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08 – Parashat Vayishlach Ya’aqov (וַיִּשְׁלַח יַעֲקֹ֤ב) — “And Ya’aqov Sent” – Ziv 29th thru 3rd Month 5th — (05/23/2026)

May 17th thru May 23rd, 2026

08 – Parasha Vayishlach Ya’aqov (וַיִּשְׁלַח יַעֲקֹ֤ב) — “And Ya’aqov Sent” – Ziv 29th thru 3rd Month 5th — (05/23/2026)

08 – Parsha Vayishlach Ya’aqov (וַיִּשְׁלַח יַעֲקֹ֤ב) — “And Ya’aqov Sent”

May 17th thru May 23rd, 2026
Torah Portion: Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 32:3 – 36:43
Haftarah: Ovadyahu (Obadiah) 1:1-21
Brit Ha’dasha: Mattithyahu (Matthew) 2:13-23

Daily Readings

1stday (Sunday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 32:3-32 – Ya’aqov sends messengers before him unto Esau his brother in the land of Se’iyr, the country of Edom; The messengers return and tell Ya’aqov that Esau is coming with four hundred men; Ya’aqov greatly fears and is distressed, and divides the people, flocks, herds, and camels into two camps; Ya’aqov prays unto Yahuah and humbles himself, acknowledging that he is unworthy of all the mercies and truth shown unto him; Ya’aqov reminds Yahuah of His promise to do him good and multiply his seed; Ya’aqov prepares gifts for Esau to appease him before meeting him face to face; Ya’aqov sends his family and possessions over the Yabboq and remains alone; A man wrestles with him until the breaking of day; The man touches the hollow of Ya’aqov’s thigh and puts it out of joint; Ya’aqov refuses to let Him go except He bless him; His name is changed from Ya’aqov to Yashar’el because as a prince he has power with Elohiym and with men and has prevailed; Ya’aqov calls the place Penu’el because he saw Elohiym face to face and his life was preserved; The sun rises upon him as he passes over Penu’el and he limps upon his thigh.

2ndday (Monday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 33:1-20 – Ya’aqov lifts up his eyes and sees Esau coming with four hundred men; He divides the children among Le’ah, Rachel, and the maidservants; Ya’aqov passes before them and bows himself to the ground seven times until he comes near to Esau; Esau runs to meet Ya’aqov, embraces him, falls on his neck, kisses him, and they weep; Esau asks concerning the women and children and Ya’aqov says they are the children Elohiym has graciously given him; Esau initially refuses the gifts but Ya’aqov urges him to receive them; Ya’aqov tells Esau that seeing his face is like seeing the face of Elohiym because he received him favorably; Esau returns to Se’iyr while Ya’aqov journeys to Sukkoth and builds sukkoth (booths) for his cattle; Ya’aqov comes safely to Shalem the city of Shekem in the land of Kena’an; He buys a parcel of a field and erects there an altar and calls it El Elohai Yashar’el (The Mighty Elohiym of Yashar’el.

3rdday (Tuesday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 34:1–31 – Diynah the daughter of Le’ah goes out to see the daughters of the land; Shekem the son of Chamor the Chivviy sees her, takes her, and has intercourse with her; Shekem’s soul clings unto Diynah and he desires to take her as his wife; Chamor speaks with Ya’aqov and his sons concerning marriage between the peoples; The sons of Ya’aqov answer deceitfully because Shekem had defiled Diynah their sister; They say that every male among the people of Shekem must be circumcised before they can intermarry; Chamor and Shekem persuade the men of the city to be circumcised; On the third day while the men are sore, Shim’on and Leviy take their swords, slay all the males, kill Chamor and Shekem, and take Diynah out of Shekem’s house; The sons of Ya’aqov spoil the city because their sister had been defiled; Ya’aqov rebukes Shim’on and Leviy because he fears the inhabitants of the land will gather against him; Shim’on and Leviy answer saying, “Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?”

