Genesis chs. 44 to 47, VaYigash
Genesis chs. 44 to 47, VaYigash
Genesis:
The Book of Beginnings
Genesis chs.44 to 47
THEN HE CAME NEAR
VaYigash:
This weeks portion is called VaYigash translated as THEN [He , i.e. JUDAH] CAME NEAR in the first verse of the portion.
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[Genesis 44:18] THEN JUDAH CAME NEAR UNTO HIM, AND SAID, OH MY LORD, LET THY SERVANT, I PRAY THEE, SPEAK A WORD IN MY LORD'S EARS, AND LET NOT THINE ANGER BURN AGAINST THY SERVANT: FOR THOU ART EVEN AS PHARAOH.
CAME NEAR in Hebrew "VaYigash". Commentators emphasized the traumatic experience this was for Judah. He was prepared to beg, bargain, and threaten all at once. In the case of Joseph he had failed morally and otherwise. He was not going to let it happen again.
Joseph was the son of Rachel the favorite wife of Jacob and the wife for whom he had indentured himself. Leah his other wife had been inserted through trickery. This was before the giving of the Mosaic Law so different laws were then effective. The rights of the firstborn could be moved from one son to another according to certain rules and the will of the father.
Jacob had four wives but only Leah and Rachel were the senior ones. The firstborn was Reuben but he lost the birthright through his fathers concubine. Then came Simeon and Levi but they misbehaved by overzealously destroying the menfolk of Schechem. Then came Judah. Judah from the beginning was something of a decision-maker, independent, and locally regarded as some kind of prince in his own right.
Joseph was the firstborn of Rachel the favorite wife. Joseph was to receive the birthright but the rights of rulership were to be given to, Judah.
"NOW THE SONS OF REUBEN THE FIRSTBORN OF ISRAEL, (FOR HE WAS THE FIRSTBORN; BUT FORASMUCH AS HE DEFILED HIS FATHER'S BED, HIS BIRTHRIGHT WAS GIVEN UNTO THE SONS OF JOSEPH THE SON OF ISRAEL: AND THE GENEALOGY IS NOT TO BE RECKONED AFTER THE BIRTHRIGHT
"FOR JUDAH PREVAILED ABOVE HIS BRETHREN, AND OF HIM CAME THE CHIEF RULER; BUT THE BIRTHRIGHT WAS JOSEPH'S:) [1-Chronicles 5:1-2]
[Genesis 44:19] MY LORD ASKED HIS SERVANTS, SAYING, HAVE YE A FATHER, OR A BROTHER?
[Genesis 44:20] AND WE SAID UNTO MY LORD, WE HAVE A FATHER, AN OLD MAN, AND A CHILD OF HIS OLD AGE, A LITTLE ONE; AND HIS BROTHER IS DEAD, AND HE ALONE IS LEFT OF HIS MOTHER, AND HIS FATHER LOVETH HIM.
Symbolically Joseph and Judah were struggling over Benjamin. The Tribes of Israel were destined to split: Judah on one side and the Ten Tribes under Joseph on the other. The Ten Tribes at one stage had one of their centers at Beth-el on the border with Benjamin and struggled with Judah over Benjamin who however did remain on the whole with Judah. The present-day Jews are dominated by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
[Genesis 44:21] AND THOU SAIDST UNTO THY SERVANTS, BRING HIM DOWN UNTO ME, THAT I MAY SET MINE EYES UPON HIM.
Pain was being caused to Jacob who after all had not offended Joseph but rather had been equally hurt through the crime performed against Joseph.
There is a game being played here. Notice the psychology.
Joseph is bluffing maybe- but he is putting his brothers under tension, maybe danger. What if one of them reacted violently? They had violent tendencies and were not cowards or weaklings. How much did Joseph really want to reveal his true identity? Was there some hesitation here?
In the subconscious of Judah was there a recognition of who Joseph was?
Was there some degree of real danger from Joseph?
Joseph had been the victim of something that bordered on attempted murder. The original intention had been to kill him for nothing more maybe than fanciful dreams he had spoken about.
For 13 years of his life he had been enslaved in a foreign country because of this. These days some people get less than that for murder.
Joseph had a right in a sense to take vengeance if he wished.
Why did the brothers not recognize him?
Because psychologically they were conditioned not to.
The brothers of Joseph had not seen him for 13 years and the last place they expected him to turn up (assuming he was still alive) was in the person of a Ruling Prince of Egypt!.
[Genesis 44:22] AND WE SAID UNTO MY LORD, THE LAD CANNOT LEAVE HIS FATHER: FOR IF HE SHOULD LEAVE HIS FATHER, HIS FATHER WOULD DIE.
This was true, the life of Jacob had been placed in danger.
[Genesis 44:23] AND THOU SAIDST UNTO THY SERVANTS, EXCEPT YOUR YOUNGEST BROTHER COME DOWN WITH YOU, YE SHALL SEE MY FACE NO MORE.
[Genesis 44:24] AND IT CAME TO PASS WHEN WE CAME UP UNTO THY SERVANT MY FATHER, WE TOLD HIM THE WORDS OF MY LORD.
[Genesis 44:25] AND OUR FATHER SAID, GO AGAIN, AND BUY US A LITTLE FOOD.
