Parsha Commentary Study
Va Yigash "And he drew near"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
December, 2009
Torah: Gen. 44:18-47:27
Haftorah: Ezek. 37:15-28
Sugg. N.T.: Luke 6:9-16
Gospels/Acts: Matt. 23-25
Welcome: "Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Tim. 1:2). May divine favor, a full enjoyment of the gifts of the Spirit, a fresh application of grace, renewed faith, fresh fire, new wine, and peace come directly from Yeshua Ha Mashiach and be your portion as you study this week.
Continue onward. You are doing well: "...but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [the prizes of the upward draw: higher degree of spiritual life, new levels of the Spirit, greater illumination in the Word, deeper revelations of the Father's love, intimate fellowship with Yeshua, and ultimately--a crown of righteousness!]" (Phil 3:13-14).
The great apostle Paul was human, confessing he has not attained to Yeshua's full rest, but goes on to affirm his determination to apprehend (faithfully and eagerly partake of) all that YHVH's gift of salvation has for him in this life. The language in the passage points to his experience on the road to Damascus, where he was going to persecute more Believers in the Way. Paul writes that Yeshua had "apprehended" him, stopped his downward course, brought his heart under His glorious grace, and transformed his life. He was thus determined that, having been forgiven, and forgetting the things that are past, to do "this one thing..." He would press forward [aim] to the mark of holiness, the prize of blessedness, and the fulfillment of his high, upward calling of Elohim in the knowledge of Yeshua. To "press" means: (1) to forget the past, and not allowing regrets and failures to depress the heart and ruin hope, (2) to concentrate all energies and resources, making all things contribute to the work of his sanctification, and (3) to remain resolved, and not become lukewarm, or weary in well-doing.
Can we follow Paul's example? He was highly educated, had a choleric temperament, was disciplined, passionate, and persistent. He is therefore a hard act to follow. Not many Saints are like him. Believers have different personalities, constitutions, and experiences which influence their rate and degree of growth in grace. Nevertheless, if any one of us seeks His guidance with a single heart and humility, our Father will customize His ministry to suit our needs and abilities, lead us forward in sanctification, and take us upward into new levels of Spirit and revelation also. "...but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" (Isa. 66:2).
He's calling you upward. Press onward. The high-tide of restoration renewal and anointing is upon us.
Introduction to Va Yigash "And he drew near"
Last week: "And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground" (Gen. 44:14).
It was a cunning plot. The cup of Joseph was found by soldiers in Benjamin's sack, so the unhappy caravan was turned back to Egypt, where Judah would arise as the interceding leader. They "rent their clothes" [an expression of the anguish of one's soul], retraced their steps, and came humbly before Joseph. There they prostrated themselves on the ground before him, which was a token of repentance and submission. They were totally subject to any whim or whimsy of Joseph, knew it, and unashamedly sought his forgiveness and mercy.
Joseph had planned to detain his beloved younger brother, Benjamin, but not just to keep his sibling near. Instead, he intended to test the brothers, to see if they could remain unaffected, unmoved by the prospect of Benjamin's undeserved, harsh imprisonment, as they had been years earlier with Joseph's sale and descent into Egypt. The plan was cleverly designed to unmask and discern the true characters of Benjamin and his brethren, to determine if they were still hard-hearted, and calloused, or genuinely repentant.
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2 Cor. 7:10). The excellent verse, written by Paul to the troubled Corinthian ecclesia, contrasts true repentance, which is godly sorrow and rejection of sin, with the sorrow of the world. The sorrow of the world is not grief/remorse over sin or offenses toward YHVH, but is only regret over sin's consequences, and results in its continuance and eventually in death. Simply, worldly sorrow holds on to sin. True repentance involves a (1) sincere renunciation and detestation of evil, (2) desire for restoration, and (3) deepness of humility, which makes the heart teachable. Repentance brings life. In the Hebrew context, repentance (teshuvah) means: turning around and going all the way back to the beginning.
