol. 2. 2) and 27 (Pirke Eliezer, c. 30. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 53. fol. 47. 4.) years of age at this point in time.
Beer-sheva is approximately 19 kilometres from Gerar and 32 kilometres from Hebron to the south.
Gen 21:15 And the water ran out, so she cast (threw off) the child (young man) under one of the shrubs. Gen 21:16 And she went, and sat down at a distance from him, a bowshot (0.8km) away: for she said, “Let me not see the death of the child (young man).” And as she sat there she lifted up her voice, and wept.

Bereshit Rabba, records a bowshot distance at about half a mile (.8 Kilometre), saying that two bowshots make a mile (1.6 kilometres) [Bereshit Rabba, ut supra. sect. 53. fol. 47. 4].

The term, “Child” here could be misunderstood to mean, “Young child”. However, a child remains the child of his mother regardless of his age, and this is what is intended here. Infact we know from both the chronology of Biblical events and from tradition that Ishmael is between 17 and 27 years of age at this point in time.

The great irony of Hagar’s lack of water, is that her blindness has come about through her own spiritual decay. Both her expulsion from the camp of Avraham and her subsequent suffering are directly related to her continued attempts to seek Isaac’s inheritance for her own son Ishmael.

Rabbi Hirsch wisely observes that, “Hagar’s behavior is disgraceful… Rather than comfort her child in his dying moments, she thought only of herself and the discomfort she would feel in the presence of his agony.” This is why the following verse begins with the words, “God heard the voice of the boy;”

Gen 21:17 And God heard the voice of the boy (young man); and the angel of Elohim (God, Judge) called to Hagar out of the heavens, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not; for Elohim (God) has heard the voice of the boy (young man) where he is.”

God’s communication with Hagar differs greatly from the way He has met with Avraham. We note that the angel of Elohim (God), rather than the angel of YHVH, calls to her from the heavens rather than meeting her in humanoid form on earth as He had done with Avraham. It is Elohim, the Judge and Ruler, Who attends to Hagar’s son. Mercy (YHVH) is with Avraham (Isaac and Yaakov) but Judgement (Elohim) has come to Ishmael and his decedents.

Gen 21:18 Arise, lift up the boy (young man), and hold him in your hand; for I will make him a great nation. Gen 21:19 And Elohim (God) opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the water-skin with water, and gave the boy a drink. 

Some suggest that this well was made to appear supernaturally, however, the context suggests that the well finds its symbolic form in the origin story of verses 23-33, where Avraham presents ewe lambs as an offering that testifies to his right to its water through the cutting of a covenant before the Judge, Elohim. Due to the fact that the agreement for, and the naming of the well (v.23-33) is considered to have preceded the events of verses 1 through 21, it is safe to conclude that the limited supplies given to Hagar by Avraham were intended to last her the short distance to Beer-sheva, a well that Avraham had already redeemed for the use of his household. 

The sages say that this well has ancient origins and was in fact, “Created between the two evenings, that is, on the evening of the seventh day of the creation.” (Pirke Eliezer, ut supra. c. 30)

It is by the Word of Hashem that Hagar’s eyes are opened and she receives living water. Hagar had returned to idolatry (v.14) and was therefore, not only physically but also spiritually blind. Yeshua said, “Whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again.” This well is Beer-sheva, the well of sevenfold blessing, rest and covenant promise. By trusting in God’s Word, Hagar receives life for both herself and her son.

Gen 21:20 And Elohim (God) was with the boy (young man); and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. 

Hagar had sat a bow shot away from her son. Now her son becomes an archer. Both Ishmael’s role and the role of his descendants are emphasised by the symbol of the bow (warfare).

“And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brothers.” –Genesis 16:12 
 
Jewish tradition says that Ishmael, “Was born with a bow, and brought up with one, and that he shot an arrow at his brother Isaac, with the intention to kill him, while he was in Abraham's house;” (Pirke, c. 30 Ammian. Marcellin. Hist. l. 14)

Gen 21:21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran (Beautiful caverns): and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt (Mitzrayim: double distress). 

The location of the ancient wilderness of Paran is debated and manipulated by Islamic scholars, however, it seems most likely that the location of Paran is below the Sea of Salt (Dead seat) to the south-west near the border of Modern Israel and Jordan. There are a number of factors that support this location, including the name itself relative to the geography of the region.

One Jewish tradition suggests that Ishmael had two wives; the first he divorced, and then married the Egyptian; his first wife, they say, he sent for, and took out of the plains of Moab, whose name was Aishah, and the other Phatimah (Pirke Eliezer, ut supra. c. 30).

