Cling to You (The Psalm of Vayishlach)
Because Your lovingkindness, is better than life, my lips will praise You!
My lips will praise You!
So I will bless You as long as I live, I lift up my hands, in Your Name.
I’m gonna cling to You, will all my heart and soul it’s the only thing I can do
During the night watches (Psalm 63:3-6, 8),
You came to bring me to the end…
of who I thought I was (Jacobs struggle with Yeshua Genesis 32).
Chorus:
And then You changed my name! Told me I’m not the same!
Opened my eyes to see, all this time You’ve been with me! O’how You bless me
I’m gonna cling to You.. I’m gonna cling to You… (Genesis 32/Psalm 63:8)
Bridge:
You’ve kindled Your compassions, though we’ve been guilty of lies
You come roaring like a Lion, and we come trembling back to You… (Hosea 11:8-12)
And then You changed our Name… told us we’re not the same
Opened our eyes to see all this time You’ve been with me O’how You bless me!
And then You changed my name! Told me I’m not the same!
Opened my eyes to see, all this time You’ve been with me! O’how You bless me
I’m gonna cling to You.. I’m gonna cling to You…
The Songstory of Cling to You
Blessings and Shalom in Messiah Yeshua! I count it a blessing that you came to visit my page today or this evening, right here regardless of the time! YHVH uses many methods to encourage us to continually seek His face, but lately He's been doing a new work in my spirit, inspiring songs that are born out of the meditations upon the weekly Torah portions.
Cling to You was poured into me like an abundant summer libation from a cool mountain stream. The waters are sweet and the melody moves like a horse galloping across an open prairie in the valley below. A few days prior to reading Vayishlach I had really been meditating upon Psalm 63. Abba had impressed it upon my heart and so I was spending a lot of time digging into His Word. When I began studying Vayishlach I began to see the clear connections between the parsha and this Psalm and suddenly my spirit was stirred deeply. There was this heartache from deep in within that cries out and longs for YHVH when there is unrest and a lack of understanding. During those times in the night watches we learn and discover shalom when we accept, and take comfort in Him through trust in Him, and Clinging to Him as it says in Psalm 63 verse 8.
Now, allow me to back-pedal just a few months. Earlier in the year I had been conversing with a dear brother and Pastor, Joe Snipes, one of the co-pastors at Gates to Zion Ministries located in Lexington, SC. Just before the conclusion of this most recent Torah cycle he had share a relevant word in one of the parshas in Devarim that revolved around the word "Cling", and it absolutely fascinated me. We talked at some length about it and I deeply enjoyed the wisdom he shared, but it really came into play when I reached out to him again as I began to prepare the teaching on this particular Songstory. There nestled in the hodge-podge of cyber media is a beautiful resouce. You can find it at http://gatestozion.net/parasha-8-vayishlach-he-sent-bresheetgenesis-324-3643. Here Joe shares what Abba lays upon his heart during his times of study. It is a rich well of blessing. I began to read and within just a few moments my heart and then my eyes began to weep. Every word spoke to that deep place in my spirit were lightening, confirming even the words of this song that YHVH had poured into me. I was speechless.
Needless to say I reached out to brother Joe and asked for his permission to reprint his teaching on Vayishlach here, to which he agreed kindly. Friend I want to encourage you to dive deep into every word because it speaks about you. It not only gives great understanding to the deeper meaning of Jacob and his wrestlings, but it will speak directly into your life and meet you where you are at. This teaching is pivotal in that it gives greater backstory to this newest song. I could not improve upon it and would not want to muddy the waters of such a beautiful message. We pick up below with Brother Joe's study on Vayishlach. Blessings -Wp
Parasha 8: Vayishlach (He Sent) B’resheet/Genesis 32:4 – 36:43
*All Scripture References from The Orthodox Jewish Bible- Referred to as OJB- unless otherwise noted
Joe Snipes (Torah Teacher) Gates To Zion Ministries
Ya’akob/Jacob has come to the end of his exile. So many things have happened to him. Yet, the most serious test he has ever faced is about to come his way. YHWH has told him to return to the land of his fathers, but to do so means that he must face his brother Esav/Esau. This journey is no small trek. It will take Ya’akob/Jacob two years to return.
In the dealings of YHWH in our life, there is one constant principle; we cannot reach the next level in our destiny, until we have passed each test that precedes it. Ya’akob/Jacob left behind his brother over twenty years ago. The closer he comes to The Land, the thing he fears the most will soon be directly before him. Now, he has no choice but to face his brother. Esav/Esau will have had twenty two years to let his hatred for Ya’akob/Jacob smolder. In Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s mind there is seemingly no good end to their meeting.
What we find here in Ya’akob/Jacob is that there is still a root within his heart; there still lurks the spirit of fear. He has heard YHWH’s promises. He has seen His faithfulness over these twenty years, but notice that Ya’akob/Jacob still has not entered into a real relationship with YHWH. In fact he calls YHWH,
“And Ya’akov [Jacob] said, O Elohei Avi Avraham [The Mighty One of my father Abraham], and Elohei Avi Yitzchak [The Mighty One of my father Yitz’chak/Isaac]…” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:9a OJB- definitions mine)
Notice that he does not say that YHWH is his Mighty One! This whole encounter with Esav/Esau is designed to bring Ya’akob/Jacob to the final end of himself. For all of his ingenuity which he has used in the past, which has served him well, the thought of facing Esav/Esau negates it all. The Torah gives us this assessment,
“Then Ya’akov [Jacob] was greatly afraid and distressed…” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:7a OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Then in his prayer to YHWH he says of Esav/Esau,
“Save me, now, from the yad achi [my brother’s hand], from the yad [hand of] Esav [Esau]; for I fear him, lest he will come and attack me, em with banim [mothers with children].” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:11 OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Fear still drives Ya’akob/Jacob . Why? Because all he has to depend on is his own ingenuity. He knows that the threat which Esav/Esau brings is too great. In desperation he cries out to YHWH pleading for His intervention. He reminds YHWH of His promises to deliver him and bring him back to Cana’an safely. It is a good beginning, but something must happen deep within Ya’akob/Jacob if he is to pass this test.