This week: "Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ear, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh [with power and authority to pardon or condemn]" (Gen 44:18).
Va Yigash shows us of the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, and his reunion with Jacob.
The Torah portion starts out with Judah's supplication before Joseph. Commentators regard his speech as, "one of the masterpieces of Hebrew composition" (Kalisch), and, "one of the grandest and fairest to be found in the Old Testament" (Lange). Perhaps our communication effectiveness could profit from employing these four characteristics found in Judah's comment's: (1) His language was respectful, and humble. (2) His rhetoric was simple, without lofty oration or unnecessary length, but plain, logical. (3) His pathos [the quality of expression that evokes
sympathy and emotion] was effective in describing/picturing Jacob's love for Benjamin, and depicting how devastating it would be for Jacob if Benjamin did not return home. (4) His plea that he take Benjamin's place in chains rather than have his father Jacob die in sorrow, reveals Judah's love, and willingness for self-sacrifice.
"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out" (Prov. 20:5). Judah had been convicted of his participation in the treatment of Joseph, became repentant, turned and came forth as one who could be trusted. He answered Joseph honestly, humbly, and wisely. In so doing he drew forth from within Joseph stored (hidden) sentiments and words of grace that--just as pure cool waters are drawn by reaching deeply into a well--only blessed and understanding words could reach and bring forth. Interestingly, Judah, who had participated in the sale of Joseph into slavery in Egypt, ends up offering himself to Joseph as a slave. What goes around, comes around. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal.6:7). Having spent years wrestling with a troubled conscience over the past, coming to repentance, and then offering to substitute himself in his brother's place, Judah received much grace. His sentence was commuted, accounted as "time served", and the matter was adjourned. Judah was advanced to further service.
"And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face [to prepare ahead of him, or teach] unto Goshen..." (Gen. 46:28). Judah's noble qualities, which had become increasingly evident as time passed, did not escape the attention of Jacob who was learning to admire and trust them. The aged patriarch's confidence and affection for Judah had soared since his handling of the crisis with Benjamin, and he decided to send Judah ahead to Goshen so Joseph could instruct and supply him in assisting the entire family when they emigrated south. The Midrashic interpretation [Rashi] of Judah's purpose in returning early to Egypt adds a second reason for the mission. The word "prepare" is there interpreted as "teach". It implies that Jacob sent Judah down also to make ready a Yeshiva of some sort, a Torah school, in Goshen where the family and its descendants could have consistent, YHVH-centered education which would give them a strong identity in a foreign land, godly instruction, and help prevent assimilation into the heathen culture. This is said to have established a precedent [the authorization or justification for a subsequent act], which is the priority of a Torah education as the soul of Jewish/Israelite nation. [Note: Your (regular) private or group study time is the equivalent of your own Yeshiva, from which you derive life-enriching instruction and exhortation, and that resists the subtle knitting of your soul to the moral fabric of the ever-encroaching value system of this world. Esteem your "yeshiva" time, and stay engaged! ]
"...I will go up and tell Pharaoh...the men are shepherds, for they have been cattlemen; their flocks and cattle..." (Gen. 46:31-32). Joseph had demonstrated wisdom and love for his brethren in his words to Pharaoh. He wanted to be sure his family would be secure in Goshen, away from the corruptive influence of Egypt's heathen society. He therefore established a pattern for the following Israelite generations, that would repress/prevent any attempt on their part to curry favor or grace from ungodly, heathen rulers, or mingling and blending in with them socially. To discourage the monarch from recruiting court officials and dignitaries from the intelligent and gifted family that produced Joseph, he instructed his family ahead of time to inform Pharaoh that they were simply shepherds and herdsmen, occupations the animal-worshipping Egyptians despised. Then, when the interview with Pharaoh came, Joseph selected the least impressive, less robust individuals to speak before the Egyptian leader. Apparently, after listening to the (probably rehearsed and staged) presentation, Pharaoh underestimated (as planned) the brethren, concluded that Joseph was an anomaly, and judged that his family was suited only for shepherding. So, Pharaoh left them alone in Goshen.
