How many of you appreciate the pictures created by Torah? To me, they are tremendously revealing, capable of directing our modern lives in areas of dedication, honor, and trust. Needless to say, this week’s Torah portion does not let us down.
The picture I was drawn to this week was that of Rebecca and Isaac. To me these two people give an example of what true love may look like. It reminded me of our marriage relationship to Messiah as well as our earthly marital relationships. This is the text I was drawn to:
“Rebekah raised her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel. 65 She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” And the servant said, “He is my master.” Then she took her veil and covered herself. The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; so Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” Gen. 24:64-67
So, what is so special about this text? To most, it reflects the ending of a story where Abraham sends his servant to a home land so a wife could be found for his son Isaac. It’s a great ending. A young maiden moves out in faith, choosing to trust the words of a dedicated servant who believes she is the perfect match for his master’s son. She sees Isaac. Isaac asks about her and we have a match!
Though at a closer look, you will notice that Rebecca covers her face with a veil. Why would she do this? We don’t read about this practice in prior chapters. What makes this so special?
The Torah tells us that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai after receiving covenant, his face was so bright with holiness that no one dared look at him. He therefore wore a veil whenever he spoke to the people, but would remove it when he met with YHWH (Ex. 34:29-35)
What does this have to do with Rebecca? According to a Middle Assyrian collection of laws and regulations dated circa 1100 B.C.E., veiling would indicate that a woman was neither a concubine nor a prostitute but is rather a wife or a “pure” single woman. Conversely, to walk outside unveiled indicates that she is, indeed, either concubine or prostitute. But a married women who is dedicated to her husband veils herself to the public. Does the picture of Moses veiling his face for Israel reflect his sole alignment with the Living God? Is the picture of Rebecca revealing a dedication reserved only for Isaac?
According to Jewish marriage traditions, there is a two-step process for two to become one. The first stage is called “kiddushin,” (meaning dedication) and the second step is known as “nisu’in.” Kiddushin is commonly translated as betrothal. However, the bride and groom are not permitted to live together as husband andwife until the second stage, the nisu’in, is completed.
The nisu’in is accomplished through “chupah” — the husband uniting with the wife under one roof for the sake of marriage. According to tradition, a bride and groom stand under the chuppah, and are viewed as being in an elevated state, as their union is a re-enactment of the union between God and His people at Sinai. Accordingly, the bride radiates a special holiness; the Divine Presence (Shechinah), the feminine aspect of God shines through her face. Like Moses, she therefore wears a veil.
This two-stage marriage is more than a technical nuance, it is expressive of the uniqueness of marriage. Marriage is more than two people who choose to share their lives with each other, it is the fusion of two souls becoming one flesh.
“. . . man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Gen. 2:24
But, if matrimony started with nisu’in, it is believed the physical relationship could permanently overshadow the spiritual connection, resulting in a marriage whose priorities and ideals are skewed—affecting the “soulful” binding.
Most Jews believe that whoever studies Torah fulfills a divine commandment that unites them with God, creating the most perfect unity possible. But, in my opinion, this type of marriage has never expressed itself in its full glory due to the lack of nisu’in. Let me tell you why.
In Jewish circles, there is the belief that the Messianic Era will be ushered in at the age of nisu’in, when relationship will be tangible, fully enjoyed, and revealed for all to see. It is here that I pray for Judah, for no matter where he might be, the Messiah has already made Himself present—ready to receive His bride. For, after Yeshua’s death, the veil was torn between the Holy and the Most Holy to reveal tangible relationship. The “veil” was taken off to receive the robe, the covering of Yeshua Messiah.
“Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and we are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not stare at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Messiah. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts; but whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:12-18
This week as you read the Torah portion, ask yourself, “What does the veil signify for you and how can you apply it to your life today?” How do we view the picture of a husband, a covering, a relationship that is soulful rather than just intellectual or physical? How do you see yourself dedicated and aligned with Yeshua our Messiah?
Be super blessed,
Rollyn
November 16, 2024 Chayei Sarah
Gen. 22:1-25:18
I Kings 1
I Cor. 15:50-57