The Mashiach: YHWH’s Only Provision
We did not spend much time in our last parasha looking at the dream which Ya’akob/Jacob had while he slept on the rock. However, that experience along with the one which Ya’akob/Jacob is about to have all speak of the same thing. The only answer YHWH has for any need in our life is more of His Son! Our need may find itself in many different expressions (salvation, finances, healing…etc.), but they may all be summed up in our need of a Savior, a Redeemer. He alone is the One who can meet those needs. Remember the words which Rav Sha’ul spoke to the Galatians who found themselves in such a great crisis of faith?
“My yeladim [children], for whom again I suffer chevlei leydah (birth pains) until Moshiach is formed in you,” (Galatians 4:19 OJB- definitions mine)
We always think so many times that the answer is a thing or a something. The answer is in fact a Someone! It is Mashiach Yeshua Himself. It is the formation of His character, which is the fruit of the spirit. (see Gal. 5:22-23) None of us are capable to live the life we are called to as YHWH’s children. This is why the Ruach HaKodesh was sent. It’s not just about being filled with the Ruach. It’s about our blessed Mashiach being able to express Himself in us and through us by His indwelling Ruach.
Who was the ladder in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s dream that night? Upon Whom were the angels ascending and descending? Our blessed Master Yeshua tells us in the Besorah/Gospel of Yochanon/John. After His discussion with Natan’el/Nathaniel, our Master relates these words,
“In reply, Yehoshua [Yeshua] said to Natan’el [Nathaniel], Because I told you that I watched you beneath the etz hate’enah [fig tree], do you have emunah (faith)? Greater than these things you will see. And he says to Natan’el [Nathaniel], Omein, omein [Truly, truly] I say to you, you will see Shomayim [The Heavens] having been opened and malachim (angels) of Hashem [YHWH] ascending and descending on the Ben HaAdam (Son of Man…i.e, Moshiach).” (Yochanon/John 1:50-51 OJB- definitions mine)
The imagery was inescapable. Those who heard these words knew exactly to what they referred. Master Yeshua is the ladder let down from heaven. He is the means by which heaven supplies the earth. The angels of The Mighty One ascend and descend upon Him! Ya’akob/Jacob met the Mashiach that night at Beit’el in the form of the Ladder.
The Rabbis say that the ladder is the Torah. This is true in the literal sense. Yet in the sod level, the mystery/hidden or shadow sense, it points to our blessed Rebbe Yeshua, who is The Living Torah! In the Messianic Writings (Mattityahu/Matthew to Hitgalut/Revelation), all that the written Torah promised is Personified in our Mashiach Yeshua. The Torah brings heaven and earth together. The Living Torah/Yeshua HaMashiach brings our heart and heaven together through the indwelling of the Ruach HaKodesh.
A Close Encounter With The Mashiach
Ya’akob/Jacob had heard of YHWH through his fathers, Abraham and Yitz’chak/Isaac. He had encountered, spiritually, both YHWH as Father and His manifestation as Son in the vision that night in Beit’el. The word for stone in Hebrew is even. [spelled in Hebrew; alef-bet-nun] It is a combination of two words; one for father [ab from which we get abba] and the other for son [ben]. However, it is not enough to hear about or even to have a vision. There must be an up close encounter with YHWH’s Son, the Mashiach. It must be one that gets to the heart. This is what is about to happen to Ya’akob/Jacob.
“And Ya’akov [Jacob] was left by himself; and there wrestled an ish [Man] with him until the shachar (dawn, sunup). And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he struck his hip socket; so Ya’akov’s [Jacob’s] hip socket dislocated while he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for shachar [dawn] breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, unless thou make a berakah [blessing] upon me. And he said unto him, What is shemecha [your name]? And he said, Ya’akov [Jacob]. And he said, Shimcha [Your Name] shall be called no more Ya’akov [Jacob], but Yisroel: for sarita im Elohim (yisrah = to prevail El=Mighty One = Yisroel) ye have striven with Elohim [The Mighty One] and with anashim [men], and hast overcome. And Ya’akov [Jacob] asked him, and said, Tell me, now, shemecha [Your Name]. And he said, Why is it that thou dost ask after shmi [My Name]? And he made a berakhah [blessing] upon him there. And Ya’akov [Jacob] called the shem [name] of the makom (place) Peniel [Face of G-d/The Mighty One): for I have seen Elohim [The Mighty One] panim el panim [face to face], and my nefesh [soul-life] is saved. And as he passed over Penuel the shemesh [sun] rose upon him, and he limped upon his hip” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:24-31 OJB- definitions mine)
We are told that at some point during the night a Man comes to Ya’akob/Jacob and they begin to wrestle. In fact, we are told that for a period of time, Ya’akob/Jacob even prevailed. Then comes the morning light, and the Man tries to get Ya’akob/Jacob to release Him. However, Ya’akob/Jacob, determined as ever, is not willing to do so without a blessing. That blessing would change Ya’akob/Jacob to the very depths of his being.
The Man does bless Ya’akob/Jacob. He first asks Ya’akob/Jacob what his name is. Ya’akob/Jacob tells the Man. In turn, the Man gives Ya’akob/Jacob another name…Yisrael. He says, for you have striven [wrestled] with The Mighty One and with men and have prevailed. In Torah, a change of name signifies a change in nature. This change is outwardly typified by the limp Ya’akob/Jacob was left with after the Man touched his thigh. The thigh signifies strength…human strength. Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s source of fleshly strength which he had learned to depend on had suffered a devastating blow. Now, he would find a new source of strength was made available to him. His strength was in Another.