4thday (Wednesday) –Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 35:1-15 – Elohiym tells Ya’aqov to arise and go up to Beyt-El and dwell there and make an altar unto Elohiym who appeared unto him when he fled from Esau; Ya’aqov commands his household to put away the strange elohai (idols) among them, cleanse themselves, and change their garments; Ya’aqov hides the strange elohai and earrings under the oak by Shekem; The terror of Elohiym falls upon the cities round about so that they do not pursue the sons of Ya’aqov; Ya’aqov comes to Luz, which is El Beyt-El, and builds an altar there; Deborah, Rivqah’s nurse, dies and is buried beneath Beyt-El; Elohiym appears unto Ya’aqov again and blesses him; Elohiym confirms that his name is Yashar’el and that one of His names is El Shaddai (Elohiym Almighty); Elohiym tells him to be fruitful and multiply and that nations and kings shall come out of him; Elohiym reaffirms the covenant land promised to Avraham and Yitschaq; Ya’aqov sets up a pillar of stone, pours a drink offering and oil upon it, and calls the place Beyt-El.

5thday (Thursday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 35:16-29 – Rachel travails in hard labor near Ephrath; As her soul departs she calls her son Ben-Oniy, but Ya’aqov calls him Binyamiyn; Rachel dies and is buried on the way to Beyt Lechem; Ya’aqov sets a pillar upon her grave; Re’uven goes and has intercourse with Bilhah his father’s concubine and Yashar’el hears of it; The sons of Ya’aqov are listed according to Le’ah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah; Ya’aqov comes unto Yitschaq his father at Mamre; Yitschaq dies being old and full of days and is buried by Esau and Ya’aqov his sons.

6thday (Friday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 36:1-43 – The generations of Esau are listed including his wives, sons, and possessions; Esau separates himself from Ya’aqov because their substance is too great for them to dwell together; Esau dwells in mount Se’iyr and Esau is Edom; The generations of Esau the father of Edom in Mount Se’iyr are recorded; The sons of Esau and the alephiym (captains, chiefs or kings) that came from them are listed according to their families and places; The sons of Se’iyr the Choriy who inhabited the land are named; The kings who reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Yashar’el are listed; The alephiym of Edom are recorded according to their habitations in the land of their possession; Esau is identified as the father of the Edomiym.

Main Themes & Commandments

Bearing Fruit for Yahuah instead of the Flesh

Ya’aqov returned to the land with great material increase, wives, children, servants, and livestock, yet the true turning point of Parashat Vayishlach Ya’aqov was not outward prosperity, but inward transformation. Yahuah was not primarily seeking more possessions from Ya’aqov, but a changed character that would bear righteous fruit before Him.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 32:24-28 – “And Ya’aqov was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when He saw that He prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Ya’aqov’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with Him.And He said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. And He said unto him, What is Thy name? And he said, Ya’aqov. And He said, Thy name shall be called no more Ya’aqov, but Yashar’el: for as a prince hast thou power with Elohiym and with men, and hast prevailed.”
Yochanon (John) 15:4-5 – “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”
Galatiym (Galatians) 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Ruach is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law put in place.”
Qolosiym (Colossians) 1:10 – “That ye might walk worthy of Yahuah unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of Elohiym.”
**Yahuah is not seeking merely outward increase, possessions, status, or even physical descendants, but a people transformed in heart who bear the fruit of Ruach Yahuah Elohiym. Ya’aqov became Yashar’el only after being broken, humbled, and fully dependent upon Elohiym. True fruitfulness to Yahuah comes through obedience, repentance, humility, and abiding in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach.