“And he (Ishmael) dwelt in the wilderness of Paran, and took to wife Adisha, whom he divorced, and then his mother took him Phatimah to wife, out of the land of Egypt:'' –Yerushalayim & Yonatan Targums 

Gen 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Avimelech (My father is king) and Phichol (Peh-col: Mouth of all, strength) the chief captain of his army, spoke to Avraham, saying, “Elohim (God) is with you in all that you do:” Gen 21:23 “Now therefore, swear to me here by Elohim (God) that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land where you have sojourned.” Gen 21:24 And Avraham said, “I will swear.”

These events can be understood to have been set in the past and read as, “And it was in the past at that time…” This seems consistent with the previous identification of the wilderness of Beer-sheva in the account of Hagar’s expulsion. The establishing of the well of Beer-sheva prior to Hagar’s wandering shows that the blessing of God comes to her via Avraham’s trust.

It is worth noting that Avimelech does not seek a covenant with Avraham because of his wealth but with the words, “God is with you in all that you do.” 

It seems that the Philistines observed this oath until the days of the judge Samson, when they began to attack Israel for the first time (Sotah 10a).
 
Gen 21:25 And Avraham rebuked Avimelech because of a well of water, which Avimelech's servants had violently taken away. 

If there was to be a covenant Avraham wanted it to be established with truth and integrity. This is why he placed his cards on the table regarding the continued violent behaviour of Avimelech’s men. With peace comes responsibility and openness. Any peace devised outside of these parameters is a false peace.

Gen 21:26 And Avimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this thing: neither did you tell me, nor have I heard of it, until today.” 

Avimelech’s claim seems unlikely, given that it had been his practice to send his men to commit crimes against others (the abduction of Sarah).

Gen 21:27 And Avraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Avimelech; and both of them karat (cut) a covenant. Gen 21:28 And Avraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 
Gen 21:29 And Avimelech asked Avraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?” Gen 21:30 And he said, “These seven ewe (female) lambs shall you take from my hand, that they may bear witness of me, that I discovered (chafar) this well.” Gen 21:31 So he called that place Beer-sheva (Well of seven, sevenfold covenant, well of blessing, covenant of rest); because there they both swore. Gen 21:32 Thus they karat (cut) a covenant at Beer-sheva: then Avimelech rose up, and Phichol (Peh-col: Mouth of all, strength) the chief captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Pilishtiym (Immigrants).

The seven (Shiv’ah) female lambs correspond to the oath (Sh’vuah) and emphasize the completeness, longevity and rest that the oath will bring. Allegorically speaking, based solely on the meaning of the names, the father of trust is making an agreement with his father the King. Thus the well is named quite literally, “Well of Seven” or, “Well of Oath”.

Avraham’s insistence that Avimelech accept the lambs as a gift is an ancient means of verifying ownership, much like the transaction carried out in Ruth 4:7. It is a symbolic act, intended to be witnessed by all present as a mark of future legal security.

Gen 21:33 And Avraham planted an orchard (tamarisk) in Beersheva, and called there on the name of HaShem (YHVH: Mercy), the everlasting Elohim (God). Gen 21:34 And Avraham sojourned in the land of Pilishtiym (Immigrants) many days. 

The account ends with the planting of an orchard representing shade and respite for weary desert travelers and the unity of the God-head in Mercy (YHVH) and Judgement (Elohim).

The planting of trees, possibly tamarisk (an evergreen tree that common to the Middle East, it can reach heights of 15.2 meters) is an act of remembrance. Infact trees are still planted today in Israel in memory of loved ones and to mark special events. Therefore, the planting of these shady trees near a well in an arid location are best understood to represent a memorial to the God Who has provided and heir, life-giving water and shelter in the wilderness for Avraham. 

Avraham is said to have sojourned in the land of the Philistines for twenty-six years (Yarchi & Bereshit Rabba, sect. 54. fol. 48. 4)

Rashi says that it is important to read this as a sojourning because the years from the birth of Isaac are to be counted in the 400 years during which Avraham’s descendants would be aliens in a land not their own. However, the land in which Avraham is now sojourning has already been promised to him and his descendants, therefore, Rashi’s assertion is incompatible with the prophetic word of God. The four hundred years can only refer to the years Israel will spend in Egypt as slaves to Pharaoh. 

© Yaakov brown 2016

Genesis 20: From Strength to Strength

30/10/2016

 
Avraham, Israel's first prophet.
Picture
Introduction:
After witnessing the destruction of S’dom, Avraham moves south. All of the land both to the north and to the south had already been promised to Avraham by God (Gen 13:14-15).

Some have suggested that this is a duplicate of the account of chapter 12, however, the reasoning for this is weak. They say that a man would not make the same mistake twice and therefore this must be a repetition. Additionally they suggest that the writer was an Elohimist (So called E author), of course they have not valid argument for explaining the use of the holy name YHVH in the final verse, other than to propose that this was meant as part of a Yahwehist (So called J author) account redacted at a later date.

