(Chumash 37:1 - 11) And Jacob lived in the land where his Father had stayed, the land of Canaan. Wow, the beginning of this parsha brings me joy and hope. He finally made it to there. He did it! Jacob had wrestled with man and God himself, choices and life itself had brought about many difficulties to Jacobs but in the end he endured and got a new name: ISRAEL!
I dont know if Abraham had passed o
n the prophecies God had given him regarding his seed (Slavery in Egypt), but for the time being Jacob was enjoying peace, and blessings.
All this remind me about the fact, that many times we are after things so desperately and once we are there we may realize that actually that thing was a mean to and end. Yes, Israel is the center of the universe, yes, israel is of most i
mportance to God's plans for all mankind yet it would turn out to be just another place if we forget about its end: To relate as one with the One true, living God...
That's why, what i love about Egypt is that it leads to absolute freedom to worship God, and the most grand way to worship God's, love him with everything we got is by abiding, dwelling in his ways, his law, that can be summarize into: love God and your neighbor as yourself.
What an image , Israel, the whole family together!!! Maybe there were not able to see it, but here we have all of Israel together in the land of Canaan, the eleven tribes (Benjamin had not been born yet)...the only issue was that yet they were too young to consider themselves as one. Maybe because of the way they had been brought up, this was a dysfunctional family. Between Jacobs wives there was a lot rivalry which in turn was translated between the brothers and sisters. Plus, the Torah tells us that Jacob has a preference over this child.
Indeed, Jacob's children had to learn to love each other...they were not yet a nation, they were yet not one, there was hate among them and they needed God to teach them His ways.
I see two things which are not wise in these men:
- "When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him"--> Here Jacob could not conceal his preference, he should have. Sometimes we can not refrain ourselves, but we must do it. We must ask God for wisdom and strength to do so. On the other hand, we see Jacob's son with the same weakness, they could not bring themselves to be nice about his brother. I can only imagine all the bad talking that was being done against him, plus Joseph feed all this with his attitude. Bad speaking is dangerous.
- Timing --> Joseph was speaking truth when he shared his dreams, however it was not the right moment to do so. The torah says that because of this, they hated him even more. Jacob, on the other hand kept the matter in mind. He did rebuke him, which I think was right. This commentary may be seen as disrespectful to his father...but in the end it was the dream Joseph had had. Jacob, was also reminded of his past experiences: he the youngest got the blessing over the older one, and God himself spoke to him in dreams.
PRACTICAL PARSHA:
What are the things that i can apply to me for this day:
I would say to remember and praise the father that he has made a living within me. This may sound, not that practical but it actually is. It is cause it puts everything into perspective. The new Jerusalem will arrive some day, it a marvelous way, it will come true, but also, we have it within us, we have God in us. Jesus go
t this gift for us. We are free to worship, He is the YES and the AMEN!!! Why cant we simply just live for him, we can yet most of the time we will not. Well, that I might remember always, that you are in me, and that I am in you!
The other thing to put into practice is the kind of report that we bring about other people. Here Joseph brought a bad report to his parent. It reminds me of Joshua and Caleb and the other men. The two firsts were positive and believe God. Im not saying we should ignore everything, or even lie, but just we wise how to deal things, and learn to speak directly to the person or group of people that are somehow disturbing us, and always all the time consider our hearts.
Dont get me wrong, im not considering myself greater or better than Joseph at age 17, yet hopefully today it'll teach me and lead me in new pastures.
Chumah 2
Shechem is not a happy place. Joseph did not tell his dad his opinion whether he wanted to go to check up on his brothers or no, He just said "Im ready".
He obeyed his dad commandment right away, and not only that when he did not find them at the spot where his dad had told him, that is Shechem, Joseph enquired their whereabouts, and after getting an answer he continue with his journey, all the way up to Dothan. He could have easily stopped and come back, but he had a different spirit!
According to Rashi, the Altter rebbe the person that redirects Joseph, is the angel Gabriel. The valaturim has the numerical value of the name Gabriel, thats why.
Judah, is the one that saves his life, the one that suggest that instead of killing him they should sell him. They first thought was to kill them. They were tempting God??? According to Rashi the verse, then well see what becomes of his dreams, like saying it was God, here directing everything!!! It is him saying, well se what becomes of his dreams! Joseph was surronder by 11 brothers who wanted to kill him, he survived. That's why we need to be always remember that we are NEVER VICTIMS!! God is with us.
Hashem himself testifies of him, Reuben. They always blame the older kid anyways. Surely, he better save him.
Im surprised at seing actually how all the brothers were together, as one, in this decision of killing Joseph, all because of Jeaulosy....and somehow it reminds me of Jesus who was left alone at the most crucial moment of his life. Even thought, deep down inside, like Peter, they did not want to, the were scattered, fear took over them and Jesus was left alone.