Who is this Man? He is YHWH’s Mashiach! He is our blessed Master Yeshua! This is hinted at when Ya’akob/Jacob asked the Man what His name was. The Man deflected the question. It is not time to reveal the Name of the Mashiach. But, He leaves His mark …the mark of the execution stake. The thigh upon which Ya’akob/Jacob limped would forever serve as a reminder of the day of that great transference. The power of The Man became, in measure, the power of Ya’akob/Jacob. The new name, Yisrael, is YHWH’s glorious beginning of moving past a chosen man, to a chosen nation. All this has come through the intervention of the Mashiach.
We are given further credence to the fact that this is no ordinary Man, or ordinary angel by Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s words immediately following the event. He named the place Peni’el, I have seen Elohim/The Mighty One face to face. This Man is our blessed Master Yeshua, who in the TaNaKh/Hebrew Scriptures appeared as a temporary manifestation of YHWH. Now, since His becoming flesh through Miryam/Mary His mother, Master Yeshua IS the perfect and enduring/continuous manifestation of YHWH as proclaimed throughout the Messianic Scriptures/Kethuvim HaNotzrim/Writings of the Nazarenes.
“In many and various drakhim (ways) Hashem [YHWH] in amolike times (olden times) spoke to the Avot [Fathers] by the Nevi’im [prophets]. At the Ketz HaYamim [End of Days/Latter Days], Hashem [YHWH] spoke to us by HaBen [The Son], whom He appointed Bechor [Heir/Firstborn] of the Bechorah [inheritance], Yoresh Kol (Heir of All Things), through whom also Hashem [YHWH] BARAH ES HASHOMAYIM V’ES HA’ARETZ [CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH]; Who being the Shechinah zohar (brilliance) of Hashem [YHWH] and the exact impress and demut [image] of Hashem’s [YHWH’s] essential nature, being, and reality, and sustaining everything by his Dvar HaKo’ach [Word of The Power], after he made tihur (purification) of chatta’im (sins), sat down at LIMIN (“the right hand”) of the Majesty on High” (Ivrim/Hebrews 1:1-3 OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Ya’akob/Jacob follows this with his exclamation that, having seen Elohim/The Mighty One face to face, yet he did not die! Ya’akob/Jacob did not need a name. He knew that somehow he had touched YHWH in a way he didn’t fully understand…AND HE LIVED! Now, The Mighty One of his fathers had become his Mighty One too!
Peniel And Penuel?
Before we go further, I would like to make a comment concerning the variance in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s names concerning the place of his encounter with The Mighty One. In our passage quoted above in B’resheet/Genesis 32:30-31 the Torah uses two different spellings of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s testimony of having seen the face of The Mighty One. In verse 30 Ya’akob/Jacob says, that he has seen The Mighty One face to face and he called the place Peniel. In the very next verse 31, the Torah states that when Ya’akob/Jacob got ready to leave that place, it calls the name Penuel. Why the difference in spelling?
The difference in the spelling of the two words is an i in English, which is the letter yod in Hebrew for Peniel. The change to Penuel in English comes using the letter u in place of the letter i. In Hebrew the exchange is with the letters yod and vav thus making Peniel become Penuel. The change between the two does not change the meaning of the words, only how they are pronounced. However, in Hebrew, and more importantly in the Torah, YHWH does nothing without a particular purpose in mind.
To understand the reason for the change, we must understand what the letters in Hebrew point toward. The yod in Hebrew is a picture of a hand. It is also the first letter in the spelling of the Memorial Name of The Mighty One, YHWH. The letter vav in Hebrew is representative of a man. The vav being the sixth letter of the Hebrew Alef-Bet and the fact that man was created on the sixth day. (see B’resheet/Genesis 1:26-31) However, the vav in ancient Hebrew, paleo Hebrew, is also pictured as a hook. A hook is used to join something together. Now we are coming close to what the Torah is trying to show us in the change of the name of the place where Ya’akob/Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Mighty One from Peniel to Penuel.
If you will remember, that Ya’akob/Jacob in our parasha does not refer to The Mighty One as his, but as his father’s Mighty One. Ya’akob/Jacob has not had a personal relationship based on revelation in his own heart over these past twenty years. That is about to change in the wrestling that takes place between himself and the Angel of The Mighty One here. Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s change in identifying the place of this wrestling and his passing from that place is testimony to what has happened.
In the wrestling during that night, the yod in Peniel, was the place where the Hand of YHWH was brought into Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s life. In turn, the vav, the hook, brought the hand of YHWH down into Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s realm resulting in the hand opening and giving revelation of Himself to Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s heart! Now, the light of heaven began had risen in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s heart. This is signified by the wording of verse 31,
“And as he passed over Penuel the SHEMESH ROSE UPON HIM…”
The light (revelation) of heaven (the sun/Son) rose upon Ya’akob/Jacob. Thus there is the change in the name of the place from Peniel to Penuel. Ya’akob/Jacob transitioned in his heart from one who wrestles with The Mighty One and men, to Yisrael. There is even a picture hidden within that name. The root of the name Yisrael is the word sara meaning not only one who prevails, but one who prevails and becomes a prince. In all of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s wrestling with YHWH and those men and situations he had been through, he would become a prince who overcomes!
There is no wrestling with the Mighty One that is not costly. All of our transitions in the ruach/spirit mean that not only do we gain something from YHWH, but we also lose something in our own soul-life that makes room for that heavenly acquisition. This is why the rest of the above verse says,
“…and he limped upon his hip.”
The strength of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s soul-life had been touched by the execution stake that night. The change of his name from Ya’akob/Jacob to Yisrael was testimony to that. There was a reduction in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s ability to trust in his own strength…he limped. But there was also an adding to of YHWH’s power, resurrection life…the sun rose upon him. There is no limitation in that life. Ya’akob/Jacob never forgot that experience. He was a marked man. So this is the meaning of the change in the name of that place from Peniel to Penuel. There is an interesting verse in the book of the prophet Yeshayahu/Isaiah. It says at the end,
“…the lame take the prey.” (Yeshayahu/Isaiah 33:23b KJV)
So truly, what is impossible with men becomes possible with the Mighty One. To quote Rav Sha’ul,
“And HaAdon [The Master] said to me, “My Chesed [Grace] is ad kahn (sufficient for the purpose, enough) for you, for My ko’ach (power) is perfected in weakness. With lev samei’ach [rejoicing of heart] therefore will I boast in my weaknesses that the gevurah [power] of Moshiach might be a shelter over me.” (11 Corinthians 12:9 OJB- definitions mine]
Beloved, what have read is what YHWH is out to do in all of our lives if we are truly to know the life that expresses His glory. He is not afraid of our stubbornness. He is not fearful of our potential for sinfulness. He is bringing us all to our own Peniel, in order to bring us through to the rising of His Son in our hearts, to our Penuel! Amein.