The suggestion that a man would not make the same mistake twice is ludicrous and the subsequent multiple author claim is equally untenable. Add to this that Avraham explains clearly in verse 13 that this has been his practice since leaving Ur (light), and we are left with only one plausible conclusion, that this is a unique and separate account from that of chapter 12.
​
Gen 20:1 And Avraham (Father of many nations) journeyed from there (Mamrei: strength) toward the south country, and dwelt between Kadesh (Holy) and Shur (a wall), and sojourned in Gerar (drag off roughly).
 
These events must occur soon after the destruction of S’dom because Sarah is clearly still not showing her pregnancy, based on the fact that Avimelech sees her as a potential wife. The place Avraham journeyed from was Mamrei (strength), and he was journeying south, just as he had when he had approached Egypt in chapter 12.
 
The meanings of the Hebrew names of the towns he settled between, place Avraham (The father of trust) at a crossroads between Holiness (Kadesh) and a wall (Shur: possible blockade). Alternatively he finds himself resting with Holiness (Kadesh) on one side and Protection (Shur: wall) on the other.
 
The region of Gerar (drag off roughly) is to be understood both literally and as a literary clue to what is about to take place. It is this allusion to a land where people are, “roughly dragged off” that sets the stage for the remainder of the account.
 
Gen 20:2 And Avraham said of Sarah (Princess) his wife, “She is my sister”: and Avimelech (my father is king) king of Gerar (drag off roughly) sent men and seized Sarah.
 
The remez (hint) in the preceding verse, seen in the name Gerar (drag off roughly) is immediately enacted by Avimelech. No sooner does he discover that Sarah might be an unmarried woman, does he send men to abduct her. Note that he, “sent” others to take her and that they, “seized” her. The protocol of the time required for permission to be asked of her ruling male relative (Avraham), similar customs developed and were practiced by Jews in the first century CE, where a betrothal agreement was to be entered and a one year period of preparation for the wedding was to be observed. Regardless of the finer details, what is clear is that this was an abduction and not an agreed arrangement. Today we might term this an attempt at sex trafficking. This of course illuminates just how righteous Avimelech really was. That is, nothing more than righteous in his own eyes.
 
For Avraham’s part, the half-truth that Sarah was his sister was intended from the beginning (v.13) to be a means of protecting their retinue. Part of the reasoning for this is that protocol requires a proposal and marriage fee to be paid to the ruling male member of the bride’s family. Thus Avraham must have presumed that he would have an opportunity to refuse such a proposal on Sarah’s behalf. It is still the practice of many Jewish and Arabic peoples today, for the agreement of the eldest male to not only be sought but also confirmed prior to any betrothal taking place.
 
Gen 20:3 But Elohim (God, Judge) came to Avimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Behold, you are to die, for the woman you have abducted; she is the wife of a husband (Ba’al: master).
 
God appears to Avimelech as Judge. He makes plan His judgement, “You are to die, for the woman you have abducted…” There are two crimes here: first, the crime of kidnapping and second, the soon to be enacted crime of rape. Make no mistake, even by the standards of the time the kidnapping of an unmarried woman was cause for tribal war. Avimelech is guilty, God does not bring judgement against the innocent.
 
Gen 20:4 But Avimelech had not come near her: and he said, “Adonai (my lord), the nation that is also just, will You destroy?”
 
“Had not come near her” is a euphemism for sexual intimacy. The fact that Avimelech had not yet used Sarah for his own sexual pleasure (remember that he already has at least one other wife v.17) does not mean that he didn’t intend to.
 
Avimelech is obviously aware of the recent destruction of S’dom and Amorah and thus by comparing his own region’s relative morality with that of S’dom’s abominations, defends himself and his kingdom as a just nation. He is clearly afraid that the same destruction that has come upon those cities will also be meted out upon his own kingdom because of God’s relationship to Avraham. We must read Avimelech’s response as his own determination of his moral standing and that of his nation. It is not the verdict of God, the Judge.
 
Gen 20:5 “Didn’t he say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother’: due to the integrity of my levavi (my inner man, heart) innocent are my palms of having done this.”
 
Avimelech is not yet guilty of the rape/adultery, however, he is guilty of kidnapping. His protests regarding his heart are exposed by the following statement of God.
 
Gen 20:6 And Ha-Elohim (the God) said to him in a dream, “Yes, I also know that you did this with an innocent lev (inner man, heart); for I also kept you from sinning against Me: therefore I did not allow you to touch her.”
 
