Read Time: 7 Minutes
Welcome to the beginning of a new Torah cycle as we dive into the first portion of Genesis, Bereshit. This is a time of renewal, a fresh start, and a new day. As we embark on this journey, we see how the Hebrew language and the Scriptures reveal the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus), from the very beginning of creation.
The Torah starts with the profound words:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim v’et ha’aretz
These seven Hebrew words are a treasure trove of depth and meaning. They not only describe the creation of the universe but also reveal the Messiah and YAH's eternal plan for humanity. Let’s explore how the Hebrew language and Scripture point to Yeshua in the very first verses of Genesis.
The Depth of the Word "Bereshit" בְּרֵאשִׁית
The Hebrew word Bereshit means “in the beginning.” However, it holds layers of meaning that go beyond a simple starting point. The root of Bereshit is Rosh - רֹאשׁ - H7218, which means “head,” “chief,” or “first.” This word reveals Yeshua as the head of creation, the chief cornerstone, and the One through whom all things were made.
In John 1:1-3, we read:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made."
This passage aligns perfectly with Genesis 1:1, showing that Yeshua was present in the beginning as the Creator alongside the Father.
The Letter ב "Beth": A Picture of the Messiah
The Torah begins with the Hebrew letter Beth ב, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Unlike Aleph, which represents God the Father, Beth ב symbolizes a house or dwelling place. This is significant because it shows that YAH is creating a home for humanity to dwell with Him.
Additionally, Beth represents the Son (Ben - בֵּן - H1121), pointing to Yeshua as the One who builds the house. Hebrews 3:4 says:
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."
Yeshua, as the Son, is the builder of the house of creation. The placement of Beth at the beginning of the Torah reminds us that the story of creation is ultimately about the Son and His relationship with humanity.
The Aleph א - Tav ת: Yeshua in the First Verse
In the Hebrew text of Genesis 1:1, the fourth word is "et" את (consisting of the Aleph א and Tav ת), which has no direct English translation. However, it carries profound significance, as it consists of the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Yeshua refers to Himself as the Alpha and Omega (Greek) or the Aleph א and Tav ת (Hebrew) in Revelation 22:13:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
The presence of the Aleph-Tav in Genesis 1:1 is a direct reference to Yeshua, the eternal Word of God who spans all of time and creation. It signifies His role as the Creator and Redeemer, present from the beginning and revealed at the end.
The Covenant of Fire in Bereshit
The word Bereshit also contains the Hebrew words Brit (covenant) and Esh (fire). This points to the covenant of fire that YAH made with Abraham in Genesis 15:17-18, where a smoking oven and a burning torch passed between the sacrificial pieces.
This covenant of fire foreshadows the ultimate covenant established through Yeshua’s sacrifice. The thorns and thistles that came as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3:17-18) were placed upon Yeshua’s head in the form of a crown during His crucifixion (John 19:2). He bore the curse of sin and death for us, fulfilling the covenant of fire and granting us eternal life.
Yeshua as the First Fruits
The word Bereshit can also be read as Be-Rashit, meaning “house of the first fruits.” Yeshua is described as the first fruits of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:20:
"But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."
This connection shows that from the very beginning, YAH’s plan was to send His Son as the first fruits of redemption, paving the way for humanity to be restored to Him.
Isaiah 46:10:
"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’"
The Torah portion Bereshit reveals the end from the beginning. Just as YAH created a home for humanity in Genesis, He is preparing an eternal dwelling place for us in Revelation. The wedding of Adam and Eve in Genesis is a picture of the ultimate wedding between Yeshua and His bride, the Church, as described in Revelation 19.
Conclusion
Genesis marks the beginning of creation, but it also reminds us that each day is an opportunity for a new beginning. Yeshua offers us the chance to start fresh, to be born again, and to walk in newness of life.
In John 3:3, Yeshua says:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Through repentance (Teshuvah), we can experience renewal and restoration. Acts 3:19 encourages us:
"Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
The Torah portion Bereshit is more than just the story of creation; it is the revelation of Yeshua as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all life. From the first word to the last, Scripture points to His love for His bride and His desire to dwell with us for eternity.
As we begin this new Torah cycle, let us reflect on the depth of God’s Word and the beauty of His plan for redemption. Through Yeshua, we are given the opportunity for a new beginning, a fresh start, and eternal life.
From our house to your house, shalom.
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