Ya’akob/Jacob Passes The Test
Finally, Ya’akob/Jacob faces his greatest fear. He comes face to face with his brother Esav/Esau. I’m sure it was one of the hardest things that Ya’akob/Jacob had ever done. Yet he did it, and as a result he re-entered Canaan. We won’t take the time here to discuss that meeting. The Rabbi’s say that there were things that Ya’akob/Jacob did in that encounter that did not serve him or his descendants well. It is true that even to this day, the descendants of Ya’akob/Jacob (Yisrael) are still at odds with Esav’s/Esau’s descendants (the kingdom of Edom, which is present day Jordan). However, Ya’akob/Jacob was allowed back into The Land. That return was itself not without blessing and cost.
YHWH appears to Ya’akob/Jacob again. In this encounter He reinforces the change of name which he had been given by the Man (The Mashiach) earlier. He also blesses Ya’akob/Jacob by passing the same blessing given to Abraham, his grandfather, to him. The promise of multiplicity was given. The promise that kings and nations will come forth from him was also reiterated. Then lastly, the promise of the physical inheritance of The Land being given to Ya’akob/Jacob and his descendants is also included.
“And Elohim [The Mighty One] appeared unto Ya’akov [Jacob] again, when he returned from Padan Aram, and made a berakhah [blessing] upon him. And Elohim [The Mighty One] said unto him, Shimcha [Your Name] is Ya’akov [Jacob]; shimcha [your name] shall not be called any more Ya’akov [Jacob], but Yisroel shall be shemecha [your name]; and He called shmo [his name] Yisroel. And Elohim [The Mighty One] said unto him, I am El Shaddai [The Lord Almighty/The Many Breasted One]; be fruitful and multiply; a Goy (nation) and a Kehal Goyim [Company/Assembly of Nations] shall be from thee, and Melechim [Kings] shall come out of thy loins; And HaAretz [The Land] which I gave Avraham and Yitzchak [Isaac], to thee I will give it, and to thy zera [seed] after thee will I give HaAretz [The Land]. And Elohim [The Mighty One] went up from him in the makom [place] where He talked with him.” (B’resheett/Genesis 35:9-13 OJB- definitions mine)
After this encounter, Raqu’el/Rachel begins to give birth somewhere between Beit’el and Ephratah. It doesn’t go well. Rachel dies giving birth to Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s twelfth son…Benyamin/Benjamin. He is the only one of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s sons to be born in The Land. It is interesting to note that it is not until this last son is born that Ya’akob/Jacob is actually called by his new name Yisrael. (B’resheet/Genesis 35:21) With the birth of Benyamin/Benjamin, the next step in YHWH’s eternal purpose is ready. Now the man gives place to the nation. The individual gives way to the corporate family.
Yet it is with a great cost. Ya’akob/Jacob loses the woman he so dearly and passionately loved. Raqu’el/Rachel passes from the scene. There is another deep lesson that is being portrayed for us in the passing of Raqu’el/Rachel. In studying the Torah we learn a very important principle that governs certain relationships…marriage being one of them. In the written Torah we learn that it is forbidden for a man to be married to two sisters. (see Wayikra/Leviticus 18:18) What may have been allowed outside of The Land, cannot be allowed once Ya’akob/Jacob has returned. The demands of Torah must be observed there. So, Rachel is removed in order to keep things within the parameters of YHWH’s holiness.
Yitz’chak/Isaac, Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s father also passes away in this parasha. So, even though Ya’akob/Jacob is allowed re-entry into The Land, there is a cost involved. We, who are a part of the returning house of Yosef/Ephraim/Yisrael, have some things to learn along these lines too. As we are being repatriated to our Yisraelite heritage, and being readied for our own return to The Land and full restoration of the Whole House of Yisrael, there will be a cost for us too. In our exile, scattering, and our regathering, there is much grace being shown to us. YHWH does not expect us to become Torah giants overnight. However, as our love for Him increases so must our love for His ways. We must set our hands to the plow, His Torah, and not look back to our former days of ignorance. (Luke 9:62) Now is the time to begin moving our heart’s and lives back into synch with Abba’s Torah. While Torah is not Law, it is not merely good suggestions either! May we sh’mah (hear and obey) as the Ruach HaKodesh is teaching us our Abba’s loving ways. Amein.
Post Script: I would like to share with you an even more indepth understanding of what it is to cling to our Messiah Yeshua. In an email transaction Joe and I had been sending back and forth he shared that this word for cling in the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation is "devekut". This only makes the message that much sweeter. He goes on to share that "while the word means 'to cling to , rely on' the connotation of the Hebrew is not clinging to, like hanging on the edge of a cliff. It literally means, 'to embrace, to hug, to hold intimately.' It is like a son who passionately holds his Father. He embraces Him, wanting Him to sense from the depths of his heart and soul his love... his need to have that moment of Intimacy. In turn, the Father responds in intimacy, holding His son with the same love. Only because of the redemption given to us by our Elder Brother, Yahushua/Yeshua, could we experience this beauty. How wonderful are the secrets that Abba has hidden within the Hebrew language. Amein!" Thank you brother Joe for being such willing vessel of YHVH's goodness! And thank You YHVH for loving us more than we can even comprehend! Let us Cling to Him for all of our days! Shalom!