[Genesis 44:26] AND WE SAID, WE CANNOT GO DOWN: IF OUR YOUNGEST BROTHER BE WITH US, THEN WILL WE GO DOWN: FOR WE MAY NOT SEE THE MAN'S FACE, EXCEPT OUR YOUNGEST BROTHER BE WITH US.
[Genesis 44:27] AND THY SERVANT MY FATHER SAID UNTO US, YE KNOW THAT MY WIFE BARE ME TWO SONS:
[Genesis 44:28] AND THE ONE WENT OUT FROM ME, AND I SAID, SURELY HE IS TORN IN PIECES; AND I SAW HIM NOT SINCE:
[Genesis 44:29] AND IF YE TAKE THIS ALSO FROM ME, AND MISCHIEF BEFALL HIM, YE SHALL BRING DOWN MY GRAY HAIRS WITH SORROW TO THE GRAVE.
[Genesis 44:30] NOW THEREFORE WHEN I COME TO THY SERVANT MY FATHER, AND THE LAD BE NOT WITH US; SEEING THAT HIS LIFE IS BOUND UP IN THE LAD'S LIFE;
[Genesis 44:31] IT SHALL COME TO PASS, WHEN HE SEETH THAT THE LAD IS NOT WITH US, THAT HE WILL DIE: AND THY SERVANTS SHALL BRING DOWN THE GRAY HAIRS OF THY SERVANT OUR FATHER WITH SORROW TO THE GRAVE.
[Genesis 44:32] FOR THY SERVANT BECAME SURETY FOR THE LAD UNTO MY FATHER, SAYING, IF I BRING HIM NOT UNTO THEE, THEN I SHALL BEAR THE BLAME TO MY FATHER FOR EVER.
[Genesis 44:33] NOW THEREFORE, I PRAY THEE, LET THY SERVANT ABIDE INSTEAD OF THE LAD A BONDMAN TO MY LORD; AND LET THE LAD GO UP WITH HIS BRETHREN.
Genesis 44:34] FOR HOW SHALL I GO UP TO MY FATHER, AND THE LAD BE NOT WITH ME? LEST PERADVENTURE I SEE THE EVIL THAT SHALL COME ON MY FATHER.
[Genesis 45:1] THEN JOSEPH COULD NOT REFRAIN HIMSELF BEFORE ALL THEM THAT STOOD BY HIM; AND HE CRIED, CAUSE EVERY MAN TO GO OUT FROM ME. AND THERE STOOD NO MAN WITH HIM, WHILE JOSEPH MADE HIMSELF KNOWN UNTO HIS BRETHREN.
[Genesis 45:2] AND HE WEPT ALOUD: AND THE EGYPTIANS AND THE HOUSE OF PHARAOH HEARD.
[Genesis 45:3] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS BRETHREN, I AM JOSEPH; DOTH MY FATHER YET LIVE? AND HIS BRETHREN COULD NOT ANSWER HIM; FOR THEY WERE TROUBLED AT HIS PRESENCE.
DOTH MY FATHER YET LIVE? i.e. Am I still your brother?
What had Judah said: FOR THOU ART EVEN AS PHARAOH.
On a spiritual level had Judah used some kind of leverage to threaten Joseph in order to save both Benjamin and Jacob?
[Genesis 45:4] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS BRETHREN, COME NEAR TO ME, I PRAY YOU. AND THEY CAME NEAR. AND HE SAID, I AM JOSEPH YOUR BROTHER, WHOM YE SOLD INTO EGYPT.
SOLD INTO EGYPT: disowned.
[Genesis 45:5] NOW THEREFORE BE NOT GRIEVED, NOR ANGRY WITH YOURSELVES, THAT YE SOLD ME HITHER: FOR GOD DID SEND ME BEFORE YOU TO PRESERVE LIFE.
Joseph went into exile due to Divine Providence. His task was to use the power and position he received through exile to save and assist the rest of his brothers. This was regardless of what merit or lack of merit the brothers had. Joseph had his Divinely-appointed task to fulfill and he was going to do it.
[Genesis 45:6] FOR THESE TWO YEARS HATH THE FAMINE BEEN IN THE LAND: AND YET THERE ARE FIVE YEARS, IN THE WHICH THERE SHALL NEITHER BE EARING NOR HARVEST.
[Genesis 45:7] AND GOD SENT ME BEFORE YOU TO PRESERVE YOU A POSTERITY IN THE EARTH, AND TO SAVE YOUR LIVES BY A GREAT DELIVERANCE.
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[Genesis 45:8] SO NOW IT WAS NOT YOU THAT SENT ME HITHER, BUT GOD: AND HE HATH MADE ME A FATHER TO PHARAOH, AND LORD OF ALL HIS HOUSE, AND A RULER THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT
[Genesis 45:9] HASTE YE, AND GO UP TO MY FATHER, AND SAY UNTO HIM, THUS SAITH THY SON JOSEPH, GOD HATH MADE ME LORD OF ALL EGYPT: COME DOWN UNTO ME, TARRY NOT:
[Genesis 45:10] AND THOU SHALT DWELL IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN, AND THOU SHALT BE NEAR UNTO ME, THOU, AND THY CHILDREN, AND THY CHILDREN'S CHILDREN, AND THY FLOCKS, AND THY HERDS, AND ALL THAT THOU HAST:
[Genesis 45:11] AND THERE WILL I NOURISH THEE; FOR YET THERE ARE FIVE YEARS OF FAMINE; LEST THOU, AND THY HOUSEHOLD, AND ALL THAT THOU HAST, COME TO POVERTY.