The so called integrity or innocence of Avimelech’s heart is shown for what it actually is, God prevented him from sexually violating Sarah. Thus Avimelech’s integrity is intact only because God stopped him from violating her.
 
I read, “Yes, I know all about your innocent heart, I’m the one who kept it innocent, I stopped you from sinning”. In other words, you have no integrity of your own.
 
Note also that God says, “I also kept you from sinning against me.”Avimelech was about to defile the matriarch of the chosen people Israel. The people Who God had purposed to give birth to the Messiah, the one Who would deliver both Israel and the nations. This is not simply a sin against Avraham but an attempted to disturb the holy lineage of Israel and her Messiah.
 
If Avimelech was aware of the recent destruction of S’dom and Amorrah and the link to Avraham, then all his actions show contempt for Avraham and his God.
 
Gen 20:7 “Now therefore return the wife of the man; for he is a prophet, and he will intercede on your behalf, and you will live: and if you don’t return her, know that you will surely die, you, and all that are yours.”
 
The text infers that Avimelech was already afflicted to some degree and that if he sinned further he and his household would die. God does not punish the innocent, therefore, we must conclude once again that Avimelech is considered to be guilty and is being shown mercy so as not to invite death through an additional act of sin.
 
God calls Avraham a prophet, in fact Avraham is the first to be called a prophet of God. God has already credited Avraham’s trust as righteousness and considers him a type for the coming Messiah: an intercessor and redeemer of others, a light to the nations.
 
Gen 20:8 Therefore Avimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were very afraid.
 
The men were afraid because they knew what had happened to their neighbours in the east. They were right to be afraid. Those who sin against God’s chosen are sinning against God Himself.
 
Gen 20:9 Then Avimelech called Avraham, and said unto him, “What have you done to us? And how have I offended you that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.”
 
These words of Avimelech are the height of hypocrisy. After all, he has abducted a woman against her will without consideration for the stigma attached to the perceived defilement of an unwed woman, and it is he who has disregarded Avraham’s rights as a sojourner and visitor among the people of Gerar. His unrepentant heart is proof that any innocence he might have stumbled across was clearly not of his own making.
 
Gen 20:10 And Avimelech said unto Avraham, “What did you see, that caused you to do this thing?”
 
Avimelech hints at what he knows Avraham may have witnessed among the people of Gerar. This appears to be a rhetorical question but it is one that Avraham is able to answer (v.11)
 
Gen 20:11 And Avraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of Elohim (God) is not in this place; and they will slay me because of my wife.”
 
Avraham saw the way the people of Gerar treated each other and those who sojourned among them, thus he concluded that they had no fear of God. Avimelech’s actions in sending men to abduct Sarah only prove to affirm this fact. Avraham has a convincing argument for the defence of his actions regarding Sarah.
 
Gen 20:12 “Additionally, she is indeed my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.”
 
Avraham is at best guilty of deceptive speech for the purpose of self-defence.
 
Gen 20:13  “And it came to pass, when Elohim (God) caused me to wander from my father's house, I said to her, ‘This is the chesed (kindness) which you can accomplish for me; at every place we will come to, say of me, ‘He is my brother.’”
 
This verse makes clear the fact that this scenario was a well-practised one. We read in the Torah of two specific instances, but there may have been others. The point is, that this is not a duplicate of the events of chapter 12.
 
Gen 20:14 And Avimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and women-servants, and gave them to Avraham, and returned to him his wife Sarah.
 
These are the actions of a guilty and fearful man. This is restitution for the abduction but it is not sufficient payment to clear the good name of Sarah and cover the bride price.
 
As in the case of the events of chapter 12, Avraham has travelled from Mamrei (strength) and having suffered the trial of having his wife abducted, is now being prospered with the addition of flocks and herds. Thus he has gone from strength to strength in HaShem’s continued purpose for his life and that of his descendants.
 
Gen 20:15 And Avimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you: dwell wherever you please.”
 
In fact the land does not belong to Avimelech but has already been promised to Avraham and the children of Israel. Thus Avraham sojourns in yet another part of the fullness of the land that is to be given to his progeny by God.
 
Gen 20:16 And to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is to you a covering of the eyes, to all that are with you, and with all others:” thus she was vindicated.
 
Avimelech remains defiant to some degree, using Avraham and Sarah’s words against them, “I have given your brother…”
 
The silver is a bride price that seeks to declare Sarah’s purity and provide for the veiled symbol of that purity. This is why the covering is said to show both her and those around her that she has remained sexually pure.
 
An alternate reading is, “Behold, he is to you a covering of the eyes” meaning that Avraham’s status as a prophet of God protects Sarah.
 
Some read the latter clause as a rebuke. If that is correct, Avimelech intends insult by proposing the veil and may be inferring prostitution (Genesis 38:15).
 