Because Your lovingkindness, is better than life, my lips will praise You!
My lips will praise You!
So I will bless You as long as I live, I lift up my hands, in Your Name.
I’m gonna cling to You, will all my heart and soul it’s the only thing I can do
During the night watches (Psalm 63:3-6, 8),
You came to bring me to the end…
of who I thought I was (Jacobs struggle with Yeshua Genesis 32).
Chorus:
And then You changed my name! Told me I’m not the same!
Opened my eyes to see, all this time You’ve been with me! O’how You bless me
I’m gonna cling to You.. I’m gonna cling to You… (Genesis 32/Psalm 63:8)
Bridge:
You’ve kindled Your compassions, though we’ve been guilty of lies
You come roaring like a Lion, and we come trembling back to You… (Hosea 11:8-12)
And then You changed our Name… told us we’re not the same
Opened our eyes to see all this time You’ve been with me O’how You bless me!
And then You changed my name! Told me I’m not the same!
Opened my eyes to see, all this time You’ve been with me! O’how You bless me
I’m gonna cling to You.. I’m gonna cling to You…
The Songstory of Cling to You
Blessings and Shalom in Messiah Yeshua! I count it a blessing that you came to visit my page today or this evening, right here regardless of the time! YHVH uses many methods to encourage us to continually seek His face, but lately He's been doing a new work in my spirit, inspiring songs that are born out of the meditations upon the weekly Torah portions.
Cling to You was poured into me like an abundant summer libation from a cool mountain stream. The waters are sweet and the melody moves like a horse galloping across an open prairie in the valley below. A few days prior to reading Vayishlach I had really been meditating upon Psalm 63. Abba had impressed it upon my heart and so I was spending a lot of time digging into His Word. When I began studying Vayishlach I began to see the clear connections between the parsha and this Psalm and suddenly my spirit was stirred deeply. There was this heartache from deep in within that cries out and longs for YHVH when there is unrest and a lack of understanding. During those times in the night watches we learn and discover shalom when we accept, and take comfort in Him through trust in Him, and Clinging to Him as it says in Psalm 63 verse 8.
Now, allow me to back-pedal just a few months. Earlier in the year I had been conversing with a dear brother and Pastor, Joe Snipes, one of the co-pastors at Gates to Zion Ministries located in Lexington, SC. Just before the conclusion of this most recent Torah cycle he had share a relevant word in one of the parshas in Devarim that revolved around the word "Cling", and it absolutely fascinated me. We talked at some length about it and I deeply enjoyed the wisdom he shared, but it really came into play when I reached out to him again as I began to prepare the teaching on this particular Songstory. There nestled in the hodge-podge of cyber media is a beautiful resouce. You can find it at http://gatestozion.net/parasha-8-vayishlach-he-sent-bresheetgenesis-324-3643. Here Joe shares what Abba lays upon his heart during his times of study. It is a rich well of blessing. I began to read and within just a few moments my heart and then my eyes began to weep. Every word spoke to that deep place in my spirit were lightening, confirming even the words of this song that YHVH had poured into me. I was speechless.
Needless to say I reached out to brother Joe and asked for his permission to reprint his teaching on Vayishlach here, to which he agreed kindly. Friend I want to encourage you to dive deep into every word because it speaks about you. It not only gives great understanding to the deeper meaning of Jacob and his wrestlings, but it will speak directly into your life and meet you where you are at. This teaching is pivotal in that it gives greater backstory to this newest song. I could not improve upon it and would not want to muddy the waters of such a beautiful message. We pick up below with Brother Joe's study on Vayishlach. Blessings -Wp
Parasha 8: Vayishlach (He Sent) B’resheet/Genesis 32:4 – 36:43
*All Scripture References from The Orthodox Jewish Bible- Referred to as OJB- unless otherwise noted
Joe Snipes (Torah Teacher) Gates To Zion Ministries
Ya’akob/Jacob has come to the end of his exile. So many things have happened to him. Yet, the most serious test he has ever faced is about to come his way. YHWH has told him to return to the land of his fathers, but to do so means that he must face his brother Esav/Esau. This journey is no small trek. It will take Ya’akob/Jacob two years to return.
In the dealings of YHWH in our life, there is one constant principle; we cannot reach the next level in our destiny, until we have passed each test that precedes it. Ya’akob/Jacob left behind his brother over twenty years ago. The closer he comes to The Land, the thing he fears the most will soon be directly before him. Now, he has no choice but to face his brother. Esav/Esau will have had twenty two years to let his hatred for Ya’akob/Jacob smolder. In Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s mind there is seemingly no good end to their meeting.
What we find here in Ya’akob/Jacob is that there is still a root within his heart; there still lurks the spirit of fear. He has heard YHWH’s promises. He has seen His faithfulness over these twenty years, but notice that Ya’akob/Jacob still has not entered into a real relationship with YHWH. In fact he calls YHWH,
“And Ya’akov [Jacob] said, O Elohei Avi Avraham [The Mighty One of my father Abraham], and Elohei Avi Yitzchak [The Mighty One of my father Yitz’chak/Isaac]…” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:9a OJB- definitions mine)
Notice that he does not say that YHWH is his Mighty One! This whole encounter with Esav/Esau is designed to bring Ya’akob/Jacob to the final end of himself. For all of his ingenuity which he has used in the past, which has served him well, the thought of facing Esav/Esau negates it all. The Torah gives us this assessment,
“Then Ya’akov [Jacob] was greatly afraid and distressed…” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:7a OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Then in his prayer to YHWH he says of Esav/Esau,
“Save me, now, from the yad achi [my brother’s hand], from the yad [hand of] Esav [Esau]; for I fear him, lest he will come and attack me, em with banim [mothers with children].” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:11 OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Fear still drives Ya’akob/Jacob . Why? Because all he has to depend on is his own ingenuity. He knows that the threat which Esav/Esau brings is too great. In desperation he cries out to YHWH pleading for His intervention. He reminds YHWH of His promises to deliver him and bring him back to Cana’an safely. It is a good beginning, but something must happen deep within Ya’akob/Jacob if he is to pass this test.