[Genesis 45:12] AND, BEHOLD, YOUR EYES SEE, AND THE EYES OF MY BROTHER BENJAMIN, THAT IT IS MY MOUTH THAT SPEAKETH UNTO YOU .
[Genesis 45:13] AND YE SHALL TELL MY FATHER OF ALL MY GLORY IN EGYPT, AND OF ALL THAT YE HAVE SEEN; AND YE SHALL HASTE AND BRING DOWN MY FATHER HITHER.
[Genesis 45:14] AND HE FELL UPON HIS BROTHER BENJAMIN'S NECK, AND WEPT; AND BENJAMIN WEPT UPON HIS NECK.
The Temple was built in an area straddling the territories of Judah and Benjamin even though Jerusalem technically was not apportioned to any tribe. The area of the Temple Mount has been likened to the geographical neck of Benjamin. Why does Joseph weep there? Is that the area through which Joseph and Benjamin of Judah will be reconciled?
[Genesis 45:15] MOREOVER HE KISSED ALL HIS BRETHREN, AND WEPT UPON THEM: AND AFTER THAT HIS BRETHREN TALKED WITH HIM.
[Genesis 45:16] AND THE FAME THEREOF WAS HEARD IN PHARAOH'S HOUSE, SAYING, JOSEPH'S BRETHREN ARE COME: AND IT PLEASED PHARAOH WELL, AND HIS SERVANTS.
[Genesis 45:17] AND PHARAOH SAID UNTO JOSEPH, SAY UNTO THY BRETHREN, THIS DO YE; LADE YOUR BEASTS, AND GO, GET YOU UNTO THE LAND OF CANAAN;
[Genesis 45:18] AND TAKE YOUR FATHER AND YOUR HOUSEHOLDS, AND COME UNTO ME: AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE GOOD OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND YE SHALL EAT THE FAT OF THE LAND.
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[Genesis 45:19] NOW THOU ART COMMANDED, THIS DO YE; TAKE YOU WAGONS OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES, AND FOR YOUR WIVES, AND BRING YOUR FATHER, AND COME.
[Genesis 45:20] ALSO REGARD NOT YOUR STUFF; FOR THE GOOD OF ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT IS YOUR'S.
[Genesis 45:21] AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL DID SO: AND JOSEPH GAVE THEM WAGONS, ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT OF PHARAOH, AND GAVE THEM PROVISION FOR THE WAY.
[Genesis 45:22] TO ALL OF THEM HE GAVE EACH MAN CHANGES OF RAIMENT; BUT TO BENJAMIN HE GAVE THREE HUNDRED PIECES OF SILVER, AND FIVE CHANGES OF RAIMENT.
[Genesis 45:23] AND TO HIS FATHER HE SENT AFTER THIS MANNER; TEN ASSES LADEN WITH THE GOOD THINGS OF EGYPT, AND TEN SHE ASSES LADEN WITH CORN AND BREAD AND MEAT FOR HIS FATHER BY THE WAY.
[Genesis 45:24] SO HE SENT HIS BRETHREN AWAY, AND THEY DEPARTED: AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, SEE THAT YE FALL NOT OUT BY THE WAY.
[Genesis 45:25] AND THEY WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT, AND CAME INTO THE LAND OF CANAAN UNTO JACOB THEIR FATHER,
[Genesis 45:26] AND TOLD HIM, SAYING, JOSEPH IS YET ALIVE, AND HE IS GOVERNOR OVER ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT. AND JACOB'S HEART FAINTED, FOR HE BELIEVED THEM NOT.
[Genesis 45:27] AND THEY TOLD HIM ALL THE WORDS OF JOSEPH, WHICH HE HAD SAID UNTO THEM: AND WHEN HE SAW THE WAGONS WHICH JOSEPH HAD SENT TO CARRY HIM, THE SPIRIT OF JACOB THEIR FATHER REVIVED:
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[Genesis 45:28] AND ISRAEL SAID, IT IS ENOUGH; JOSEPH MY SON IS YET ALIVE: I WILL GO AND SEE HIM BEFORE I DIE.
[Genesis 46:1] AND ISRAEL TOOK HIS JOURNEY WITH ALL THAT HE HAD, AND CAME TO BEERSHEBA, AND OFFERED SACRIFICES UNTO THE GOD OF HIS FATHER ISAAC.
[Genesis 46:2] AND GOD SPAKE UNTO ISRAEL IN THE VISIONS OF THE NIGHT, AND SAID, JACOB, JACOB. AND HE SAID, HERE AM I.
[Genesis 46:3] AND HE SAID, I AM GOD, THE GOD OF THY FATHER: FEAR NOT TO GO DOWN INTO EGYPT; FOR I WILL THERE MAKE OF THEE A GREAT NATION:
[Genesis 46:4] I WILL GO DOWN WITH THEE INTO EGYPT; AND I WILL ALSO SURELY BRING THEE UP AGAIN: AND JOSEPH SHALL PUT HIS HAND UPON THINE EYES.