Fear of Yahuah Removes the Fear of Man

Ya’aqov spent much of his life fearing Esau, fearing Lavan, and fearing the nations around him. Yet after wrestling with Elohiym and submitting himself unto Him, Yahuah caused the fear of Elohiym to fall upon the surrounding cities instead of fear ruling over Ya’aqov.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 32:7 – “Then Ya’aqov was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;”
Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 35:5 – “And they journeyed: and the terror of Elohiym was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Ya’aqov.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 8:12-13 – “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify אֶת Yahuah Tseva’oth Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 10:28 – “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 118:6 – “Yahuah is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
**Fear of man produces anxiety, compromise, and striving, but the fear of Yahuah produces obedience, wisdom, boldness, and trust. Ya’aqov’s transformation teaches us that when we truly submit ourselves unto Yahuah Elohiym, we no longer need to live controlled by the fear of people, circumstances, or the world. When Yahuah is feared above all else, He Himself becomes our protection and defense.

Obedience to Yahuah Requires Separation from Idolatry and the World

Before Ya’aqov could return to Beyt-El and stand before Elohiym, his household first had to put away the strange elohai and cleanse themselves. Covenant obedience required purification and separation.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 35:1-4 – “And Elohiym said unto El-Ya’aqov, Arise, go up to Beyt-El, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto Elohiym, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Ya’aqov said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away אֶת the strange elohai that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Beyt-El; and I will make there an altar unto Elohiym, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto El-Ya’aqov אֶת all the strange elohai which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Ya’aqov hid them under the oak which was by Shekem.”
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 6:4-5 – “Hear, O Yashar’el: Yahuah Elohaynu, Yahuah is one : And thou shalt love אֶת Yahuah Elohayka with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
Romaiym (Romans) 12:1-2 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohiym, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, set-apart, acceptable unto Elohiym, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohiym.”
Ya’aqov (James) 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
**Obedience to Yahuah is not partial. Before Ya’aqov could worship at Beyt-El, the idols had to be removed. In the same way, we cannot walk fully in covenant while holding onto the ways, desires, and idols of the world. Yahuah calls His people to cleanse themselves, separate from spiritual compromise, and walk in faithful obedience to Him alone.

Hebrew Link Words

Vayishlach (way·yiš·laḥ) וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח — “Vayishlach” — Strong’s Hebrew Word 7971 [e]
The Hebrew word וַיִּשְׁלַח (Vayishlach) “And Sent “ is part of the title of the eighth portion of Yahuah’s year “And Ya’aqov Sent” and comes form a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) — X any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
**Ya’aqov sent messengers ahead of him to take gifts appease Esau.
The best thig we can send ahead of us is our prayers to Father Yahuah and He is faithful to hear the prayers of those who are obedient to His commandments?

Yashar’el (yaw-shar ‘ el) יִשְׂרָ אֵ֑ל — “Yashar’el” — Strong’s Hebrew Words 3474 and 410
The Hebrew word יִשְׂרָ אֵ֑ל (Yashar’el) “Yashar’el” is the way I believe the name that Elohiym changed Ya’aqov’s name to is supposed to be pronounced and defined for the combined word יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל which is most often translated as SHW 3478 [e].
Yashar is a primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous — direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly) and it is also defined as : 1. to be straight or even; 2. (figuratively) to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous.
El is shortened from ‘ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) — Elohiym (elohiym), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.”
Elohiym made the trickster Ya’aov straight when He changed his name to Yashar’el. The one made straight by Elohiym.