The Mashiach: YHWH’s Only Provision
We did not spend much time in our last parasha looking at the dream which Ya’akob/Jacob had while he slept on the rock. However, that experience along with the one which Ya’akob/Jacob is about to have all speak of the same thing. The only answer YHWH has for any need in our life is more of His Son! Our need may find itself in many different expressions (salvation, finances, healing…etc.), but they may all be summed up in our need of a Savior, a Redeemer. He alone is the One who can meet those needs. Remember the words which Rav Sha’ul spoke to the Galatians who found themselves in such a great crisis of faith?
“My yeladim [children], for whom again I suffer chevlei leydah (birth pains) until Moshiach is formed in you,” (Galatians 4:19 OJB- definitions mine)
We always think so many times that the answer is a thing or a something. The answer is in fact a Someone! It is Mashiach Yeshua Himself. It is the formation of His character, which is the fruit of the spirit. (see Gal. 5:22-23) None of us are capable to live the life we are called to as YHWH’s children. This is why the Ruach HaKodesh was sent. It’s not just about being filled with the Ruach. It’s about our blessed Mashiach being able to express Himself in us and through us by His indwelling Ruach.
Who was the ladder in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s dream that night? Upon Whom were the angels ascending and descending? Our blessed Master Yeshua tells us in the Besorah/Gospel of Yochanon/John. After His discussion with Natan’el/Nathaniel, our Master relates these words,
“In reply, Yehoshua [Yeshua] said to Natan’el [Nathaniel], Because I told you that I watched you beneath the etz hate’enah [fig tree], do you have emunah (faith)? Greater than these things you will see. And he says to Natan’el [Nathaniel], Omein, omein [Truly, truly] I say to you, you will see Shomayim [The Heavens] having been opened and malachim (angels) of Hashem [YHWH] ascending and descending on the Ben HaAdam (Son of Man…i.e, Moshiach).” (Yochanon/John 1:50-51 OJB- definitions mine)
The imagery was inescapable. Those who heard these words knew exactly to what they referred. Master Yeshua is the ladder let down from heaven. He is the means by which heaven supplies the earth. The angels of The Mighty One ascend and descend upon Him! Ya’akob/Jacob met the Mashiach that night at Beit’el in the form of the Ladder.
The Rabbis say that the ladder is the Torah. This is true in the literal sense. Yet in the sod level, the mystery/hidden or shadow sense, it points to our blessed Rebbe Yeshua, who is The Living Torah! In the Messianic Writings (Mattityahu/Matthew to Hitgalut/Revelation), all that the written Torah promised is Personified in our Mashiach Yeshua. The Torah brings heaven and earth together. The Living Torah/Yeshua HaMashiach brings our heart and heaven together through the indwelling of the Ruach HaKodesh.
A Close Encounter With The Mashiach
Ya’akob/Jacob had heard of YHWH through his fathers, Abraham and Yitz’chak/Isaac. He had encountered, spiritually, both YHWH as Father and His manifestation as Son in the vision that night in Beit’el. The word for stone in Hebrew is even. [spelled in Hebrew; alef-bet-nun] It is a combination of two words; one for father [ab from which we get abba] and the other for son [ben]. However, it is not enough to hear about or even to have a vision. There must be an up close encounter with YHWH’s Son, the Mashiach. It must be one that gets to the heart. This is what is about to happen to Ya’akob/Jacob.
“And Ya’akov [Jacob] was left by himself; and there wrestled an ish [Man] with him until the shachar (dawn, sunup). And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he struck his hip socket; so Ya’akov’s [Jacob’s] hip socket dislocated while he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for shachar [dawn] breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, unless thou make a berakah [blessing] upon me. And he said unto him, What is shemecha [your name]? And he said, Ya’akov [Jacob]. And he said, Shimcha [Your Name] shall be called no more Ya’akov [Jacob], but Yisroel: for sarita im Elohim (yisrah = to prevail El=Mighty One = Yisroel) ye have striven with Elohim [The Mighty One] and with anashim [men], and hast overcome. And Ya’akov [Jacob] asked him, and said, Tell me, now, shemecha [Your Name]. And he said, Why is it that thou dost ask after shmi [My Name]? And he made a berakhah [blessing] upon him there. And Ya’akov [Jacob] called the shem [name] of the makom (place) Peniel [Face of G-d/The Mighty One): for I have seen Elohim [The Mighty One] panim el panim [face to face], and my nefesh [soul-life] is saved. And as he passed over Penuel the shemesh [sun] rose upon him, and he limped upon his hip” (B’resheet/Genesis 32:24-31 OJB- definitions mine)
We are told that at some point during the night a Man comes to Ya’akob/Jacob and they begin to wrestle. In fact, we are told that for a period of time, Ya’akob/Jacob even prevailed. Then comes the morning light, and the Man tries to get Ya’akob/Jacob to release Him. However, Ya’akob/Jacob, determined as ever, is not willing to do so without a blessing. That blessing would change Ya’akob/Jacob to the very depths of his being.
The Man does bless Ya’akob/Jacob. He first asks Ya’akob/Jacob what his name is. Ya’akob/Jacob tells the Man. In turn, the Man gives Ya’akob/Jacob another name…Yisrael. He says, for you have striven [wrestled] with The Mighty One and with men and have prevailed. In Torah, a change of name signifies a change in nature. This change is outwardly typified by the limp Ya’akob/Jacob was left with after the Man touched his thigh. The thigh signifies strength…human strength. Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s source of fleshly strength which he had learned to depend on had suffered a devastating blow. Now, he would find a new source of strength was made available to him. His strength was in Another.