[Genesis 46:5] AND JACOB ROSE UP FROM BEERSHEBA: AND THE SONS OF ISRAEL CARRIED JACOB THEIR FATHER, AND THEIR LITTLE ONES, AND THEIR WIVES, IN THE WAGONS WHICH PHARAOH HAD SENT TO CARRY HIM.
[Genesis 46:6] AND THEY TOOK THEIR CATTLE, AND THEIR GOODS, WHICH THEY HAD GOTTEN IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, AND CAME INTO EGYPT, JACOB, AND ALL HIS SEED WITH HIM:
[Genesis 46:7] HIS SONS, AND HIS SONS' SONS WITH HIM, HIS DAUGHTERS, AND HIS SONS' DAUGHTERS, AND ALL HIS SEED BROUGHT HE WITH HIM INTO EGYPT.
[Genesis 46:8] AND THESE ARE THE NAMES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, WHICH CAME INTO EGYPT, JACOB AND HIS SONS: REUBEN, JACOB'S FIRSTBORN.
[Genesis 46:9] AND THE SONS OF REUBEN; HANOCH, AND PHALLU, AND HEZRON, AND CARMI.
PEOPLES OF REUBEN
REUBEN:
Rahabbanai in northeast Syrian Israel according to Ptolemy's Map;
Rhabbanai (East Scythia).
Ribuari (Franks),
Rubi (Franks),
CLANS OF REUBEN:
Chanoch = Chauci, Hugo (Franks, Saxons).
Palui (Phalui) = Falia (Phalia in Germany whence the Franks invaded Gaul)
Chetsroni = Chassuari (Franks), Istaevones (Sicambri-Franks).
Carmi = Carmania (in southern Iran), Crimea (Scythia), Carini (Franks in Gaul).
Gog (a clan of Reuben) = Gogarene (Iberia in Caucasus), Gog (state in Scythia north of Tibet), name of the Goths and indentified with the Lost Ten Tribes in some popular traditions.
Nemuel - Nemetes of Gaul (?)
[Genesis 46:10] AND THE SONS OF SIMEON; JEMUEL, AND JAMIN, AND OHAD, AND JACHIN, AND ZOHAR, AND SHAUL THE SON OF A CANAANITISH WOMAN.
[Genesis 46:11] AND THE SONS OF LEVI; GERSHON, KOHATH, AND MERARI.
[Genesis 46:12] AND THE SONS OF JUDAH; ER, AND ONAN, AND SHELAH, AND PHAREZ, AND ZARAH: BUT ER AND ONAN DIED IN THE LAND OF CANAAN. AND THE SONS OF PHAREZ WERE HEZRON AND HAMUL.
[Genesis 46:13] AND THE SONS OF ISSACHAR; TOLA, AND PHUVAH, AND JOB, AND SHIMRON.
THE FAMILY TREE OF ISSACHAR
ISSACHAR = Assakar (Sagartoi - in Iran and Scythia), Sagaruce (Scythia), Sacaraukae (Scythia), Scirri (Galatians), Skirri (Gothic group), Serica (East of Scythia).
Tola = Tollund (Denmark), Thule (Norway).
Puvah (i.e. Puni) = Fenni (Ireland), Vannones (Switzerland), Peones (Swiss), Finni (Finland).
Job = Abii -Scythae (east Scythia), Abiis Maurunganie (Saxon group), Ubii (Holland)
Jashub = Suebi (Switzerland).
Shimroni = Asmirae (Scythia).
Yahmi (Yachmi) = Kym (Finland).
Yivsam (Jibsom) = Uusima (Finland).
Michael (from Issachar 1-Chronicles 7:3) = Mikeli (Finland).
[Genesis 46:14] AND THE SONS OF ZEBULUN; SERED, AND ELON, AND JAHLEEL.
THE FAMILY TREE OF ZEBULON
ZEBULON = Zabulistan (Afghanistan in Scythian times), Sabalingoi (Denmark, Holland).
Clans of Zebulon:
Sered = Suardinoi (Sweden), Suardone, Suarini (Holland).
Elon = Alan (Scyths, Khazar Jews), Aland (Sweden, Finland), Halin (Norway), Halland (Sweden), Holland (Netherlands).
Yahleel (Yachlayl) = Chali (Denmark and Holland).
[Genesis 46:15] THESE BE THE SONS OF LEAH, WHICH SHE BARE UNTO JACOB IN PADANARAM, WITH HIS DAUGHTER DINAH: ALL THE SOULS OF HIS SONS AND HIS DAUGHTERS WERE THIRTY AND THREE.
[Genesis 46:16] AND THE SONS OF GAD; ZIPHION, AND HAGGI, SHUNI, AND EZBON, ERI, AND ARODI, AND ARELI.
[Genesis 46:17] AND THE SONS OF ASHER; JIMNAH, AND ISHUAH, AND ISUI, AND BERIAH, AND SERAH THEIR SISTER: AND THE SONS OF BERIAH; HEBER, AND MALCHIEL.