Gen 20:17 So Avraham interceded with Ha-Elohim (God): and Elohim (God) healed Avimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bore children. Gen 20:18 For HaShem (YHVH: Mercy) had sealed shut all the wombs of the house of Avimelech, on the word of Sarah, wife of Avraham.
 
These last verses show us that Avimelech and his household were already being punished for the sin of abducting Sarah, and this because of Sarah’s cry to God (on the word of Sarah). This is a chilling reminder of the plagues that HaShem sent against Pharoah and his house because of Sarah (12:17). What is clear is that God is the protector of both Avraham and Sarah and that He remains the protector of His servants, both men and women, to this day.
 
© Yaakov brown 2016

    Picture

     כתביו של יעקב
    Yaakov Brown

    Spiritual leader of Beth Melekh Community, Auckland, N.Z.

    Yaakov Brown BOOKS
    Picture

    Archives

    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    Categories

    All
    2019
    5778
    666
    Aaron
    Abba
    Abimelech
    Able
    Abraham
    Abram
    A Child Is Born
    Acts
    Adam
    Adam And Eve
    Adonai Roi
    Adonai Tzevaot
    Adultery
    Adversity
    Affliction
    Ahaz
    Ahsur
    Al Chet
    Aleph
    Aliens
    Aliyah
    Aliyot
    Allah
    All Tribes
    Almah
    Altar
    Amalek
    Ancient Hebrew
    Andrew
    Angel Of The Lord
    Angels
    Annas
    Annul
    Anointed
    Anointing Oil
    Anti-Christmas
    Antonia
    Anxiety
    Approval
    Arabic
    Aramaic
    Ariel
    Ark
    Ashamnu
    Ashteret
    Ashterot
    Ashur
    Ask
    Ask The Rebbe
    Asneth
    Assyria
    Atonement
    Aviyad
    Avram
    Azariah
    Babel
    Babylon
    Baker
    Baladan
    Baptism
    Bavel
    Bedikat Chametz
    Beersheba
    Beersheva
    Beggar
    Begin Again
    Beginning
    Behjamin
    Beit Chasda
    Beit Tzaida
    Bel
    Belly
    Beloved
    Benjamin
    Bereishit
    Besorah
    Bethany
    Bethesda
    Bethlehem
    Beth Melekh
    Bethsaida
    Betrayal
    Betrothal
    Betulah
    Bilhah
    Birth
    Birthdays
    Birthright
    Blasphemy
    Blessing
    Blessing For The Season
    Blind
    Blood
    Boat
    Body
    Bondage
    Book Of Life
    Books
    Books Of Moses
    Booths
    Branch
    Branches
    Bread
    Bread From Heaven
    Bread Of Life
    Brit HaChadashah
    Brother
    Brothers
    Burden
    Caiaphas
    Cain
    Camping
    Cana
    Capernaum
    Capital Crime
    Capstone
    Carry
    Caught In Adultery
    Celebration
    Challah
    Challot
    Channukah
    Chanukah
    Chanukiyah
    Chanukkah
    Chasidiym
    Chatan Bereishit
    Chatan Torah
    Chavah
    Chesed
    Chief Priests
    Children
    Children Of Light
    Chosen
    Chosen One
    Christian
    Christmas
    Chuppah
    Circumcision
    City
    Civil New Year
    Clay
    Clean
    Cloud Of Witnesses
    Clouds
    Coal Fire
    Coals
    Cohen Hagadol
    Comfort
    Comforter
    Command
    Commandments
    Compass
    Confusion
    Construct
    Contemplative Worship
    Context
    Contextual Fallacy
    Cornerstone
    Corner Stone
    Cosplay
    Courage
    Court Of Women
    Covenant
    Covenants
    Creation
    Creator
    Crescent
    Cross
    Crown Of Thorns
    Crucifixion
    Crushed
    Crying
    Cults
    Culture
    Cup
    Cupbearer
    Curse
    Cyrus
    Darkness
    Daughters Of Men
    Daughters Of Zion
    Davar
    David
    Day
    Day Of Atonement
    Day Of Coverings
    Day Of Soundings
    Death
    Dedication
    Deliver
    Demons
    Depression
    Desert
    Desolate
    Deuteronomy
    Devar
    Difficult
    Dinah
    Dionysus
    Dipped
    Disciple
    Disciples
    Discipline
    Disembodied Spirits