Who is this Man? He is YHWH’s Mashiach! He is our blessed Master Yeshua! This is hinted at when Ya’akob/Jacob asked the Man what His name was. The Man deflected the question. It is not time to reveal the Name of the Mashiach. But, He leaves His mark …the mark of the execution stake. The thigh upon which Ya’akob/Jacob limped would forever serve as a reminder of the day of that great transference. The power of The Man became, in measure, the power of Ya’akob/Jacob. The new name, Yisrael, is YHWH’s glorious beginning of moving past a chosen man, to a chosen nation. All this has come through the intervention of the Mashiach.
We are given further credence to the fact that this is no ordinary Man, or ordinary angel by Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s words immediately following the event. He named the place Peni’el, I have seen Elohim/The Mighty One face to face. This Man is our blessed Master Yeshua, who in the TaNaKh/Hebrew Scriptures appeared as a temporary manifestation of YHWH. Now, since His becoming flesh through Miryam/Mary His mother, Master Yeshua IS the perfect and enduring/continuous manifestation of YHWH as proclaimed throughout the Messianic Scriptures/Kethuvim HaNotzrim/Writings of the Nazarenes.
“In many and various drakhim (ways) Hashem [YHWH] in amolike times (olden times) spoke to the Avot [Fathers] by the Nevi’im [prophets]. At the Ketz HaYamim [End of Days/Latter Days], Hashem [YHWH] spoke to us by HaBen [The Son], whom He appointed Bechor [Heir/Firstborn] of the Bechorah [inheritance], Yoresh Kol (Heir of All Things), through whom also Hashem [YHWH] BARAH ES HASHOMAYIM V’ES HA’ARETZ [CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH]; Who being the Shechinah zohar (brilliance) of Hashem [YHWH] and the exact impress and demut [image] of Hashem’s [YHWH’s] essential nature, being, and reality, and sustaining everything by his Dvar HaKo’ach [Word of The Power], after he made tihur (purification) of chatta’im (sins), sat down at LIMIN (“the right hand”) of the Majesty on High” (Ivrim/Hebrews 1:1-3 OJB- emphasis/definitions mine)
Ya’akob/Jacob follows this with his exclamation that, having seen Elohim/The Mighty One face to face, yet he did not die! Ya’akob/Jacob did not need a name. He knew that somehow he had touched YHWH in a way he didn’t fully understand…AND HE LIVED! Now, The Mighty One of his fathers had become his Mighty One too!
Peniel And Penuel?
Before we go further, I would like to make a comment concerning the variance in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s names concerning the place of his encounter with The Mighty One. In our passage quoted above in B’resheet/Genesis 32:30-31 the Torah uses two different spellings of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s testimony of having seen the face of The Mighty One. In verse 30 Ya’akob/Jacob says, that he has seen The Mighty One face to face and he called the place Peniel. In the very next verse 31, the Torah states that when Ya’akob/Jacob got ready to leave that place, it calls the name Penuel. Why the difference in spelling?
The difference in the spelling of the two words is an i in English, which is the letter yod in Hebrew for Peniel. The change to Penuel in English comes using the letter u in place of the letter i. In Hebrew the exchange is with the letters yod and vav thus making Peniel become Penuel. The change between the two does not change the meaning of the words, only how they are pronounced. However, in Hebrew, and more importantly in the Torah, YHWH does nothing without a particular purpose in mind.
To understand the reason for the change, we must understand what the letters in Hebrew point toward. The yod in Hebrew is a picture of a hand. It is also the first letter in the spelling of the Memorial Name of The Mighty One, YHWH. The letter vav in Hebrew is representative of a man. The vav being the sixth letter of the Hebrew Alef-Bet and the fact that man was created on the sixth day. (see B’resheet/Genesis 1:26-31) However, the vav in ancient Hebrew, paleo Hebrew, is also pictured as a hook. A hook is used to join something together. Now we are coming close to what the Torah is trying to show us in the change of the name of the place where Ya’akob/Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Mighty One from Peniel to Penuel.
If you will remember, that Ya’akob/Jacob in our parasha does not refer to The Mighty One as his, but as his father’s Mighty One. Ya’akob/Jacob has not had a personal relationship based on revelation in his own heart over these past twenty years. That is about to change in the wrestling that takes place between himself and the Angel of The Mighty One here. Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s change in identifying the place of this wrestling and his passing from that place is testimony to what has happened.
In the wrestling during that night, the yod in Peniel, was the place where the Hand of YHWH was brought into Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s life. In turn, the vav, the hook, brought the hand of YHWH down into Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s realm resulting in the hand opening and giving revelation of Himself to Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s heart! Now, the light of heaven began had risen in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s heart. This is signified by the wording of verse 31,
“And as he passed over Penuel the SHEMESH ROSE UPON HIM…”
The light (revelation) of heaven (the sun/Son) rose upon Ya’akob/Jacob. Thus there is the change in the name of the place from Peniel to Penuel. Ya’akob/Jacob transitioned in his heart from one who wrestles with The Mighty One and men, to Yisrael. There is even a picture hidden within that name. The root of the name Yisrael is the word sara meaning not only one who prevails, but one who prevails and becomes a prince. In all of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s wrestling with YHWH and those men and situations he had been through, he would become a prince who overcomes!
There is no wrestling with the Mighty One that is not costly. All of our transitions in the ruach/spirit mean that not only do we gain something from YHWH, but we also lose something in our own soul-life that makes room for that heavenly acquisition. This is why the rest of the above verse says,
“…and he limped upon his hip.”
The strength of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s soul-life had been touched by the execution stake that night. The change of his name from Ya’akob/Jacob to Yisrael was testimony to that. There was a reduction in Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s ability to trust in his own strength…he limped. But there was also an adding to of YHWH’s power, resurrection life…the sun rose upon him. There is no limitation in that life. Ya’akob/Jacob never forgot that experience. He was a marked man. So this is the meaning of the change in the name of that place from Peniel to Penuel. There is an interesting verse in the book of the prophet Yeshayahu/Isaiah. It says at the end,
“…the lame take the prey.” (Yeshayahu/Isaiah 33:23b KJV)
So truly, what is impossible with men becomes possible with the Mighty One. To quote Rav Sha’ul,
“And HaAdon [The Master] said to me, “My Chesed [Grace] is ad kahn (sufficient for the purpose, enough) for you, for My ko’ach (power) is perfected in weakness. With lev samei’ach [rejoicing of heart] therefore will I boast in my weaknesses that the gevurah [power] of Moshiach might be a shelter over me.” (11 Corinthians 12:9 OJB- definitions mine]
Beloved, what have read is what YHWH is out to do in all of our lives if we are truly to know the life that expresses His glory. He is not afraid of our stubbornness. He is not fearful of our potential for sinfulness. He is bringing us all to our own Peniel, in order to bring us through to the rising of His Son in our hearts, to our Penuel! Amein.