Yahusha Ha’Mashiach in the Torah Portion

  1. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is the Messenger that wrestled with Ya’aqov until the breaking of day.
  2. He is the One who changed Ya’aqov’s name to Yashar’el after he prevailed through faith and perseverance.
  3. Mashiach Yahusha is the One before whom Ya’aqov humbled himself while preparing to meet Esau.
  4. He is the Deliverer whom Ya’aqov prayed unto in his distress and fear.
  5. Yahusha is the One who preserved Ya’aqov’s life at Penu’el when he said, “I have seen Elohiym face to face, and my life is preserved.”
  6. He is the Prince and King of Yashar’el whose authority was revealed in the renaming of Ya’aqov.
  7. Mashiach Yahusha is the true Reconciler, foreshadowed in the restoration and peace made between Ya’aqov and Esau.
  8. He is the El-Elohey-Yashar’el whom Ya’aqov worshipped and built an altar unto in the land of Shekem.
  9. Yahusha is the One who called Ya’aqov to return unto Beyt-El and cleanse his household from strange elohai.
  10. He is the Set Apart One requiring purity, repentance, and separation from idols before entering covenant worship.
  11. Mashiach Yahusha is the Elohiym who caused the terror of Elohiym to fall upon the surrounding cities so that none pursued after Ya’aqov.
  12. He is the One who reaffirmed the covenant promises given unto Avraham and Yitschaq.
  13. Yahusha is the One who declared that kings and nations would come forth from Yashar’el.
  14. He is the Shepherd of Yashar’el who remained with Ya’aqov through sorrow, fear, loss, and covenant transition.
  15. Mashiach Yahusha is the promised King greater than the kings of Edom listed in the generations of Esau.
  16. He is the everlasting King whose Kingdom shall never pass away.
  17. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is the One who breaks, transforms, and renames His people so they may walk no longer as Ya’aqov in the flesh, but as Yashar’el walking in covenant faithfulness before Elohiym.

Reflection & Self-Study Questions

  1. When I face fear, uncertainty, or conflict, is my first response to humble myself and seek Yahuah in prayer as Ya’aqov did, or do I rely upon my own strength and understanding?
  2. What “Esau” in my life am I still fearful of facing? Have I fully trusted Yahuah to go before me and bring deliverance according to His will?
  3. Ya’aqov wrestled through the night and refused to let go until he received the blessing. Do I pursue Yahuah with that same perseverance and hunger for transformation?
  4. In what areas of my life is Yahuah trying to change my character from “Ya’aqov” into “Yashar’el”?
  5. Am I willing to be broken, humbled, and corrected by Yahuah so that I may bear righteous fruit for His Kingdom?
  6. Ya’aqov bowed himself in humility before Esau. Do I walk in humility toward others, or does pride still rule parts of my heart?
  7. Am I truly reconciled with those around me where possible, or am I still harboring bitterness, anger, or unresolved conflict?
  8. Diynah’s account shows the danger of worldly influence and compromise. Are there areas where I have become too comfortable with the ways and values of the world?
  9. Before returning to Beyt-El, Ya’aqov commanded his household to put away strange elohiy. Are there idols, distractions, habits, or attachments that I still need to remove from my life?
  10. What things compete for my devotion, attention, time, and obedience that rightfully belong to Yahuah alone?
  11. Do I seek outward blessings and material increase more than inward transformation and the fruit of the Ruach?
  12. Am I bearing the fruit of love, peace, patience, meekness, obedience, and belief, or am I still producing the works of the flesh?
  13. Ya’aqov feared man early in the portion, yet later the fear of Elohiym fell upon the nations around him. Am I controlled more by fear of people and circumstances, or by fear of Yahuah?
  14. Are my decisions shaped by the opinions and pressures of man, or by obedience to the Word of Yahuah?
  15. Ya’aqov returned to Beyt-El, the place of covenant encounter. Have I returned fully to my first love and covenant commitment unto Yahuah?
  16. When Yahuah calls me to arise and move in the ruach, do I respond immediately in obedience, or do I delay?
  17. Ya’aqov built altars and worshipped Yahuah publicly. Is worship, prayer, and thanksgiving central in my daily life?
  18. Rachel’s death and the transitions in the portion remind us that life on earth is temporary. Am I living with an eternal perspective or merely for temporary earthly gain?
  19. The generations of Esau reveal earthly kingdoms and inheritance apart from covenant promise. Am I pursuing the Kingdom of Yahuah above worldly success, status, and recognition?
  20. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach transformed Ya’aqov through struggle and covenant encounter. Am I allowing Yahusha to fully transform my mind, heart, ruach and soul to walk before Elohiym in humility and fear?