Read Time: 5 Minutes
This week’s Torah portion, Vayetze (Genesis 28:10 - 32:2), is a profound narrative of journey, revelation, and transformation. The name itself, "Vayetzei," means "And He Went Out," derived from the root yatsa. But this is no ordinary departure. It is a purposeful going forth, a mission initiated by YAH. As we delve into the treasures of this portion, we find that Jacob’s story is our story, and his divine encounters point directly to our Messiah, Yeshua.
A Mission from YAH
Jacob’s journey begins in Beersheba as he flees from his brother Esau’s wrath. He is heading for Haran, the house of his uncle Laban. But this is more than an escape; it is a mission with a divine purpose. Jacob is leaving his father’s house to find a bride. This should immediately call to mind our King, Yeshua, who left His Father’s house to procure a bride for Himself—His followers, the Kehilah (assembly).
The first use of the word yatsa (h3318) in Scripture is in Genesis 1:12, where the earth "brought forth" vegetation. This connects the idea of "going out" with fruitfulness and purpose. Jacob, though flawed and relying on his own schemes, is being set apart by YAH to become fruitful and productive. Curiously Jacob rests at a place called Luz (H3869) which means "Almond Tree" and the Hebrew word has links to blossom. Symbolically the Almond Tree is the first to bloom and seek the sun in the dark winter months.
The Ladder to Heaven: A Glimpse of Messiah
In a place he would later name Bethel (house of God), Jacob rests for the night, using stones as his pillow. As he sleeps, he is given one of the most famous visions in Scripture: a ladder set up on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, with angels of God ascending and descending on it. Above it stands the Lord, who reaffirms the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac.
This ladder is far more than a bridge between two realms; it is a powerful picture of Yeshua HaMashiach. He is the one who connects heaven and earth, the only conduit through which we can access the Father. Yeshua Himself confirms this in John 1:51, telling Nathanael, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
In his dream, Jacob was given a revelation of the Messiah—the promised seed through whom all nations would be blessed. He was shown that heaven is now accessible because of Yeshua.
The Stones of Revelation
A fascinating detail in the account involves the stones Jacob used. While some translations say he used "one of the stones," others, like the Young’s Literal Translation, state he took "of the stones" indicating he took one stone. Ancient Jewish tradition suggests that multiple stones miraculously fused into one. This single stone then became the pillar that Jacob anointed with oil. Whether the miracle happened or not the stones are deeply symbolic:
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The Chief Cornerstone: The single stone anointed by Jacob represents Yeshua, the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, Ephesians 2:20). This was the first anointing (mashiach) with oil in Scripture, a direct foreshadowing of YAH’s Anointed One—Yeshua HaMashiach.
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Living Stones: We, as believers, are the "living stones" being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). The many stones becoming one point to the unity of the body of Messiah, founded on the chief cornerstone.
Jacob’s awe at this place was not just about the dream; it was about the physical miracle he witnessed, confirming that God was truly present. He declared, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!" (Genesis 28:17).
We can draw parallels between Jacob and Peter from two pivotal moments in scripture. Peter was the first to declare Yeshua as the Christ (anointed one). Just as Jacob here is the first to declare the chief cornerstone as Christ by anointing the stone with oil. Jacob was the beginning of the nation of Israel, when his name was changed to thus. Peter is the beginning of the regathering of the Church whom Christ also changes his name, from Simon to Peter (meaning rock or stone) while referencing a gate and a future assembly of people:
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (or stone) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
The parallels are stark, and the analogies decoded are as follows:
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Yeshua is the chief cornerstone of Israel.
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The living stones are followers of Yeshua being built into the assembly (Church) of Israel.
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The oil is the Spirit that drips down from our Anointed One, calling and empowering us that are in the Church of YHVH.
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With Yeshua’s name we have access to the Kingdom of Heaven, the power over death and the Gates of Hades (death) will not prevail against it.
Let the Word of God encourage us to build His Church and make disciples of all nations.
The Bride at the Well
Later in his journey, Jacob arrives at a well in Haran, where a large stone covers its mouth. It is here that he meets his bride-to-be, Rachel. In a display of strength and purpose, he single-handedly rolls the stone away to water her flocks.
This scene is rich with Messianic symbolism:
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Yeshua is the Well of Living Water: He offers water that leads to eternal life (John 4:14).
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The Stone Rolled Away: The rolling away of the stone from the well foreshadows the rolling away of the stone from Yeshua’s tomb, the act that unveiled the victory of life over death.
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The Good Shepherd: Jacob, the good shepherd, waters the flock. Yeshua is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Let us be the bride at the well, just like the Samaritan women, who by no coincidence met Yeshua at Jacob's well. Let us be that bride who comes to the well and finds it opened by our bridegroom Yeshua, giving us access to the living waters that we may drink from it, leading us to eternal life.
Our Story in His Story
Parsha Vayetze teaches us that we, like Jacob, are on a journey. We are called to "go out" in faith and purpose. We live in a world that can feel like a spiritual Haran—a place of dryness and deception—but YAH promises, "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go" (Genesis 28:15). This promise to Jacob is His promise to us, His people.
We have been given the ultimate revelation that Jacob glimpsed in his dream: Yeshua is the ladder, the way to the Father. He is the anointed cornerstone, and we are the living stones being built into God’s house. Jacob’s story assures us that despite the trials, the deceptions, and the dark nights, YAH’s angels are ministering to us, and He is faithfully transforming us, removing our hearts of stone and giving us new life in Him.
Shalom.
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