Ya’akob/Jacob Passes The Test
Finally, Ya’akob/Jacob faces his greatest fear. He comes face to face with his brother Esav/Esau. I’m sure it was one of the hardest things that Ya’akob/Jacob had ever done. Yet he did it, and as a result he re-entered Canaan. We won’t take the time here to discuss that meeting. The Rabbi’s say that there were things that Ya’akob/Jacob did in that encounter that did not serve him or his descendants well. It is true that even to this day, the descendants of Ya’akob/Jacob (Yisrael) are still at odds with Esav’s/Esau’s descendants (the kingdom of Edom, which is present day Jordan). However, Ya’akob/Jacob was allowed back into The Land. That return was itself not without blessing and cost.
YHWH appears to Ya’akob/Jacob again. In this encounter He reinforces the change of name which he had been given by the Man (The Mashiach) earlier. He also blesses Ya’akob/Jacob by passing the same blessing given to Abraham, his grandfather, to him. The promise of multiplicity was given. The promise that kings and nations will come forth from him was also reiterated. Then lastly, the promise of the physical inheritance of The Land being given to Ya’akob/Jacob and his descendants is also included.
“And Elohim [The Mighty One] appeared unto Ya’akov [Jacob] again, when he returned from Padan Aram, and made a berakhah [blessing] upon him. And Elohim [The Mighty One] said unto him, Shimcha [Your Name] is Ya’akov [Jacob]; shimcha [your name] shall not be called any more Ya’akov [Jacob], but Yisroel shall be shemecha [your name]; and He called shmo [his name] Yisroel. And Elohim [The Mighty One] said unto him, I am El Shaddai [The Lord Almighty/The Many Breasted One]; be fruitful and multiply; a Goy (nation) and a Kehal Goyim [Company/Assembly of Nations] shall be from thee, and Melechim [Kings] shall come out of thy loins; And HaAretz [The Land] which I gave Avraham and Yitzchak [Isaac], to thee I will give it, and to thy zera [seed] after thee will I give HaAretz [The Land]. And Elohim [The Mighty One] went up from him in the makom [place] where He talked with him.” (B’resheett/Genesis 35:9-13 OJB- definitions mine)
After this encounter, Raqu’el/Rachel begins to give birth somewhere between Beit’el and Ephratah. It doesn’t go well. Rachel dies giving birth to Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s twelfth son…Benyamin/Benjamin. He is the only one of Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s sons to be born in The Land. It is interesting to note that it is not until this last son is born that Ya’akob/Jacob is actually called by his new name Yisrael. (B’resheet/Genesis 35:21) With the birth of Benyamin/Benjamin, the next step in YHWH’s eternal purpose is ready. Now the man gives place to the nation. The individual gives way to the corporate family.
Yet it is with a great cost. Ya’akob/Jacob loses the woman he so dearly and passionately loved. Raqu’el/Rachel passes from the scene. There is another deep lesson that is being portrayed for us in the passing of Raqu’el/Rachel. In studying the Torah we learn a very important principle that governs certain relationships…marriage being one of them. In the written Torah we learn that it is forbidden for a man to be married to two sisters. (see Wayikra/Leviticus 18:18) What may have been allowed outside of The Land, cannot be allowed once Ya’akob/Jacob has returned. The demands of Torah must be observed there. So, Rachel is removed in order to keep things within the parameters of YHWH’s holiness.
Yitz’chak/Isaac, Ya’akob’s/Jacob’s father also passes away in this parasha. So, even though Ya’akob/Jacob is allowed re-entry into The Land, there is a cost involved. We, who are a part of the returning house of Yosef/Ephraim/Yisrael, have some things to learn along these lines too. As we are being repatriated to our Yisraelite heritage, and being readied for our own return to The Land and full restoration of the Whole House of Yisrael, there will be a cost for us too. In our exile, scattering, and our regathering, there is much grace being shown to us. YHWH does not expect us to become Torah giants overnight. However, as our love for Him increases so must our love for His ways. We must set our hands to the plow, His Torah, and not look back to our former days of ignorance. (Luke 9:62) Now is the time to begin moving our heart’s and lives back into synch with Abba’s Torah. While Torah is not Law, it is not merely good suggestions either! May we sh’mah (hear and obey) as the Ruach HaKodesh is teaching us our Abba’s loving ways. Amein.
Post Script: I would like to share with you an even more indepth understanding of what it is to cling to our Messiah Yeshua. In an email transaction Joe and I had been sending back and forth he shared that this word for cling in the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation is "devekut". This only makes the message that much sweeter. He goes on to share that "while the word means 'to cling to , rely on' the connotation of the Hebrew is not clinging to, like hanging on the edge of a cliff. It literally means, 'to embrace, to hug, to hold intimately.' It is like a son who passionately holds his Father. He embraces Him, wanting Him to sense from the depths of his heart and soul his love... his need to have that moment of Intimacy. In turn, the Father responds in intimacy, holding His son with the same love. Only because of the redemption given to us by our Elder Brother, Yahushua/Yeshua, could we experience this beauty. How wonderful are the secrets that Abba has hidden within the Hebrew language. Amein!" Thank you brother Joe for being such willing vessel of YHVH's goodness! And thank You YHVH for loving us more than we can even comprehend! Let us Cling to Him for all of our days! Shalom!