THE FAMILY TREE OF ASHER
ASHER = Aseir (ancestors of Scandinavians, came from Scythia). Asii (Scythia), Ansis (leading family of Goths and of Khazars); Aorsi (Scythia), Asianoi (Scythia, east of Caspian).
Clans of Asher:
Jimnah = Omanoi (Vandal group, Lowland Scotland, England). Jesui = Heissi (Vandal group, Lowland Scotland, England).
Beriah (Beria-g-h) = Brigantes (Celtic-Britain, Ireland, Gaul, Switzerland); Brigands (branch of Brigantes); Brygges (Brigantes of Britain and of Phrygia in Anatolia, i.e. ancient Turkey); Boreoi (Vandal group); Barragos, Variag, Varangians (Vikings in Russia); Varachan (Khazar group in Russia of probable Viking extraction); Warings (Scandinavian group in Anglo-Saxon England).
Heber (Chever) = Caber (Wales), Chabiones (Franks), Ligi and Lygi [= Celtic groups absorbed by Vandals, both their names may derive form a word-root meaning "Union" (e.g. "league") which is also the meaning in Hebrew of the name "Heber"].
Malchiel ("Malchiel", i.e. "God is King") = Royal Scythes, Basiloi (Khazars), Basilia (Scandinavia), Sakaraukae (in east Scythia).
[Genesis 46:18] THESE ARE THE SONS OF ZILPAH, WHOM LABAN GAVE TO LEAH HIS DAUGHTER, AND THESE SHE BARE UNTO JACOB, EVEN SIXTEEN SOULS.
[Genesis 46:19] THE SONS OF RACHEL JACOB'S WIFE; JOSEPH, AND BENJAMIN.
[Genesis 46:20] AND UNTO JOSEPH IN THE LAND OF EGYPT WERE BORN MANASSEH AND EPHRAIM, WHICH ASENATH THE DAUGHTER OF POTIPHERAH PRIEST OF ON BARE UNTO HIM.
[Genesis 46:21] AND THE SONS OF BENJAMIN WERE BELAH, AND BECHER, AND ASHBEL, GERA, AND NAAMAN, EHI, AND ROSH, MUPPIM, AND HUPPIM, AND ARD. </h4>
THE CLANS OF BENJAMIN
BENJAMIN
Belah (Bela-g-h) = Belagae.
Becher = see Becher of Ephraim, similarity of name often presaged future combination.
Ashbel
Gera -
Naaman = Nemetae (north of Gaul), Namnete (in Brittania - Normandia possibly also from Nemuel of Simeon).
Ehi (Ahi).
Rosh = Rus (Vikings in Russia), Ross (Scotch Highlands).
Muppim = Menapi (in Ireland, Celtic Britain, and Belgium, and in Bactria east of the Caspian).
Huppim = Heath (in Anglo-Saxon England).
Ard = Ardueni (in Belgium).
[Genesis 46:22] THESE ARE THE SONS OF RACHEL, WHICH WERE BORN TO JACOB: ALL THE SOULS WERE FOURTEEN.
[Genesis 46:23] AND THE SONS OF DAN; HUSHIM.
[Genesis 46:24] AND THE SONS OF NAPHTALI; JAHZEEL, AND GUNI, AND JEZER, AND SHILLEM.
[Genesis 46:25] THESE ARE THE SONS OF BILHAH, WHICH LABAN GAVE UNTO RACHEL HIS DAUGHTER, AND SHE BARE THESE UNTO JACOB: ALL THE SOULS WERE SEVEN.
[Genesis 46:26] ALL THE SOULS THAT CAME WITH JACOB INTO EGYPT, WHICH CAME OUT OF HIS LOINS, BESIDES JACOB'S SONS' WIVES, ALL THE SOULS WERE THREESCORE AND SIX;
[Genesis 46:27] AND THE SONS OF JOSEPH, WHICH WERE BORN HIM IN EGYPT, WERE TWO SOULS: ALL THE SOULS OF THE HOUSE OF JACOB, WHICH CAME INTO EGYPT, WERE THREESCORE AND TEN.
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[Genesis 46:28] AND HE SENT JUDAH BEFORE HIM UNTO JOSEPH, TO DIRECT HIS FACE UNTO GOSHEN; AND THEY CAME INTO THE LAND OF GOSHEN.
[Genesis 46:29] AND JOSEPH MADE READY HIS CHARIOT, AND WENT UP TO MEET ISRAEL HIS FATHER, TO GOSHEN, AND PRESENTED HIMSELF UNTO HIM; AND HE FELL ON HIS NECK, AND WEPT ON HIS NECK A GOOD WHILE.
[Genesis 46:30] AND ISRAEL SAID UNTO JOSEPH, NOW LET ME DIE, SINCE I HAVE SEEN THY FACE, BECAUSE THOU ART YET ALIVE.
[Genesis 46:31] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS BRETHREN, AND UNTO HIS FATHER'S HOUSE, I WILL GO UP, AND SHEW PHARAOH, AND SAY UNTO HIM, MY BRETHREN, AND MY FATHER'S HOUSE, WHICH WERE IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, ARE COME UNTO ME;
[Genesis 46:32] AND THE MEN ARE SHEPHERDS, FOR THEIR TRADE HATH BEEN TO FEED CATTLE; AND THEY HAVE BROUGHT THEIR FLOCKS, AND THEIR HERDS, AND ALL THAT THEY HAVE.
