Circumcision was the ‘sign’ of the covenant given to Abraham, a symbol of his faith and obedience, and his heart for El Shaddai. Circumcision set Jacob’s sons apart from the uncircumcised men around them, a separation instituted by Elohim. Shechem and the men of the city did not have a heart for Elohim; therefore, circumcision was not something they should have been asked to do. The sons of Jacob perverted the act of circumcision and used it in a deceitful way, not only to humble the men of the city, but to destroy them.
Parashah 7: Vayetze (He went out)
The account of Jacob continues with another stone. This stone covers a well where local sheep are watered. It is only rolled away when all of the flocks have been gathered together. While Jacob waits for the flocks to gather, Rachel arrives with her father’s sheep. Because she is his cousin, he removes the stone from the well and waters her sheep. He then kisses her and weeps because he has finally met a relative. He no longer has to wander seeking a home.
Parashah 6: Tol’dot (History)
‘Dew’ in Hebrew is the word tal and represents not only morning dew, but also the mist in the evening. Dew symbolizes spiritual well-being and resurrection just as well-watered land produces enough moisture to bring forth dew. Without dew, there is no spiritual rebirth, blessing or flourishing crops (Zechariah 8:12, Haggai 1:9-10). The blessing that Isaac gave Esau was not spiritual nor did it include the physical blessing of moisture needed for one who works the land. Isaac’s blessing on Esau to be “away from” the dew was actually a curse on his son.
Parashah 5: Hayyei-Sarah (Sarah’s life)
The third letter in the Hebrew alef-bet is gimel and means ‘camel.’ The Hebrew Letter Picture for gimel symbolizes ‘pride’ or being ‘raised up.’ Eliezer has the camels kneel, a necessary action in order to dismount a camel; however, kneeling is also symbolic of humility. Eliezer humbly seeks the Elohim of Abraham for favor and wisdom. He also ‘puts out a fleece’ so he will recognize the answer to his prayer. Elohim is faithful to Eliezer and opens his eyes to see the woman He has chosen to be Isaac’s wife.