Vayechi - Reading #4

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #4 - Genesis 49:1–18

My Thoughts:

Jacob is prophesying over his sons in this reading. Can you imagine having the spiritual insight to gather your children together before you die and speak into their futures -- good and not so good? And what would it be like for the sons to hear what he was saying? Would there be words of repentance, resolve and restitution. Or did they quietly accept his words? All we know for sure is that Hashem was in it all. I’m sure Jacob trusted in that.

Challenge:

If you have children what would it be like to gather them and speak into their future? Would they accept or reject your words? Maybe if they are younger you can start doing this on a gradual basis. Occasionally during special times address the areas that need adjustment and compliment the areas of success. Sometimes parents raise their children and never encourage them, never praise them or help them with words to grow and change. It’s important to do this. It will help your children to grow up to be responsible. Try this if you are able. If you don’t have children then try it with the young people that Hashem places in your life. All this will make for a better world.

Reading #4 - Genesis 49:1–18

49 Jacob called to his sons, and said: “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.

2 Assemble yourselves, and hear, you sons of Jacob.

    Listen to Israel, your father.

3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength,

    excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.

4 Boiling over like water, you shall not excel,

    because you went up to your father’s bed,

    then defiled it. He went up to my couch.

5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers.

    Their swords are weapons of violence.

6 My soul, don’t come into their council.

    My glory, don’t be united to their assembly;

for in their anger they killed men.

    In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.

7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce;

    and their wrath, for it was cruel.

I will divide them in Jacob,

    and scatter them in Israel.

8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you.

    Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies.

    Your father’s sons will bow down before you.

9 Judah is a lion’s cub.

    From the prey, my son, you have gone up.

He stooped down, he crouched as a lion,

    as a lioness.

    Who will rouse him up?

10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,

    nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until he comes to whom it belongs.

    The obedience of the peoples will be to him.

11 Binding his foal to the vine,

    his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,

he has washed his garments in wine,

    his robes in the blood of grapes.

12 His eyes will be red with wine,

    his teeth white with milk.

13 “Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea.

    He will be for a haven of ships.

    His border will be on Sidon.

14 “Issachar is a strong donkey,

    lying down between the saddlebags.

15 He saw a resting place, that it was good,

    the land, that it was pleasant.

He bows his shoulder to the burden,

    and becomes a servant doing forced labor.

16 “Dan will judge his people,

    as one of the tribes of Israel.

17 Dan will be a serpent on the trail,

    an adder in the path,

that bites the horse’s heels,

    so that his rider falls backward.

18 I have waited for your salvation, Hashem.

Vayechi - Reading #3

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.”

Vayechi - Reading #2

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16

My Thoughts:

Last wishes. Jacob wanted to bless his son and grandsons before he passed. And Hashem honored that. In verse 11 we read that Jacob didn’t think he would ever see Joseph again, but he did. And it was truly a miracle. It’s important that we let Hashem know what we want when we get close to the end of our lives. And that we are sensitive to the wishes of those whom we love that may be close to death. Do you have any “last wishes” or prayers that you are hoping Hashem will answer before you leave the planet? Ask Him and believe He will answer your prayers -- even if it is in an unexpected way!

Challenge:

Do you have a grandparent/parent or friend who is close to dying? My challenge today is to see if it is possible for you to ask them if they have any “last wishes”. And then to help these wishes come to fruition before they pass. Even if you have to pray for supernatural help or go out of your way to help -- I believe it will all be a blessing and you will be blessed in return. Let’s make sure we are helping those around us to achieve the things they desire, before they die. 

Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16

10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, Elohim has let me see your offspring also.” 12 Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near to him. 14 Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 He blessed Joseph, and said,

“The Elohim before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,

the Elohim who has fed me all my life long to this day,

16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads,

and let my name be named on them,

and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.

Let them grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Vayechi - Reading #1

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

My Thoughts:

Hashem’s blessings from father to sons. How beautiful that he was alive and coherent enough to bless his sons and grandsons before dying. Most men do not have that opportunity. They die instantly or slowly losing the ability to talk or reason. Jacob had the wonderful chance of being there mentally, emotionally and physically to bless his family. I am sure Hashem planned it that way. Maybe that is something we should seriously think about. Passing on a blessing to our sons, even before we get sick or die suddenly. It would be thoughtful planning to do it ahead of time. Consider doing this please.

Challenge:

When was the last time you told your son and/or daughter that you loved them? Whether they are two years old or forty years old, I challenge you to do that today (or as soon as possible). You never know when you or they will be gone from this life. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t delay doing this. I promise you will not regret doing so. And continue telling them every day or every time you see them. We all need to know that we are loved and hopefully and prayerfully they will tell you they love you back!

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 29 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”

Joseph said, “I will do as you have said.”

31 Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.

48 After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Elohim Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 6 Your offspring, whom you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”

8 Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, who Elohim has given me here.”