"And Israel [the people] dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein [acquired holdings] and grew [fruitful] and multiplied exceedingly" (Gen. 47:27).
Joseph's policy of storing and then selling grain to the Egyptians during the famine cycle gradually impoverished the land's population, but greatly enriched Pharaoh. The resultant poor people, who had gone in seven years from being land-owners to becoming land-leasers, lacked leisure time and disposable income. Therefore they did not have the opportunity to be a threat, that they would have been otherwise, to the prospering Israelites next door in Goshen. This arrangement, whether divinely orchestrated or humanly arranged, contributed to Israel's entrenchment, and the fulfillment of the Word of YHVH to Jacob. "For I will there make of thee a great nation" (Gen. 46:3).
In any case, it must be remembered that Joseph, who was once despised and rejected, was chosen and used mightily by the Almighty to save Egypt and Israel. Apostolic Scripture confirms: "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty; and base things of the world, and things that are despised, hath God chosen, yea, the things which are not, to bring to nought [no effect] the things that are; that no flesh shall glory in his presence" (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
Having read the marvelous account of Joseph's reunion with his family, their rescue from famine, and subsequent positioning and increase in Egypt, we arrive at the confidence that He can use all Believers in a similar way, even if we happen to be of little reputation. As returning Israelites, whose call and desire is to be involved in the restoration of the Tabernacle of David, our confidence is in Him: "...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Accordingly, just as Judah "drew near" to Joseph, with confidence his words would be heard and his mission would succeed, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful who promised" (Heb. 10:22-23).
Joseph and Judah, reconciled and cooperating, were anointed to get the entire family settled in the land. Selah.
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach Ha Kodesh
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Part 3 of 5
"So it was not you that sent me hither, but God [literally, for the Elohim (sent me)] and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt" (Gen. 45:8).
Joseph's brothers conspired and sold him into slavery, but the unseen, powerful hand of Providence had over-ruled circumstances and shaped conditions in order to send him into Egypt to become a saviour/deliverer for his family. [Joseph is a type of Yehsua.] Joseph reveals his devotion for Elohim by recognizing, in the referenced verse, that it was His divine wisdom and guiding presence that controlled and guided the events for the fulfillment of His purpose.
Like Jacob's family, many of YHVH's servants in the Old Testament were at times unknowingly directed by the Spirit. Samson, Saul, David, and even Rehoboam and Jeroboam are examples. The success or failure of their services and lives was, in the end, always determined by their obedience/submission to the Spirit. In the Old Covenant His guidance for people was usually quiet, persistent, and effectual as they were obedient to the Torah/Word of Elohim, and direct, discernable, and stronger when the Spirit would come unannounced (albeit uncommonly) upon individuals. Joseph, a selected person, was an example of both the Spirit's unnoticed leading and conspicuous activity in one's life. The proof of His empowering presence and directive guidance was the ultimate material success and spiritual prosperity of Joseph and his family.
After Israel left Egypt and settled in Canaan, kings replaced judges as Israel moved from a theocracy [a government by direct divine guidance, or by people believed to be divinely led/guided] to a monarchy [the undivided, absolute rule by one person, i.e. a king]. The ministry of the kings of Israel, both of Judah and of Israel/Ephraim, ultimately failed (with several exceptions in Judah) to follow Elohim's kingdom principles and social standards. They did not walk or rule, for the most part, in His statutes. YHVH then raised up anointed prophets, and placed His Spirit upon them to declare His word in Israel and channel His works in the earth. There were many prophets in Israel upon whom the Holy Spirit fell, but we will look at only a few.
"...and Elisha said [in response to Elijah, the mentoring prophet's question, "What shall I do for thee?"] I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee...(2 Kings 2:9-10).