    Disputes
    Distinction
    Diversity
    Doctrine
    Dominion
    Dragon
    Dreams
    Drink
    Drunk
    Eat
    Echad
    Edom
    Egypt
    Eighth Day
    Elazar
    El Gibor
    Elieizer
    Eliphaz
    Elohim
    Elohiym
    Emmanuel
    Emotion
    Empirical
    Emunah
    Endor
    End Times
    Enemies
    Envoys
    Ephraim
    Error
    Esau
    Escaping Goat
    Eschatology
    Esther
    Eternal Life
    Eternal Priesthood
    Eternal Punishment
    Eternal Security
    Ethnic
    Etrog
    Eunuchs
    Eve
    Even
    Even Ha Shetiyah
    Everlasting
    Everlasting Father
    Evidence
    Evil
    Exodus
    Eye
    Eyes
    Faith
    Faithfulness
    False Gods
    Family
    Famine
    Farmer
    Fasting
    Father
    Fear
    Fear Not
    Fear Of Death
    Feast Of Trumpets
    Feet
    Fence
    Festival
    Festival Of Shelters
    Festival Of Tabernacles
    Festivals
    Filthy Rags
    Fire
    First Century
    First Century CE
    Fish
    Fishes
    Flagrum
    Flesh
    Foreigners
    Forsaken
    Foundation Stone
    Free
    Freeborn
    Freedom
    Free From Fear
    Freewill
    Fullness
    Gabbatha
    Galilee
    Galilee Of The Nations
    Gates
    Gathered
    Gat Sheminim
    G-d With Us
    Genealogy
    Generations
    Genesis
    Gentile
    Gethsemane
    Ghosts
    Gift
    Giving
    Glory
    Goal
    Goal Of Torah
    God
    Godhead
    Gods
    God With Us
    Golgotha
    Gomer
    Good
    Good News
    Goshem
    Goshen
    Gospel
    Gospel According To John
    Gospel Of John
    Government
    Goy
    Goyim
    Grain
    Grapes
    Grave
    Greek
    Groom
    Ha Akedah
    Ha Akeidah
    Haaretz
    Ha Aretz
    Ha Beit
    Ha Besorah Al Piy Yochanan
    HaBrit HaChadashah
    Ha Davar
    Ha Devar Emet
    Ha Din
    Ha-D'var Emet
    Haf Tarah
    Hagar
    Hail
    Ha Kotel
    Halakhah
    Haman
    Hannukah
    Haran
    Har Beit
    Harvest
    HaShem
    Hassidim
    Healing
    Heaven
    Heavens
    Hebrew
    Hebrews
    Hebron
    Hermon
    Herod Antipas
    Hezekiah
    Hidden Meaning
    Hidden Messiah
    High Holy Days
    High Priest
    High Shabbat
    Historical
    History
    Holy
    Holy Of Holies
    Holy One Of Israel
    Holy Spirit
    Homosexuality
    Horus
    Hosea
    Hosheia
    House
    House Of Prayer
    Humanity
    Humility
    Husband
    Hyper-grace
    I AM
    Identity
    Idolatry
    Idols
    Images
    Imannuel
    Imanuel
    Imanu El
    Immanuel
    Immature
    Immersion
    Inerpretation
    Instruction
    Isaac
    Isaiah
    Isaiah 10
    Isaiah 12
    Isaiah 14
    Isaiah 30
    Isaiah 38
    Isaiah 47
    Isaiah 8
    Isaiah 9
    Ishmael
    Islands
    Israe
    Israel
    Israelite
    Israelites
    Jabok
    Jacob
    Jacob's Ladder
    Jacob's Well
    Jeremiah
    Jerusalem
    Jesse
    Jesus
    Jew
    Jewish
    Jewish Wedding
    Jews
    Jezreel
    John
    John 1
    John's Gospel
    Jonah
    Jordan
    Joseph
    Joseph Of Arimathea
    Josephus
    Jotham
    Judah
    Judaism
    Judas
    Judea
    Judean
    Judeans
    Judge
    Judgement
    Judges
    Justice
    Kadesh
    Kadosh
    Kashrut
    Keeping The Sabbath
    Kefa
    Kerosh
    Ketonet
    Keturah
    K'fa
    K'far Nachum
    Kfar Nachum
    Kinetic Worship
    King
    King David
    Kingdom
    King Messiah
    King Of Glory
    King Of The Jews
    Kinneret
    Kinsman Redeemer
    Kiriat Arba
    Kislev
    Know
    Kohen HaGadol
    Kol Nidrey
    Koresh
    Kosher
    Kosmos
    Laban
    Lake
    Lamb
    Lame
    Land Of Israel
    Last Days
    Law
    Lazarus
    Leah
    Levi
    Leviathan
    Levites
    Levitical
    Levitical Priesthood
    Leviticus
    Life
    Life In The Blood
    Lifted Up
    Light