[Genesis 46:33] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, WHEN PHARAOH SHALL CALL YOU, AND SHALL SAY, WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?
[Genesis 46:34] THAT YE SHALL SAY, THY SERVANTS' TRADE HATH BEEN ABOUT CATTLE FROM OUR YOUTH EVEN UNTIL NOW, BOTH WE, AND ALSO OUR FATHERS: THAT YE MAY DWELL IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN; FOR EVERY SHEPHERD IS AN ABOMINATION UNTO THE EGYPTIANS.
They were sheep and cattle herders. Israelite Tribes especially those of Joseph have always been big in this regard. This was the case in Biblical times. Later, throughout much of Englands early history the production of wool was very important. Nowadays the production of beef is still important in the USA and Australia. Australia is the major world exporter of wool and for a long time wool was the major earner of foreign exchange for Australia that traditionally grew up on the sheeps back.
[Genesis 47:1] THEN JOSEPH CAME AND TOLD PHARAOH, AND SAID, MY FATHER AND MY BRETHREN, AND THEIR FLOCKS, AND THEIR HERDS, AND ALL THAT THEY HAVE, ARE COME OUT OF THE LAND OF CANAAN; AND, BEHOLD, THEY ARE IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN.
[Genesis 47:2] AND HE TOOK SOME OF HIS BRETHREN, EVEN FIVE MEN, AND PRESENTED THEM UNTO PHARAOH.
[Genesis 47:3] AND PHARAOH SAID UNTO HIS BRETHREN, WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? AND THEY SAID UNTO PHARAOH, THY SERVANTS ARE SHEPHERDS, BOTH WE, AND ALSO OUR FATHERS.
[Genesis 47:4] THEY SAID MOREVER UNTO PHARAOH, FOR TO SOJOURN IN THE LAND ARE WE COME; FOR THY SERVANTS HAVE NO PASTURE FOR THEIR FLOCKS; FOR THE FAMINE IS SORE IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: NOW THEREFORE, WE PRAY THEE, LET THY SERVANTS DWELL IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN.
[Genesis 47:5] AND PHARAOH SPAKE UNTO JOSEPH, SAYING, THY FATHER AND THY BRETHREN ARE COME UNTO THEE:
[Genesis 47:6] THE LAND OF EGYPT IS BEFORE THEE; IN THE BEST OF THE LAND MAKE THY FATHER AND BRETHREN TO DWELL; IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN LET THEM DWELL: AND IF THOU KNOWEST ANY MEN OF ACTIVITY AMONG THEM, THEN MAKE THEM RULERS OVER MY CATTLE.
[Genesis 47:7] AND JOSEPH BROUGHT IN JACOB HIS FATHER, AND SET HIM BEFORE PHARAOH: AND JACOB BLESSED PHARAOH.
[Genesis 47:8] AND PHARAOH SAID UNTO JACOB, HOW OLD ART THOU?
[Genesis 47:9] AND JACOB SAID UNTO PHARAOH, THE DAYS OF THE YEARS OF MY PILGRIMAGE ARE AN HUNDRED AND THIRTY YEARS: FEW AND EVIL HAVE THE DAYS OF THE YEARS OF MY LIFE BEEN, AND HAVE NOT ATTAINED UNTO THE DAYS OF THE YEARS OF THE LIFE OF MY FATHERS IN THE DAYS OF THEIR PILGRIMAGE.
THEIR PILGRIMAGE This whole life of ours is like a journey from one place to another. We should make it a Pilgrimage and sanctify our traveling.
[Genesis 47:10] AND JACOB BLESSED PHARAOH, AND WENT OUT FROM BEFORE PHARAOH.
[Genesis 47:11] AND JOSEPH PLACED HIS FATHER AND HIS BRETHREN, 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.
This was the region traditionally associated with the Hyksos kings who were in fact the ancient Israelites and Egyptian rulers who began to adopt Israelite ways. This is confirmed by archaeological findings as detailed in our work Lost Israelite Identity and in a new work we hope to publish. It is also confirmed by Irish and Celtic British traditions.
[Genesis 47:12] AND JOSEPH NOURISHED HIS FATHER, AND HIS BRETHREN, AND ALL HIS FATHER'S HOUSEHOLD, WITH BREAD, ACCORDING TO THEIR FAMILIES.
[Genesis 47:13] AND THERE WAS NO BREAD IN ALL THE LAND; FOR THE FAMINE WAS VERY SORE, SO THAT THE LAND OF EGYPT AND ALL THE LAND OF CANAAN FAINTED BY REASON OF THE FAMINE.
[Genesis 47:14] AND JOSEPH GATHERED UP ALL THE MONEY THAT WAS FOUND IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, FOR THE CORN WHICH THEY BOUGHT: AND JOSEPH BROUGHT THE MONEY INTO PHARAOH'S HOUSE.
[Genesis 47:15] AND WHEN MONEY FAILED IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, ALL THE EGYPTIANS CAME UNTO JOSEPH, AND SAID, GIVE US BREAD: FOR WHY SHOULD WE DIE IN THY PRESENCE? FOR THE MONEY FAILETH.
