TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK_12_VAYECHI

12 - Torah Portion: Vayechi ("And He Lived") וַיְחִי

Portion Summary
Vayechi, meaning "And he lived", recounts Jacob's final 17 years in Egypt (Genesis 47:28). This portion contains Jacob's prophetic blessings to his sons, the double-portion inheritance given to Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh, and the deaths of both Jacob and Joseph. These blessings not only shape the destiny of Israel's tribes but also point toward the coming Messiah from the line of Judah.

The book of Genesis closes with this portion, bridging the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with the coming sojourn in Egypt that will set the stage for Exodus.

Opening Prayer
Blessed are You, Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has given us Your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life through Y'shua our Messiah. Blessed are You, YHVH Eloheinu, King of Creation.

Torah (Books of Moses)
Genesis 47:28-31, Jacob prepares for his death, requesting to be buried in Canaan.
Genesis 48:1–22, Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, crossing his hands and giving the younger Ephraim the greater blessing.
Genesis 49:1–33, Jacob blesses his twelve sons, speaking prophetically over their destinies.
Genesis 50:1–26, The mourning and burial of Jacob; Joseph forgives his brothers again and later dies in Egypt, foretelling Israel's future redemption.

Targum (Jonathan – Aramaic Bible)
Genesis 48:9, Jacob blesses Joseph's sons with a future multitude.

Genesis 48:15-16 "The Angel (Mal'akh) who redeemed me from all evil bless the lads," showing Jacob's recognition of YHVH's deliverance.
Genesis 48:21 Jacob affirms YHVH's promise to bring Israel back to the land.
Genesis 49:3–4 Reuben's instability and loss of firstborn honor.
Genesis 49:5-7 Simeon and Levi's scattering due to their violence.
Genesis 49:8–10 Judah's scepter will not depart until Shiloh (Messiah) comes.
 Genesis 49:19 Gad will be attacked, but he will triumph.
Genesis 49:27 Benjamin is a wolf, fierce in battle.

Nevi'im (Prophets)
1 Kings 2:1-12 David charges Solomon before his death, echoing Jacob's final blessings.
Ezekiel 37:15–28 The two sticks prophecy (Judah & Ephraim), foreshadowing reunification.
Isaiah 11:1–3; 28:16 The coming Messianic ruler from Judah's line.
2 Samuel 1:18 Teaching Judah "The Bow," paralleling tribal instruction and legacy.

Ketuvim (Writings)
Psalm 25:9 YHVH guides the humble, like Joseph's forgiving spirit.
Psalm 133:1 "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity," reflecting Joseph's reconciliation.

Gospels & Epistles (Natsarim Writings)
Matthew 5:43–48 Love even your enemies, like Joseph forgave his brothers.
Matthew 6:14–15 Forgive to be forgiven, paralleling Joseph's mercy.
Matthew 10:16 Sent as sheep among wolves, echoing Benjamin's prophecy.
Matthew 15:24 – Y'shua sent to the lost sheep of Israel, tied to Jacob's blessings.
Matthew 18:35 Forgive from the heart, as Joseph did.
Matthew 21:42 The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, Judah's scepter leading to Messiah.
Romans 11 Israel's fullness and Gentile grafting, tied to Ephraim and Manasseh.
1 Corinthians 12:12–31 One body, many members; one Israel, many tribes.
Hebrews 11:21–22 Jacob blessing Joseph's sons by faith; Joseph looking ahead to the Exodus.

Sefarim Hachizonim (Apocrypha & Lost Books)
Jasher 55–59 Expansion on Jacob's final years in Egypt and his blessings to his sons.
Jasher 59:10–16 Joseph's oath to bring Jacob's bones to Canaan.
Jubilees 45–46 Joseph's provision for his family during famine.
Jubilees 50:4–6 The promise of resurrection and covenant continuity through the tribes.
1 Enoch 90 The history of Israel as a vision of sheep, with the tribes blessed and divided.
2 Enoch 69  A vision of blessings and curses on descendants.
2 Esdras 2:18–32 The gathering of the twelve tribes and inheritance of the kingdom.
2 Baruch 78:3–7 Comfort to Jacob's descendants; YHVH will fulfill His promises.