Elijah and Elisha were prophets sent primarily to the House of Israel/Ephraim, the northern kingdom of the divided nation. At the time of their service, neither the House of Ephraim or the House of Judah had gone into exile. They ministered during the reigns of Ahab , Ahaziah, and Jehu. Both prophets were raised up to call the rulers and people to repent of idolatry and return to YHVH. Elijah and Elisha revered Elohim's laws and understood the need for the assistance/empowerment of the Spirit for godly living and for validated, effectual ministry.
Elisha had asked for something--a double portion of anointing upon him--that Elijah, on his own, could neither grant or officially refuse. It was "a hard thing." But he was divinely inspired to give Elisha a sign which would indicate whether or not Elohim would answer his prayer. He would have to actually see the scene of the translation of his master and teacher, Elijah. When the moment came for Elijah to be taken alive to heaven, Elisha's eyes were divinely opened to the unseen world, and he saw the translation. The spirit of Elijah [the charismata, anointing, abiding presence, and power of the Holy Spirit bestowed on, directing and animating the prophet] fell upon (came on) his servant Elisha when he saw, by the Holy Spirit, Elijah his mentor taken into heaven. The presence and work of the Spirit is evidenced by the fact that Elisha was given spiritual sight, a divinely imparted ability to see into the realm of the spirit, what others cannot see. [The spiritual gift of the discerning of Spirits is the New Testament counterpart of this phenomenon.] The mighty works performed through Elisha later, which included a reappearance of "spiritual" sight, are further confirmation of the Spirit being with him, guiding and empowering him. [Note: When the Spirit comes upon a person, the first gift (divine enablement) they manifest or exhibit often remains as their signature gifting.]
The Spirit came upon prophets to enable them to declare Elohim's will and word to the people. Israel had rejected their prophets and were taken into exile before Judah. However, Isaiah warned rebellious Judah that they "were not of [not in accordance with] my Spirit, that they should add sin to sin" (Isa. 30:1). The people refused to listen to the Spirit as He persistently spoke through the prophets. He was ignored. It was becoming clear that the Spirit coming upon selected people would not be enough, and the prophet spoke of the re-occurrence of rebellion, "Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high..." (Isa 32:15).
Micah prophesied during the reign of Hoshea in the northern kingdom just before the people were conquered and carried away by Assyria. "But truly I am full of the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin" (Micah 3:8). The prophet affirms he is anointed to act and speak by the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In his case, the Spirit visited upon him three gifts, or charismata. They were (1) power, force of speech, (2) righteous judgment, in his mind for a righteous message, and (3) might, which was courage. He is a stark contrast to the false prophets who were not visited or animated by the Holy Spirit upon them, and as a result were (1) weak, without omnipotent backup, (2) beguiled, calling good evil, and (3) timid, lacking in confidence. And they failed miserably.
The history of Israel is a story of, among other things, the rise and decline of the active ministry/influence of the Spirit, and concurrent, increasing rule of man in the affairs of the nation. The fall of the Ecclesia into the dark ages can be traced to a similar decline of the rule/governance of the Spirit. It is clear that all the work of redemption through YHVH's servants (as seen in Torah), judges, kings, and prophets before, during, and after the Exile (as seen in the Tanach), is carried forward and completed by the activity of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit must be encouraged to rise only, and not withdraw for any reason. He alone is the source of our power, judgment, and might. He alone can anoint us to stand and declare to the Ecclesia its transgression and call His people to return to the faith of the Nazarene Apostles.
Learn: The Holy Spirit is crucial to our fellowship with Yeshua, for validating ministry with confirming signs and wonders, and in living an over-coming life. Because He alone regenerates and indwells converts, Messianic Believers can come to know the Spirit intimately, even more than did the prophets of old, if we so choose. "...But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16).
Next week we will discuss the Spirit's involvement in the exile of Israel and Judah, and with Judah's return to rebuild the wall and the Temple at Jerusalem.