In the Story of Tamar, I've seen something that caught my attention, and it has to do with the sin of death. Er, Judah's first son died because he did what was evil in the Lord's sight, them, his second son Onan as well intentionally, did not want to perform his duties and he too did, what was evil in the Lord-s sight, so he too was put him to death. In both cases, here these people knew what was right and did not do it, they knew what it was right in God's eyes, and not only did they not do it, but they also hurt someone, or commit evil. This causes pain to us.
Another thing, is that surprisingly, God had stablished already that the Messiah should come through Tamar...wow, what a privilege.
I love what Im reading regarding Joseph, he was indeed a great man. After everything he went through, the commentary on Torah club remarks that Joseph REFUSED to succumb to depression. He had every right and excuse to feel sorry, bitterness but instead he did choose to trust God. One, may argued that he had his dreams and we do not have anythings...Well that's a lie, we do have many, many promises and we need to hold on to them!
I'm also reminded of Rashi commentary regarding Jacob, why do the righteous people long so much for peace, is not enough the peace that we will get after Messiah comes (Jesus 2nd return). at the restauration times. Is this promise not enough, why do we struggle and "fight" so much for peace here. It is not that we do not deserve to also enjoy a peaceful leaving but we have a greater hope and faith of the world to come! When i first read this, wow, i loved Rashi, i thought he is absolutely right, what a nice idea, thought, who could live thinking like that...and deep down inside i longed to be me...now i have an opportunity and i pray that i may found Joseph strength to live beyond my circumstances.
"Because of Joseph's steadfast confidence in God, he possessed and undying optimism that transformed even the low estate of slavery into success. As the Torah says, he became a successful man."
Importance of living our lives as if we're constantly serving our Master, Yeshua! Clement says " The good servant receives the bread of his labor with dignity, but the lazy and slothful servant cannot look his employer in the face. It is appropriate of doing good, for all things are God's".
To all this i must add, that i truly admire Joseph will power. It is not easy to all what the Lord has called us to be and do. Often times because we fear people or want to please ppl rather than God, etc we fail him greatly...but Joseph just didn't care, he was a man of character!
How did Joseph resisted the temptation of committing adultery with Pothiphars wife: he had God on his mind "How then could i do this great evil and sin against God? Yeah, God was always on his lips, but Joseph was never glib in his mention of God. He did not use God's name as a punctuation mark or toss it about in meaningless religious banter. He sincerely placed God at the center of his world, and as a result, his conversation was always seasoned with a God-centered perspective. More than that, by keeping God at the center of his world, Joseph found the moral backbone to refuse sexual temptation.
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the work of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkennes, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:11-14).
Immorality and impurity are not even to e even named among believers. Paul equates things like "immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire" to idolatry.
Some things are just plain bad, even we may not realize about it. We should not do it. We have a set of rules and we should behave according to it. Sin is sin, whether we see it or not!
I love what Torah Club is teaching us from Joseph's story. It's regarding his case with Potiphar's wife, he never ever tried to exonerate himself, instead he put himself in God's hands.
The Bible tells us " Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD one ENDURES GRIEF, SUFFERING WRONGFULLY. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, who when he was reviled, did not revile in return, when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed himself to Him who judges righteously, who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for RIGHTEOUSNESS, by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:18-25.
The web page Hosh anarabbah have laid out a comparative study on Jesus and Joseph's lives:
The study this week is devoted to strengthening your faith in Yeshua, in his divine origination in the very heart, mind and essence of Elohim, and in the fact that he was foreordained to come to this earth to reconcile sinful man to his Heavenly Father through his self-sacrifice on the cross. All this was prophesied long ago in the Hebrew Scriptures. The ancient Jewish rabbis speak of a messianic figure coming called Messiah ben Yosef, the Suffering Servant, whose life and ministry would parallel that of Joseph, yet these same rabbis fail to see the con- nection between Joseph’s life and that of Yeshua. Let’s now chronicle the striking and uncanny parallels between Joseph and Messiah, the son of Joseph, the Suffering Servant (Many of these comparisons come from the book, Gleanings in Genesis, by Arthur W. Pink ):
U Joseph had two names: Yoseph (meaning “to add, increase, do again”) and Zaphnath-panaaneah (41:45) (meaning “revealer of secrets”). How do these names point to Yeshua’s mission? To answer this, consider that the sin of the first Adam caused the depopulation of YHVH’s eternal kingdom, while Yeshua, the Second Adam, came to do what in regards to YHVH’s spiritual and eternal kingdom?
U What was Joseph’s occupation before being sold into slavery (Gen 37:2)? What was Yeshua’s spiritual “occupation”? (Not sure? Read John 10:1–18.)
