Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26
My Thoughts:
Jacob continues to praise his sons and prophecy into their future. He seems to give the longest speeches to Judah and Joseph. I guess we all choose favorites in our kids, but good not to let them know this – right? The point being it is obvious he loved all his children (and grandchildren) and it was important to impart blessings. Like we talked about yesterday, be sure to bless your children while they and you are alive. You never want to miss out on any opportunities.
Challenge:
Take a piece of paper and write down one special thing about each of your children. If they are grown, still do it. And do the same for your grandchildren. Take your paper, date it, and put it somewhere special. Guaranteed sometime in the future someone will find it and be blessed. And it will help you to remember the special things about your family. (If you don’t have kids then write something special about a sibling or friend).
Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26
49:19 “A troop will press on Gad,
but he will press on their heel.
20 “Asher’s food will be rich.
He will produce royal dainties.
21 “Naphtali is a doe set free,
who bears beautiful fawns.
22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,
a fruitful vine by a spring.
His branches run over the wall.
23 The archers have severely grieved him,
shot at him, and persecuted him:
24 But his bow remained strong.
The arms of his hands were made strong,
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
(from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),
25 even by the Elohim of your father, who will help you,
by the Almighty, who will bless you,
with blessings of heaven above,
blessings of the deep that lies below,
blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
26 The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of your ancestors,
above the boundaries of the ancient hills.
They will be on the head of Joseph,
on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.