[Genesis 47:16] AND JOSEPH SAID, GIVE YOUR CATTLE; AND I WILL GIVE YOU FOR YOUR CATTLE, IF MONEY FAIL.
[Genesis 47:17] AND THEY BROUGHT THEIR CATTLE UNTO JOSEPH: AND JOSEPH GAVE THEM BREAD IN EXCHANGE FOR HORSES, AND FOR THE FLOCKS, AND FOR THE CATTLE OF THE HERDS, AND FOR THE ASSES: AND HE FED THEM WITH BREAD FOR ALL THEIR CATTLE FOR THAT YEAR.
[Genesis 47:18] WHEN THAT YEAR WAS ENDED, THEY CAME UNTO HIM THE SECOND YEAR, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WE WILL NOT HIDE IT FROM MY LORD, HOW THAT OUR MONEY IS SPENT; MY LORD ALSO HATH OUR HERDS OF CATTLE; THERE IS NOT OUGHT LEFT IN THE SIGHT OF MY LORD, BUT OUR BODIES, AND OUR LANDS:
[Genesis 47:19] WHEREFORE SHALL WE DIE BEFORE THINE EYES, BOTH WE AND OUR LAND? BUY US AND OUR LAND FOR BREAD, AND WE AND OUR LAND WILL BE SERVANTS UNTO PHARAOH: AND GIVE US SEED, THAT WE MAY LIVE, AND NOT DIE, THAT THE LAND BE NOT DESOLATE.
[Genesis 47:20] AND JOSEPH BOUGHT ALL THE LAND OF EGYPT FOR PHARAOH; FOR THE EGYPTIANS SOLD EVERY MAN HIS FIELD, BECAUSE THE FAMINE PREVAILED OVER THEM: SO THE LAND BECAME PHARAOH'S.
[Genesis 47:21] AND AS FOR THE PEOPLE, HE REMOVED THEM TO CITIES FROM ONE END OF THE BORDERS OF EGYPT EVEN TO THE OTHER END THEREOF.
He regimented the Egyptians. The word for Egypt in Hebrew is Mitsrayim. I have suggested (in Lost Israelite Identity) that in some cases in Biblical Prophecy by Mitsrayim the intent is to Russia. This is consistent with Scripture which sometimes employs a familiar name for different areas that have some similarity between them or for linguistic reasons.
[Genesis 47:22] ONLY THE LAND OF THE PRIESTS BOUGHT HE NOT; FOR THE PRIESTS HAD A PORTION ASSIGNED THEM OF PHARAOH, AND DID EAT THEIR PORTION WHICH PHARAOH GAVE THEM: WHEREFORE THEY SOLD NOT THEIR LANDS.
[Genesis 47:23] THEN JOSEPH SAID UNTO THE PEOPLE, BEHOLD, I HAVE BOUGHT YOU THIS DAY AND YOUR LAND FOR PHARAOH: LO, HERE IS SEED FOR YOU, AND YE SHALL SOW THE LAND.
[Genesis 47:24] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE INCREASE, THAT YE SHALL GIVE THE FIFTH PART UNTO PHARAOH, AND FOUR PARTS SHALL BE YOUR OWN, FOR SEED OF THE FIELD, AND FOR YOUR FOOD, AND FOR THEM OF YOUR HOUSEHOLDS, AND FOR FOOD FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES.
[Genesis 47:25] AND THEY SAID, THOU HAST SAVED OUR LIVES: LET US FIND GRACE IN THE SIGHT OF MY LORD, AND WE WILL BE PHARAOH'S SERVANTS.
[Genesis 47:26] AND JOSEPH MADE IT A LAW OVER THE LAND OF EGYPT UNTO THIS DAY, THAT PHARAOH SHOULD HAVE THE FIFTH PART, EXCEPT THE LAND OF THE PRIESTS ONLY, WHICH BECAME NOT PHARAOH'S.
[Genesis 47:27] AND ISRAEL DWELT IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, IN THE COUNTRY OF GOSHEN; AND THEY HAD POSSESSIONS THEREIN, AND GREW, AND MULTIPLIED EXCEEDINGLY.
May we all be so blessed.
VeYigash: Haftorah
Our weekly studies are built on that portion of the Torah being read on the Sabbath in the Synagogue. In addition to the Torah reading a short extract from the Prophets is also read. This is known as the Haftorah. The portion of the Prophets chosen usually has some connection with the weekly portion of the Torah. Usually we do not mention the Haftorah in these studies but this week is a bit different.
The Haftorah for this week is given below followed by Commentary.
[Ezekiel 37:15] THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME AGAIN UNTO ME, SAYING,
[Ezekiel 37:16] MOREOVER, THOU SON OF MAN, TAKE THEE ONE STICK, AND WRITE UPON IT, FOR JUDAH, AND FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HIS COMPANIONS: THEN TAKE ANOTHER STICK, AND WRITE UPON IT, FOR JOSEPH, THE STICK OF EPHRAIM AND FOR ALL THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL HIS COMPANIONS:
[Ezekiel 37:17] AND JOIN THEM ONE TO ANOTHER INTO ONE STICK; AND THEY SHALL BECOME ONE IN THINE HAND.