U Joseph’s father loved him more than all his brothers (37:3–4). What was the relationship between Yeshua and his Father? (Read Matt 3:17; 17:5 and John 10:17.)
U Joseph was the son of his father’s old age (37:3). Relate this to Yeshua’s Father. Remember, old age is a metaphor for eternity. (Read John 1:1; 17:5; Mic 5:2; 1 Peter 1:20; Rev 13:8.)
U Joseph wore a multicolored robe of distinction and honor (37:3). What did the Roman soldiers place on Yeshua at his beating (Luke 23:11; John 19:24), and what multicolored, glorious phenomenon sur- rounds and adorns him while he sits on his heavenly throne (Rev 4:3)?
U Joseph’s brethren hated him and spoke ill of him because of the evil intent of their hearts (37:4). What about Yeshua? ( John 7:7)
U Joseph dreamed and foretold of his future sovereignty (37:6–10). Did Yeshua ever speak of his future glory in his Father’s kingdom? (Matt 26:64)
U Joseph was envied by his brethren. (37:11)? How about Yeshua? (Read Matt 27:17–18; Mark 12:6–7; John 12:18–19.)
U Joseph was sent forth by his father on a mission of love to ascertain the welfare of his brothers (37:14). Was Yeshua sent by his Father to this earth for a similar mission? ( John 3:16–17; 1 John 4:10; Matt 15:24)
U Joseph’s brothers rejected him. Did Yeshua’s brethren reject him? ( John 1:11; Isa 53:3) U Joseph wandered in the wilderness seeking his lost brothers until he found them (37:15–17). What
about Yeshua? (Matt 15:24; Luke 19:10)
U Joseph was conspired against by his brothers (37:18). Yeshua? (Read Matt 12:44; Mark 14:1; John 7:30,32; 10:39; 11:57.)
U Joseph’s words were disbelieved and he was insulted (37:19–20). Did Yeshua’s brethren accept his words? (Matt 27:39–44)
U Joseph was cast into a pit (37:24). What happened to Yeshua after his crucifixion? (Matt 27:60) U Joseph was taken out of the pit alive bodily (37:28). What happened to Messiah Son of Joseph after be-
ing in the tomb for three days and nights?
U Joseph was sold for silver. This was Judah’s idea (37:28). Was Yeshua sold? What was the name of the one who betrayed him for silver (Matt 26:14–16)?
http://www.HoshanaRabbah.org Page of 5Parashat VayesheV (he continued liVing)
U Joseph’s coat was sprinkled in the blood of a goat as if the blood was his and presented to Jacob (37:31). Who also shed his blood before his Heavenly Father? Whose vesture is dipped in blood? (Rev 19:13).
U Once in Egypt, Joseph went from being a prince to becoming a servant and a pauper (39:1). What happened to Yeshua when he came from heaven to this earth (spiritual Egypt)? (Phil 2:6-7)
U Joseph prospered in his master’s house. His master was well pleased with him (39:3–4). Was the Father well pleased with Yeshua? (Matt 3:17; 12:18; 17:5; John 8:29).
U Joseph was greatly tempted, yet without sin (39:7–12). And Yeshua? (Heb 4:15)
U Joseph was falsely accused (39:16–18). What about Yeshua? (Matt 26:59–60).
U When falsely accused Joseph did not defend himself. What about Messiah Son of Joseph? (Isa 53:7; Matt 27:12,14)
U In prison, Joseph won the respect of the jailor (39:21–23). What did the Roman centurion say of Yeshua? (Luke 23:47)
U Joseph was numbered with the transgressors. Who was crucified along side of Yeshua? (Isa 53:12; Mark 15:28).
U Compare what happened to the two imprisoned with Joseph with the two thieves hanging on each side of Yeshua at the crucifixion. Joseph was the means of blessing to one (Pharaoh’s cupbearer) and the pronouncer of judgment to the other (Pharaoh’s baker) (40:13 and 40:19). What happened to the two thieves who hung with Yeshua? (Read Matt 27:38,44; Mark 15:27; 13:24–30; Luke 23:32–33; John 19:18).
Conclusion
May your faith be strengthened immensely to know that in the sovereign and all-knowing foreknowledge of Elohim, your Heavenly Father, were the details of the life of Yeshua, the Savior and Redeemer, long before he came to this world in human form. YHVH had his plan of redemption all laid out, chronicled and precisely detailed well in advance of the actual events, and this divine plan was hidden all along within the very heart of the Hebrew Scriptures as a prophetic shadow-picture and ante-type waiting to be fulfilled in the fullness of times. No amount of clever reasoning on the part of those who deny the deity or redemptive work of Yeshua the Messiah can bury that fact! Yet it has been revealed to your mind and heart, by the Spirit of Elohim to know and understand these truths. May your spiritual walk be blessed and be fruitful in these understandings! And may you encourage and strengthen others with these truths!
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