TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 12 VAYECHI

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

Portion Summary
In this twelfth and final portion of the book of Genesis, means "And he lived," referring to the opening verse: "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt for seventeen years" (Genesis 47:28). This portion recounts Jacob's final words, blessings upon his sons, and his death. 

Jacob's blessings are prophetic, speaking to each tribe's future, and reflect the covenant promises YHVH made with Abraham. Joseph also reassures his brothers of forgiveness, and, at the end of Genesis, the stage is set for the journey of Israel that will unfold in the book of Exodus.

In this twelfth and final reading from the Book of Genesis is named Vayechi, meaning "and he lived." This title comes from the opening verse, "Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years" (Genesis 47:28).

In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his passing by giving Joseph a double portion of inheritance and blessing each of his sons with prophetic insights. The Book of Genesis concludes with the deaths of both Jacob and Joseph, along with a promise of future redemption from Egypt.

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OpeningPrayer:
Hebrew:
ברוךאתה אדונאי יהוה אבינו ריבון הבריאה אשרנתן לנו את תורת האמת שלך,משתילבתוכנו חיי נצח באמצעות ישוע משיחנו,ברוךאתה ה'אלוקינואדונאי מלך הבריאה.

broch ata adonai yahva avinu ribon habri'a asher natan lenu et toret ha'amet shlach, mishtil betuchnu hay nitzch be'amtza'ot yeshua mesichanu, broch ata h' elokinu adonai melech habri'a.

English:
Blessedare you Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has givenus your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life throughY'shua our Messiah, Blessed are you YHVH Eloheinu Adonai, King ofCreation.

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Torah
Genesis 47:28–50:26: This passage covers the final years of Jacob's life in Egypt, including his blessing of his sons, his prophetic blessings for the tribes, his death, and burial, followed by Joseph's reassurance to his brothers, the death of Joseph, and the promise of YHVH Aravat's future deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

Targum
Genesis 48:9, 15-16, 21: Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, declaring that they will be counted as his own sons, and invokes YHVH Aravat's guidance and protection over them, particularly Ephraim, who will become the greater of the two.
Genesis 49:3-4: Jacob's blessing to his firstborn, Reuben, rebukes him for his instability and sinful actions, declaring that he will not excel or hold the position of leadership.
Genesis 49:5-7: Jacob's blessing to Simeon and Levi condemns their violent actions, prophesying that their descendants will be scattered and divided among the tribes of Israel.
Genesis 49:8-10: Jacob's blessing to Judah foretells his leadership over his brothers and the coming of a royal line from his descendants, with the scepter not departing from Judah until the arrival of the Messiah.
Genesis 49:19: Jacob's blessing to Gad predicts that Gad will be attacked by raiders but will ultimately triumph and defend himself valiantly.
Genesis 49:27: Jacob's blessing to Benjamin prophesies that his descendants will be fierce warriors, devouring their enemies like a wolf.

Nevi'em
1 Kings 2:1-12: David's charge to Solomon as David nears death, emphasizing covenantal responsibility and the importance of walking in YHVH's ways, echoing Jacob's blessings as he calls his sons to continue YHVH's path.
Ezekiel 37: The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones and the two sticks prophecy, symbolizing the eventual reunification of Israel and Judah under one king, which connects to Jacob's blessings as he sees the future of all Israelite tribes.
Isaiah 11:1-3; 28:16: Messianic prophecies of a future ruler from the line of David, a connection to Jacob's blessings on Judah from whom the scepter will not depart.