TORAH: Genesis 12:1-17:27
HAFTARAH: Isaiah 40:27-41:16
GOSPEL: John 8:51-58
Portion Summary
The third reading from the book of Genesis is named Lech Lecha. It means “go forth.” The first verse says, “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth (lech lecha, לֶךְ־לְךָ) from your country.'” Section Lech Lecha introduces Abraham and tells the story of his pilgrimage in pursuit of God.
Portion Outline:
Torah
Genesis 12:1 | The Call of Abram
Genesis 12:10 | Abram and Sarai in Egypt
Genesis 13:1 | Abram and Lot Separate
Genesis 14:1 | Lot’s Captivity and Rescue
Genesis 14:17 | Abram Blessed by Melchizedek
Genesis 15:1 | God’s Covenant with Abram
Genesis 16:1 | The Birth of Ishmael
Genesis 17:1 | The Sign of the Covenant
Prophets
Isaiah 40:1 | God’s People Are Comforted
Isaiah 41:1 | Israel Assured of God’s Help
Portion Commentary:
The Greatness of the Fathers
God loves all His creatures, but He has a special affection for Israel. Why does God love the Jewish people?
Consider the greatness of the forefathers. God appeared to them regularly. They were prophets. He spoke to them. They heard his voice. God said to Abraham “Go ye forth,” and Abraham went forth. He said, “Sacrifice for me,” and he sacrificed. He said to Isaac, “Stay,” and Isaac stayed. He said to Jacob, “Go back,” and he went back. Whatever He told them to do, they did.
The LORD associated His own name with them. He calls Himself the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He never calls Himself the God of Joseph or the God of Moses or the God of David. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers. The apostles speak reverently of the three patriarchs and declare, “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16).
When Israel sinned by making the Golden Calf, God was angry enough with them to destroy them, but Moses stayed His hand by invoking the memory of the LORD’s covenant with the fathers. Moses prayed, “Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel.” God relented on their behalf.
Read complete commentary at First Fruits of Zion.