He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

Vayechi - Week #12

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Genesis 47:28-50:26

1 Kings 2:1-12

John 13:1-19

1.1 First reading — Genesis 47:28–48:9

1.2 Second reading — Genesis 48:10–16

1.3 Third reading — Genesis 48:17–22

1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 49:1–18

1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 49:19–26

1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 49:27–50:20

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 50:21–26

Vayigash - Reading #7

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

My Thoughts: 

Fairness. Joseph buys up the animals and the land from the people that are starving in exchange for food. But then he gives them seeds to plant and raise crops. Yes, they have to give a portion back to Pharaoh, but they will be able to work, eat and live. That sounds really fair to me. If Joseph would not have handled this situation this way -- they would have died. 

I think about fairness in our lives. Sometimes we are called to help those around us in a special way. But, are we fair in our dealings? Do we give, without any expectation of return? This may be a really good concept to learn. I remember for years we helped out a family during the holidays with presents and food, and sometimes throughout the year. They were not expected to give anything in return, and eventually they became very demanding of us. So much so that we had to cut off the relationship. In retrospect it may have been better if we had asked for something in return. Something they could manage. Like repairing or fixing an object for us, cutting the lawn, painting, etc. I know they would have learned and grown, and so would have our friendship.

Challenge: 

The next time you are called to give to someone, pray about how you can ask them to help you out in some way (if it is possible). There are times when people are not in a position to help back -- like when they are ill or incapacitated. But, if someone is healthy and can work or help -- then ask them to! You will both benefit and grow from the situation. It may even encourage them to go out and do this for others too! Who knows, it could even lead to better training or a better job for them. It’s worth a try.

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

47:11 Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to the sizes of their families.

13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails.”

16 Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”

17 They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.”

20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s. 21 As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. 22 Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.”

25 They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”

26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.

27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts

What a wonderful promise. That the people of Hashem will be gathered back to Israel in the end. To become one Kingdom, one shepherd, one King. Oh, how I look forward to that day. Then there will truly be peace on earth. Joy in the world. The glory of Hashem will fill the Temple and we will all bow down to the Mashiach. That is something we should be praying for every day! Blow the shofars and call on the Mashiach to come quickly. Let us join our Jewish family in doing so!

Challenge

My challenge is simply this. Start praying every day (if you don’t already) for the Temple to be rebuilt and the Mashiach to return. Pray that people’s hearts will turn toward Hashem and get ready for His return. Pray that people will learn more about Scripture like this that promises a united Kingdom in Jerusalem. And get ready yourself. Clean up your life. Focus on Hashem and others, and take your eyes off yourself! Learn and grow in the Word and know what to expect. 

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

15 Hashems’s word came again to me, saying, 16 “You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, ‘For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions.’ Then take another stick, and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.’ 17 Then join them for yourself to one another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18 “When the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’ 19 tell them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in my hand. 20 The sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes.”’ 21 Say to them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they have gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will be king to them all. They will no longer be two nations. They won’t be divided into two kingdoms any more at all. 23 They won’t defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. So they will be my people, and I will be their Elohim.

24 “‘“My servant David will be king over them. They all will have one shepherd. They will also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 They will dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived. They will dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever. David my servant will be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will place them, multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forever more. 27 My tent also will be with them. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am Hashem who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forever more.”’”

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts

When Yeshua came the first time, many rejected Him. Was it because they didn’t know what to expect? Yeshua warns us that when He returns there will be many false messiahs. Will we believe in a false messiah, or be prayed up and studied in His Word to KNOW that it is truly HIM. Study your Scripture for what the world will look like when Mashiach comes. Be ready and be in truth.

Challenge

Spend some time today (I have challenged you this before) and look up verses concerning the arrival of the Mashiach and the information about the Temple in that time. Ezekiel is a wonderful book to learn from. Take a tablet and write down what to expect. Learn how He will come, what He will do and what YOUR part is in it all. Take time to do this so that you are not deceived. And I need to do this also. People we must pray for His return and we must be prepared in Truth so that we can recognize the one true Elohim!

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

30 When he had sat down at the table with them, He took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, He gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, then He vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while He spoke to us along the way, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The L-rd is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Yeshua Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

45 Then He opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Mashiach to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Vayigash - Reading #6

Vayigash - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

My Thoughts: 

Jacob and his sons receive the “best of the land” (47:6). When people receive favor from others, they should get the best. But, how many times do we NOT do that? Do we give them maybe something we didn’t want or second best, or the burnt cookie so we can have the one that is not burnt? I know I do it. It seems like the more I study Torah, the less I do it. Torah is all about loving Hashem and loving others more than yourself. So, we should give the best to those we are serving. Try it, you will be more blessed than if you had it yourself!

Challenge: 

Today’s challenge. Think of someone in your family, maybe your spouse or kids that you recently cheated them out of the best. And give back the next time. Pray that Hashem will convict you and really give you the desire to share the best with those around you. When that happens you will truly be spreading the “Light of Hashem” around your family and community. It may encourage others to ask you, “What is it about you that treats people this good way?”

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

46:28 Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

31 Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ 33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

47 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.” 2 From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.” 4 They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

5 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” 10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.