    Light Of The World
    Light To The Nations
    Lion
    Lion Of God
    Lion Of Judah
    Lions' Gate
    Live
    Living
    Living Water
    Living Waters
    Loaves
    Locusts
    Logos
    Lord
    Lost Tribes Myth
    Lot
    Love
    Love One Another
    Love Your Neighbour
    Lulav
    Maccabees
    Machpelah
    Magen David
    Malchus
    Man
    Manasseh
    Mangal
    Manna
    Mansions
    Marduk
    Mark Of The Beast
    Marriage
    Marta
    Martha
    Mary
    Mashal
    Mashalim
    Mashiach
    Mashiyach
    Mashiyach Neshlach
    Mashlim
    Matriarchs
    Matzah
    Matzot
    Mayim Chayim
    Meaning In Names
    Medium
    Meggilat
    Megiddo
    Megillah Ruth
    Melki Tzedek
    Memra
    Menachiym
    Mene
    Menorah
    Menstrual Cloth
    Meradoch
    Mercy
    Merodach-Baladan
    Messenger
    Messengers
    Messiah
    Messianic
    Messianic Age
    Messianic Gentiles
    Messianic Judaism
    Messianic Judaism 101
    Mighty God
    Mikdash
    Mikvah
    Mikveh
    Millennium
    Miltha
    Miracle
    Miracles
    Miriam
    Miriyam
    Mishnah
    Missing The Mark
    Mithra
    Mitzvah
    Mitzvot
    Moadim
    Molech
    Moloch
    Moral Law
    Mordechai
    Moriah
    Mosaic Penmanship
    Moses
    Moshe
    Mountain House
    Mountain Of HaShem
    Mount Zion
    Mourning
    Mt Gerizim
    Mt Moriah
    Mt Seir
    Mt Sinai
    Mud
    Murder
    Na'arah
    Nablus
    Nahor
    Nakdimon
    Nakdiymon Ben Gorion
    Names
    Naphtali
    Naqdimon
    Nation
    Nations
    Nativity
    Nebo
    Nefesh
    Negev
    Nephilim
    New Beginning
    New Commandment
    New Earth
    New Heavens
    New Jerusalem
    New Land
    New Testament
    New Year
    Nicodemus
    Night
    Nikodemos
    Nisan
    Noah
    No Fear
    Northern Kingdom
    Not Of This World
    Oaths
    Oath Taking
    Officer Of The King
    Oil
    Olam Haba
    Olam Hazeh
    Olive Press
    Olives
    One
    Pagan
    Paid Servant
    Paleo Hebrew
    Parables
    Pardes
    Parousia
    Passover
    Patriarchs
    Paul
    Paul The Apostle
    Pele Yoeitz
    Pentecost
    People
    Peoples
    Perez
    Perushim
    Pesach
    Peter
    Pharaoh
    Pharisees
    Philip
    Philistia
    Pictographic Hebrew
    Pilate
    Plagues
    Pool
    Pool Of Siloam
    Potiphar
    Potiphera
    Potter
    Powerpoint
    Practice
    Praetorium
    Prayer
    Prayer Shawl
    Pre-Trial
    Priest
    Priesthood
    Priestly Under Garment
    Prince Of Peace
    Princes
    Promised Land
    Promised Messiah
    Promises
    Prophecy
    Prophet
    Prophets
    Prosper
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provide
    Prune
    P'rushiym
    Psalm
    Psalmist
    Purim
    Purple
    Questions
    Rabbi
    Rabbinical
    Rabbis
    Rabboniy
    Rachel
    Rainbow
    Ram
    Ram's Horn
    Rape
    Rapture
    Rashi
    Rav Shakeih
    Rav Shaul
    Reason
    Rebecca
    Rebeeca
    Redeemed
    Redeemer
    Redemption
    Red Sea
    Refute
    Regalim
    Rejoicing
    Rejoicing In The Torah
    Religious
    Religious Leaders
    Remnant
    Rend
    Repairing The World
    Ressurection
    Rest
    Resurrection
    Return
    Returning
    Reuben
    Revelation
    Righteousness
    Rites
    Ritual Purity
    Ritual Washing
    Rivkah
    Robe
    Rod
    Roman
    Romans
    Romans 14
    Rome
    Room
    Rooster
    Root
    Rosh Hashanah
    Ruach
    Ruach HaKodesh
    Ruach Ha-Kodesh
    Rule
    Ruth
    Sabbath
    Sacrifice
    Sadducees
    Sages
    Salem
    Salim
    Salvation
    Samaritan
    Samaritan Woman
    Sanctify
    Sanhedrin
    Sarah
    Sarai
    Sar Shalom
    Satan
    Saturday
    Saturnalia
    Saul & The Witch
    Saved
    Savior
    Saviour
