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  1. BenAvraham

    A look at Obediah 1:1-21 and Matt 13:1-58

    OBADIYAH 1:1-21 The name "ObadiYAH" (Obediah) means "Servant of God (YAH). This prophet talks about Esau as “Edom” similar to the name “Adam” yet spelled with a “vav” Edom is condemned, for his attack on Jacob, later on, the Edomites attack the Israelites, (brothers against brothers) Edom will...
  2. BenAvraham

    Name change: from "Jacob" to "Israel" but why? (Gen 32:3-36:43)

    Parashah: “VaYishlach” (and he sent) GENESIS: 32:3-36:43 We see in this week's parashah, that Ya'akov is on his way home to Beth-El, He comes to his “encounter” with his brother Esav. It is a time of tension for him, as we know, he “stole” from him the blessing. Or was it theft...
  3. BenAvraham

    Jacob's Ladder or God's Ladder? (Gen 28:10-32:2)

    Parashah: “VaYetze” (and he went out) GENESIS 28:10-32:2 In this parashah study, we see that Jacob is on his way to Haran to find himself a wife (or two). He is tired after a long day's journey, He stops to rest outside of a city called “Luz” and scripture says that he settles down...
  4. BenAvraham

    Malachi 1:1-2:7 and Matt 10:1-11:30

    MAL 1:1-2:7 The prophet speaks and writes through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) “Jacob have I loved, but Esau I have hated”. You ask, “Isn't God love?” isn't God all about love? Why does he “hate poor Esau?” The word “hate” has the same meaning as “reject”. YHVH who is “all-knowing”...
  5. BenAvraham

    Jacob and Esau, two brothers, yet different nations: Gen 25:19-28:9

    PARASHAH: TOLDOT (generations) GEN 25:19-28:9 This study starts with the generations of Abraham and Sarah. After years of waiting and praying they finally had Yitzchak. The legacy continues, and the promise of YHVH is revealed once more, but not without testing of faith. Yitzchak...
  6. BenAvraham

    THANKSGIVING TIME TOPIC: THE CALL OF ABRAHAM AND THE ARRIVAL OF THE PILGRIMS TO AMERICA; SIMILARITIES AND CONTRASTS

    THANKSGIVING TIME TOPIC: THE CALL OF ABRAHAM AND THE ARRIVAL OF THE PILGRIMS TO AMERICA; SIMILARITIES AND CONTRASTS (Well, I guess this could count as a devotional, a historic devotional) We know the story of Abraham according to Genesis 12; God spoke to Abraham saying to "leave your land...
  7. BenAvraham

    "The Rabbi's Thanksgiving Invitation" (a short story for the season)

    THE RABBI’S THANKSGIVING INVITATION (a short story for the season) Rabbi Jacob Groshen left his humble house on West 3rd Street, He had accepted a Thanksgiving dinner invitation from the Smith family just a few streets up. He had never met the Smiths, but old pastor Williams from First...
  8. BenAvraham

    A look at 1 Kings 1:1-31 and Matt 8:1-9:18

    1 KINGS 1:1-31 This tells the sad story of a father who failed to discipline his sons, and old king David reaped the whirlwind, Adonijah (which means YHVH is my master) if it were so, He would have been in subjection to his father David, had the nerve to proclaim himself king, even before...
  9. BenAvraham

    Remembering and honoring our departed loved ones: (Genesis 23:1-25:18)

    PARASHAH: “Chayei Sarah” (Sarah lives) GENESIS 23:1-25:18 The title of the Parashah is “Sarah lives” or “Sarah lived.” Yet Sarah is dead, so how does she live? She lives on in Abraham's memory, her legacy lives on, and her influence lives on, and this is what the patriarch wants for...
  10. BenAvraham

    A look at 2 Kings 4:1-37 and Matt 6:1-7:29

    2 KINGS 4:1-37 Here, Elisha Ha Navi ( Elisha the Prophet) ministers to a Shunamite woman, as some prophets had a public ministry, Elisha had more of a private ministry, ministering to individuals more than to the general public as a whole. Yeshua did both, he ministered to the sick, the...
  11. BenAvraham

    When God comes to visit!... (a look at Genesis 18:1-22:24)

    PARASHAH: “VaYERA” (and he appeared) GENESIS 18:1-22:24 Remember to take your time reading the "long-winded" Bible topics and studies. Each post is like a school classroom. You can always get up and take a break. Get a glass of water and come back to finish reading. YHVH appears to...
  12. BenAvraham

    The Call of Abraham! (Gen 12) Our calling too?

    PARASHAH: “Lech Lecha” (go, go for yourself) GENESIS 12:1-17:27 “Now YHVH (God) said unto Abram: Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee” These are the opening words that YHVH speaks unto Abram. A Midrash interprets this...
  13. BenAvraham

    Isaiah 54:1-55:5 and 1 Peter 3:18-22

    ISAIAH 54:1-55:5 The Children of Yisrael are compared to the “sands of the sea” the “dust of the earth” and the “Stars of heaven” The prophet Yeshayahu in these verses is comforting Israel that they will be blessed, with descendants, even though at the time they might be going through...
  14. BenAvraham

    Righteous "Noah" in the face of pure evil! (Gen 6:9-11:32)

    PARASHAH; “Noach” GENESIS 6:9-11:32 The Torah says; “Noah was a righteous man, perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with Elohim” Noah was a “Tzadik” a righteous man. This is a powerful statement since, in his days, the whole populated earth was corrupt, yet he and his...
  15. BenAvraham

    Isaiah 42:5-43:10 and John 1:1

    ISAIAH 42:5-43:10 The prophet speaks through the Spirit of YHVH saying: “I, YHVH, have called you in righteousness, and I take hold of your hand and guard you, and give you for a Brit (covenant) to a people, for a Light to the gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the...
  16. BenAvraham

    God's Masterpiece "His Creation" (first few chapters of Genesis)

    Well, this study is a bit long, so, if you want you can read a little bit, then break for a cup of coffee or tea, and then come back to it later. I know that some attention spans are short. The Feast of Tabernacles is the last of the “High Holy Days” which ends on the 8th day, on the 22nd...
  17. BenAvraham

    Testimony of my trip! and a review of the Fall Feasts (High Holy Days) of God

    SHALOM TO ALL: Well, I'm back in El Salvador after spending 6 wonderful weeks of family time and ministry in Miami, Florida. No, the hurricane did not hit South Florida, but rather the Central part. Testimony: Well, What can I say? I visited and participated in the Erev Shabbat and...
  18. BenAvraham

    Isaiah 49:14-51:3 and John 7:1-8:59

    ISAIAH 49:14-51:3 Israel cries out “The LORD hath forsaken me and forgotten me” but the prophet through the Holy Spirit assures the people, NO, the LORD has NOT forsaken you. There is a big difference between, “abandonment, forgetfulness, and chastisement”. The fact that YHVH has punished his...
  19. BenAvraham

    Just what does God ask of you? (Deuteronomy 7:11-11:25)

    PARASHAH: Ekev (as a result) DEUT: 7:12-11:25 “Now, O Israel, what does Adonai your Elohim ask of you? Only to fear Adonai your Elohim, walk in His Ways, Love Him, and Serve Him, with all of your heart and all of your soul” (10:12) I am jumping the gun a bit, but just “How much do you love...
  20. BenAvraham

    A look at Isaiah 40:1-26 and John 6:1-71

    ISAIAH 40:1-26 The prophet comforts Israel that their sins have been forgiven, and the punishment is over. YHVH again is compared to a father who must punish his children for sins and disobedience. The father will chastise, yet not forever. Darkness has passed and the light has come. “The...