Knowing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"And they told him [Jacob] all the words of Joseph, which he said unto them..." (Genesis 45:27).
Jacob did not believe the report of the brothers, who had lied to him before. Rabbinic commentary states that Joseph, in anticipation of this, had directed them to relate to Jacob the last Torah topic he and his father had discussed together. When they did, he was convinced Joseph was alive, and "Jacob was revived." He believed their testimony, was spiritually renewed, and happy again. In the next verse he is called Israel, the name that stands for spiritual nobility. Another reason, we can surmise, for Jacob's joy was that his son had remembered his spiritual lessons, the Torah instructions shared by his father, indicating the probability that he was still honoring YHVH.
The words the siblings brought to Jacob revived his soul by imparting knowledge, and hope for the future. In a similar way, an important ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring the Words of Yeshua to our memory in our daily walk. He helps us to remember what we read, and in so doing renews hope, purpose, and faith in disciples on a daily basis. Just as Joseph remembered the Torah lessons he received from Jacob, and kept them in his heart, so the Spirit reminds us and keeps the word of YHVH, the Torah, in our hearts to sustain hope and inspire fresh faith in our daily walk.
The Spirit also distributes to Believers spiritual gifts [See; 1 Cor. 12 and Rom. 12] with which to bless, encourage, comfort, and inspire others. For instance, the gift of prophecy is a great edifier of the people of Elohim, and should be in widespread operation within the Ecclesia. As the words of the returning brothers transformed Jacob's demeanor and life, the right word (rhema) given personally from the Spirit to an individual, or spoken by one anointed, inspired disciple to another can change (for the better) a live forever, in a moment of time. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Prov. 25:11).
Hearing His Voice/Impartation by Communion of the Spirit.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God [Abba, Father], and the communion of the Spirit, be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14). Paul's apostolic blessing invokes the blessing of the communion of the Holy Spirit (an intimate spiritual fellowship) to become a reality in the Corinthian life experience. As we stated last week, "the communion of the Spirit" is intimate fellowship, rapport, cooperation, and mutual participation between the Believer and the Spirit Himself in the fulfillment of prophetic, restoration Scriptures. Below is a list of suggested disciplines/ways by which to develop a holy, reverent familiarity with the Spirit of Elohim that will sensitize and improve one's ability to hear/discern His word/voice.
We know, of course, that the sacred communion between Believer and the Spirit is inaugurated by the new birth [John 3:1-18; 4:29; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; 1 John 3, 4, and 5]. The relationship is then sustained and progressively developed by: (1) a commitment to prayer, (2) reading and study of the Torah, and all Scripture, "...the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2), (3) praise and worship, (4) timely repentance, (5) obedience in our daily walk, (6) the baptism in the Spirit, (7) praying and singing in the Spirit (tongues), (8) operating/functioning at some level, by inspiration and faith, in the gifts of the Spirit, (9) service to the brethren, (10) intercession, (11) receiving fresh outpourings, (12) bearing fruit, and (13) singing the Song of the Lord, (14) waiting/abiding in His manifest, tangible presence, and (15) by the corporate anointing present among sanctified Spirit-oriented, Spirit-enthusiastic companions.
Strengthening our communion with the Spirit, the blessing Paul invoked for his flock, must become a priority for Messianic Believers. Our need in this hour is not to be passively, unconsciously led only [again, this is a stage of our spiritual growth], but to become increasingly aware of the reality and presence of the Spirit, remain in a consciously close union with Him, and come to a spiritual level (enlarged capacity) where we actually know and cooperate with His leading. We are called to the joy of participating with Him, not blindly, but with full spiritual vision and hearing.