    Scapegoat
    Scourge
    Scribes
    Scripture
    Scroll
    Seamless
    Second
    Second Coming
    Sect
    See
    Selichah
    Selichot
    Sennachereb
    Sennacherib
    Sent
    Sepulchre
    Seraphim
    Serpent
    Serpents
    Servant
    Servants
    Service
    Servitude
    Session
    Set You Free
    Sexual Sin
    Shabbat
    Shabbat Bread
    Shabbats
    Shaliach
    Shamash
    Shavuot
    Shechem
    Sheep
    Sheep Gate
    Sheep & Goats
    Shelters
    Shem
    Shemini Atzeret
    Shemot
    Shepherd
    Shiloach
    Shiloh
    Shimon
    Shimon Kefa
    Shivah
    Shmini Atzeret
    Shofar
    Shofrot
    Shomeir Shabbat
    Shomron
    Shomroniym
    Shomroniyt
    Shoot
    Shuvah
    Sickness
    Sight
    Sign
    Signs
    Silent
    Siloam
    Simchat Torah
    Simeon
    Simon Peter
    Sin
    Sinai
    Sisters
    Sitting Shivah
    Sixth Day
    Slave
    Slavery
    Slave To Sin
    Smoke And Fire
    Snake
    Sodom
    Sol Invictus
    Solomons Colonnade
    Solomons Porch
    Son
    Song Of The Lamb
    Sons Of God
    Sorceress
    Soul
    Speckled
    Spirit
    Spotted
    Star Of David
    Steps
    Stock
    Stomach
    Stone
    Story In Genealogy
    Streaked
    Streaming
    Strength
    Stump
    Substitution
    Success
    Sukkah
    Sukkot
    Sunday
    Superstition
    Swear
    Sychar
    Synagogue
    Tables
    Taken Away
    Tallit
    Talmidim
    Talmud
    Tamar
    Tammuz
    Tanakh
    Targum
    Tav
    Tear
    Teffilot
    Tefillah
    Tefillin
    Tehilim
    Temple
    Temple Mount
    Temple Rites
    Teshuva
    Testimony
    Tevilah
    That Day
    The Beast
    The Binding Of Isaac
    The Branch
    The Bride
    The Day
    The Exodus
    The Fall
    The Festival
    The Good Samaritan
    The Hebrew Text
    The Holy Name
    The Lamb
    The Land
    The Land Of Israel
    Theology
    The Pavement
    The Seventh Shofar
    The Third Temple
    The Two Olive Trees
    The Word
    Thirst
    Thomas
    Throne
    Tikun Olam
    Tishrei
    Tishri
    Tithing
    Toledot
    T'oma
    Tomb
    Torah
    Tower Of Babel
    Town Of David
    Tradition
    Transgression
    Translation
    Treasury
    Trial
    Tribe
    Tribes
    Trust
    Truth
    Turning
    Twins
    Tzemakh David
    Tzemakh Hashem
    Tzitzit
    Tziyon
    Uncreated
    Under Garment
    Unity
    Unleavened Bread
    Unquenchable Fire
    Uriah
    Uzziah
    Vayikra
    Vengeance
    Vicarious
    Village
    Vine
    Vinedresser
    Vineyard
    Violation
    Virgin Birth
    Voice
    Voice Of Annulment
    Voices
    Vow
    Vows
    Wait
    Waiting
    Walls
    Warning
    Washing
    Washing Feet
    Watchers
    Watchmen
    Water
    Water Of Life
    Water Ritual
    Waters
    Wave Offering
    Way
    Weak
    Weapon
    Wedding
    Well
    Wells
    Western Wall
    Whip
    Wine
    Wine Press
    Witchcraft
    Witness
    Woman
    Woman At The Well
    Wonderful Counsellor
    Word
    Work
    World
    World To Come
    Wrath
    Wrestles
    Write
    Xmas
    Yaakov
    Yaakov Ben Yehoshua
    Yaakov Brown
    Yahashua
    Yahshua
    Yam
    Yarden
    Yehoshua
    Yehudah
    Yehudi
    Yehudiym
    Yeshayah
    Yeshayahu
    Yeshivah
    Yeshua
    Yeshua In The Feasts
    Yeshua's Birth
    YHVH
    Yishaiyahu
    Yishay
    Yishayahu
    Yisrael
    Yizreel
    Yochanan
    Yom Ha Teruah
    Yom Ha-Zikharon
    Yom Kippur
    Yom Shishi
    Yom Teruah
    Yom T'ruah
    Yoseph
    Yoseph Ben Gorion
    Zebulun
    Ziggurat
    Zion

    RSS Feed

May the present peace of Messiah Yeshua reconcile you to the eternal rest of HaShem!


Meeting times

Friday evening: 6:30pm - 10pm

Telephone

64 212709933

Email

bethmelekh@gmail.com