TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 11 VAYIGASH

11 - Torah Portion: Vayigash ("And He Came Near") וַיִּגַּשׁ

Portion Summary:
Vayigash, meaning "and he approached," begins with Judah approaching Joseph to plead for the release of his brother Benjamin. This portion unfolds with Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers, leading to reconciliation and a heartfelt reunion with his family. Jacob and his family then move to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen. This portion highlights themes of forgiveness, unity, and YHVH's sovereignty in using trials to fulfill His promises.

In this eleventh reading from the Book of Genesis is named Vayigash, meaning "and he came near." This title comes from the opening verse, "Then Judah [came near] to him" (Genesis 44:18). This portion describes the dramatic revelation of Joseph's identity and his reconciliation with his brothers. It then recounts the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt and the remaining famine years, setting the stage for the eventual Egyptian captivity of Jacob's descendants.

Torah:
Genesis 44:18-34: Judah's heartfelt plea to Joseph on behalf of Benjamin, displaying a sacrificial love and deep concern for his father Jacob's well-being.
Genesis 45:1-28: Joseph reveals his identity, expressing forgiveness, and assures his brothers that YHVH used their actions for good to save lives during the famine.
Genesis 46:1-34: Jacob's journey to Egypt, where YHVH assures him of His presence and promises to make Israel a great nation there.
Genesis 47:1-13: Jacob's family settles in Goshen, and Joseph provides for his family during the famine.

Targum:
Genesis 44:18-19; 45:13-14; 46:17-21: Expanded details on Judah's plea, Joseph's emotional reunion, and the family's move to Egypt, highlighting deeper historical and cultural perspectives.

Nevi'im:
Ezekiel 37:15-28: The prophecy of the two sticks, symbolizing the reunification of Judah and Israel, relates to Joseph and Judah's reconciliation and the future unity of Israel under YHVH.
Isaiah 55:1-13: A call to seek YHVH and turn to Him, symbolizing the abundant forgiveness seen in Joseph's actions and YHVH's grace towards His people.
Joel 2:1-13: A call for repentance and returning to YHVH, showing that He is gracious and compassionate, similar to Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers.
Micah 5:7-9: Israel's role as a source of blessing among the nations, foreshadowing Israel's growth in Egypt.
Zechariah 9:9-10; 14:2-4: Prophecies of the coming of a peaceful ruler, pointing to Messianic fulfillment and connecting to Joseph's role as a savior to his family and Egypt.

Writings:
Psalm 25:9: "He guides the humble in what is right." This echoes Joseph's humble and forgiving heart, which allowed YHVH to work through him.

Gospels and Epistles:
Luke 15:11-32: The parable of the prodigal son resonates with the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation seen in Joseph's reunion with his brothers.
2 Corinthians 5:1-21: Paul discusses reconciliation, urging believers to be ambassadors of YHVH's forgiveness, reflecting Joseph's desire to restore his relationship with his family.
Ephesians 2:1-10: YHVH's grace in reconciling us to Himself parallels Joseph's grace towards his brothers.
Galatians 3:28-29: Unity in Messiah, breaking down divisions, mirrors the family unity restored in this portion.
Revelation 3:27: A call for overcoming challenges and living in faith, much like Joseph's life of resilience and faithfulness.

Apocrypha:
Jasher 53:31-73; 54:91-110; 55:1-15: Additional details on Joseph's life, Judah's plea, and the family's journey to Egypt, expanding on the Biblical narrative.
2 Baruch 32:1-6: Reflections on Israel's future restoration, symbolizing the hope and survival of Israel's lineage through Joseph's protection.
Enoch 51:1-5: A prophecy of resurrection and renewal, similar to the renewal and unity within Jacob's family.
2 Esdras 13:39-50: Prophecies about the scattered tribes being gathered again, paralleling the family's reunion in Egypt.

Major Themes and Reflections

Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers, despite their betrayal, reflects divine forgiveness and a call to restore broken relationships. Joseph recognizes YHVH's hand in his trials, demonstrating that true forgiveness trusts in YHVH's larger plan.

Reflection: Are we willing to forgive those who have wronged us, trusting that YHVH can work through our hardships for a greater good?

Providence and YHVH's Sovereignty:
Despite the brothers' harmful actions, YHVH's hand guided the events to fulfill His purpose, preserving Israel through Joseph's rise in Egypt.

Reflection: How can we recognize YHVH's work in our lives even through difficulties? How do we maintain trust in His plan during challenging times?

Unity and Restoration of Family:
The reunion between Joseph and his family foreshadows the ultimate unity of YHVH's people. The reconciliation among the brothers represents healing, restoration, and unity among the tribes of Israel.

Reflection: How do we contribute to unity and peace within our families and communities?

Self-Sacrifice and Responsibility:
Judah's willingness to lay down his life for Benjamin highlights the importance of self-sacrifice and responsibility toward family and others. This quality of humility and selflessness is later seen in Messiah.

Reflection: How are we called to act with self-sacrifice, responsibility, and care for those in our lives?

Faithfulness in Times of Abundance and Famine:
Joseph's faithfulness brought provision for Israel during a time of famine. This provision in a foreign land parallels how YHVH sustains His people.

Reflection: Do we rely on YHVH's provision during both good times and difficult times, trusting that He will sustain us?

Preparation for Israel's Future in Egypt:
The move to Egypt signifies YHVH's preparation for Israel's growth into a nation. Though Egypt would later become a place of hardship, it initially serves as a haven where Israel's family could grow and prosper.

Reflection: How do we see YHVH using both comfort and hardship to prepare us for growth and transformation?

Application for Today

This portion encourages us to embrace forgiveness, trust in YHVH's sovereignty, and foster unity in our relationships. Joseph's story challenges us to maintain hope and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem beyond our control. His journey from betrayal to forgiveness and provision teaches us that YHVH can turn situations around for good.

As we study this portion, we're reminded of our calling to be reconcilers—reflecting YHVH's love and forgiveness to others. Just as Joseph's life was marked by humility, resilience, and forgiveness, we too are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, offering grace and forgiveness to others and striving for unity within YHVH's family.

This portion also serves as a powerful reminder that YHVH's plans are far-reaching. Our immediate situations may hold struggles, but YHVH sees the whole picture and uses our trials to accomplish His will. Like Joseph, we can choose to trust, forgive, and walk in faith, knowing that YHVH's plan is at work, even when it's not immediately visible. May we, like Joseph, seek to fulfill our roles faithfully, knowing that YHVH's purpose is beyond what we can see.

Note:
The first woe refers to the tribulation of the nations, and the second woe is the judgment of Israel.

Study Questions:
How does this week's Torah portion relate to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
Which readings did you find most interesting or impactful?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portion?
What is the general theme of this reading, and how does it apply to our lives today?