Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Reading #3 - Genesis 48:17–22
My Thoughts:
How does Ephraim’s offspring become greater than his brother’s (verse 19)? Ephraim became a powerful tribe in northern Israel -- but in 721 BC this tribe and nine other “northern” tribes lost a war with Syria and were taken away. Eventually this tribe is disbursed and becomes one of the “lost ten tribes”. Read: Britannica Article.
Here is a curious thought. What if the tribe of Ephraim, through dispersion and intermarriage, although assimilated, has become the largest tribe of peoples? What if all over the world, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States -- millions of people with Jewish heritage tied to the tribe of Ephraim -- exist? Some people think this is true. And that this may be the reason for the huge “Messianic Movement” throughout the earth. Many, many thousands of “gentile” people have had a sudden interest in their possible Jewish heritage and have found a certain special attachment to the Torah. It could certainly be an explanation of why some people are leaving churches and forming “Messianic Synagogues''. Maybe Hashem is calling us to get ready to return to Israel -- for the end times. Just a thought.
Challenge:
If you are a gentile, following and studying Torah, I challenge you to examine your ancestry (if you haven’t already done so). If you have older relatives that are alive, ask them about their history and if there are any ties to Judaism. Go on websites like www.ancestry.com and look up your family roots. You may be pleasantly surprised. And if you are like me and can not find any answers, but lots of substantial hints -- just accept that Hashem has called you “out” to find Truth in His Word through the Torah. Be grateful and praise Him.
Reading #3 - Genesis 48:17–22
48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”
19 His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day, saying, “Israel will bless in you, saying, ‘Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh’” He set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but Elohim will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.”