[Ezekiel 37:18] AND WHEN THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE SHALL SPEAK UNTO THEE, SAYING, WILT THOU NOT SHEW US WHAT THOU MEANEST BY THESE?
[Ezekiel 37:19] SAY UNTO THEM, THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD; BEHOLD, I WILL TAKE THE STICK OF JOSEPH, WHICH IS IN THE HAND OF EPHRAIM, AND THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL HIS FELLOWS, AND WILL PUT THEM WITH HIM, EVEN WITH THE STICK OF JUDAH, AND MAKE THEM ONE STICK, AND THEY SHALL BE ONE IN MINE HAND.
[Ezekiel 37:20] AND THE STICKS WHEREON THOU WRITEST SHALL BE IN THINE HAND BEFORE THEIR EYES.
[Ezekiel 37:21] AND SAY UNTO THEM, THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD; BEHOLD, I WILL TAKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN, WHITHER THEY BE GONE, AND WILL GATHER THEM ON EVERY SIDE, AND BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND:
[Ezekiel 37:22] AND I WILL MAKE THEM ONE NATION IN THE LAND UPON THE MOUNTAINS OF ISRAEL; AND ONE KING SHALL BE KING TO THEM ALL: AND THEY SHALL BE NO MORE TWO NATIONS, NEITHER SHALL THEY BE DIVIDED INTO TWO KINGDOMS ANY MORE AT ALL.
[Ezekiel 37:23] NEITHER SHALL THEY 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 DWELLINGPLACES, WHEREIN THEY HAVE SINNED, AND WILL CLEANSE THEM: SO SHALL THEY BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD.
[Ezekiel 37:24] AND DAVID MY SERVANT SHALL BE KING OVER THEM; AND THEY ALL SHALL HAVE ONE SHEPHERD: THEY SHALL ALSO WALK IN MY JUDGMENTS, AND OBSERVE MY STATUTES, AND DO THEM.
[Ezekiel 37:25] AND THEY SHALL DWELL IN THE LAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UNTO JACOB MY SERVANT, WHEREIN YOUR FATHERS HAVE DWELT; AND THEY SHALL DWELL THEREIN, EVEN THEY, AND THEIR CHILDREN, AND THEIR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN FOR EVER: AND MY SERVANT DAVID SHALL BE THEIR PRINCE FOR EVER.
[Ezekiel 37:26] MOREOVER I WILL MAKE A COVENANT OF PEACE WITH THEM; IT SHALL BE AN EVERLASTING COVENANT WITH THEM: AND I WILL PLACE THEM, AND MULTIPLY THEM, AND WILL SET MY SANCTUARY IN THE MIDST OF THEM FOR EVERMORE.
[Ezekiel 37:27] MY TABERNACLE ALSO SHALL BE WITH THEM: YEA, I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
[Ezekiel 37:28] AND THE HEATHEN SHALL KNOW THAT I THE LORD DO SANCTIFY ISRAEL, WHEN MY SANCTUARY SHALL BE IN THE MIDST OF THEM FOR EVERMORE.
Commentary:
[Ezekiel 37:16] MOREOVER, THOU SON OF MAN, TAKE THEE ONE STICK, AND WRITE UPON IT, FOR JUDAH, AND FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HIS COMPANIONS: THEN TAKE ANOTHER STICK, AND WRITE UPON IT, FOR JOSEPH, THE STICK OF EPHRAIM AND FOR ALL THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL HIS COMPANIONS:
Both the side of Judah and Joseph have HIS COMPANIONS. Amongst Judah there are descendants of the Ten Tribes and amongst Joseph are descendants of Judah.
In our work Joseph we quoted the Commentary of Malbim saying that the above passage indicates that in the future union of Joseph and Judah it will be Joseph who at first will be in the political ascendancy.
The Commentators say on this weeks portion ("VaYigash") that because Judah took responsibility for Benjamin he merited to be given responsibility as part of his Tribal Destiny. From Judah emerges the House of David and future Messiah.
The late Lubavitcher (Chabad) Rabbi on VaYigash.
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[GEN 44:18] THEN JUDAH CAME NEAR UNTO HIM, AND SAID, OH MY LORD, LET THY SERVANT, I PRAY THEE, SPEAK A WORD IN MY LORD'S EARS, AND LET NOT THINE ANGER BURN AGAINST THY SERVANT: FOR THOU ART EVEN AS PHARAOH.
FOR THOU ART EVEN AS PHARAOH : the Rabbi quotes the source saying that Judah meant to say that Joseph is as powerful as Pharaoh and that Judah acknowledges his authority. Because of this Judah merits the Promise in Ezekiel (from the Haftorah) MY SERVANT DAVID SHALL BE THEIR PRINCE FOR EVER. The Rabbi says that in order for Judah to bring on the Messiah and realize the promise MY SERVANT DAVID SHALL BE THEIR PRINCE FOR EVER Judah must first do as the Patriarch Judah did when he CAME NEAR UNTO Joseph and be influenced by Joseph.
The Rabbi then went on to mention how the USA is a merciful state that does kindness and enables the Jews to practice their religion and has good principles. He used the term Chesed meaning kindness. The Kings of the Ten Tribes Kingdom of northern Israel before their exile were also described as merciful kings, kings of chesed (1-Kings 20:31).