Last week the benefit of the communion of the Spirit (voice) mentioned first was revealed in John 14:26, "...the Holy Spirit...shall teach you all things and bring to your remembrance..." The communion/fellowship of the Spirit brings the words of YHVH to the remembrance of the Saints, and illuminates their meaning to their hearts and minds. The next blessing [that which is communicated into the Believer's spirit, and soul] of the communion of the Spirit is found in John 16:14. "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." Believers cannot, in and of themselves, even begin to perceive or comprehend what goodness, virtue, majesty, and advantage there is in Yeshua without the supernatural assistance (enlightening, illuminating work) of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the second holy blessing coming from the "communion of the Spirit" is the revelation (infusion, continuous introduction) to the Believer's consciousness of the glory of the Son, the splendor of His Name, the purity of His holiness, the awe of His majesty, the immensity of His power. "The Spirit Himself bears witness [testifies] with our spirit..." (Rom. 8:16). Because of this, we can begin to know and understand (comprehend) His uniqueness, greatness, and the unspeakable riches contained in Him. To this end, Paul prayed for the Ephesians, that Elohim, "...may give unto you [impart/quicken/infuse/produce by the Holy Spirit through illuminating the Word and/or giving direct revelation] the spirit of wisdom, and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being [divinely] enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what [is/are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints...the exceeding greatness of His power..." (Eph. 1:17-19).
The Holy Spirit parts the curtains of the soul, and begins to bring forth the glorious truths about the eternal, wonderful Person, Yeshua. And here is good news: "But we are all, with an open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18). The glories and treasures hidden in Messiah, and waiting to be revealed, can never be fully fathomed. Therefore, the revelatory work of the Spirit will be from glory to glory, from age to age. Perhaps, with this in mind, we can understand Paul's foremost ambition, who at the end of his ministry was discovering the riches and treasures still hidden in Messiah and wrote, "That I may know Him..." (Phil. 3:10).
The glorification of the Person of Yeshua to the consciousness of the Ecclesia, by the communication of divinely illuminated truth, is an ongoing, progressive process that draws it life from the communion [voice] of the Spirit. The resulting benefit is the (usually) gradual spiritual transformation of the Believer. Again, the inner work progresses from season to season, from change to change, developing the image of Yeshua in the Believer over time. Mysticism, logic, or New Age practices can never accomplish this dynamic, divine, supernatural spiritual metamorphosis. There is no personal relationship or fellowship for anyone with YHVH apart from the Spirit through faith in Yeshua. Trying to access the Almighty (His kingdom, power, peace, and, glory) by circumventing or diminishing the Son is an empty, futile exercise. Only the Spirit of Elohim exalting the Redeemer to the Believer, through saving faith in Yeshua, can awaken the soul to the reality and riches of YHVH. [It must be said, however, that there are instances when the communion of the Spirit is magnified greatly within and upon someone. and the resulting spiritual transformation is instant, powerful, and enduring.]
My comments on John 16:14 will be continued and enlarged next week, for there is much more than needs to be said concerning the verse, and the blessings/benefits/growth that come from the communion of the Spirit with the Believer. As you go into the assigned reading, commune in your heart with the Spirit of Elohim, and listen as He illuminates truth to your mind and magnifies the Messiah.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Va Yigash "And he drew near"
"Give diligence [study] to present yourself approved unto God, a workmen that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). A disciple is a workman. [Workman n. 1. one who exerts strength or faculties to perform, create, or accomplish something; 2. workingman, artisan.]
Before your read, lift up your voice and pray with the psalmist, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" (Psalm 119:18).
Note: The parsha's study Scriptures and the ten questions are (1) the heart of the commentary study, (2) the intended, primary practice exercise for listening to and hearing the voice/word of Elohim, and as such is (3) the expected means/vehicle of receiving personal instruction and confirmation directly from the Spirit of Truth concerning the student's call, Hebraic heritage, destiny, duty, and direction.
Genesis 44:18-47:27 [Torah]: Joseph reveals himself/Welcomes brothers/The return to Jacob in Canaan/Jacob comes to Egypt/Goshen/Famine continues.
Ezekiel 37:15-28 [Haftorah]: End-time prophecy concerning the two groups (Judah and Ephraim/Israel)/Unity and one tree, or nation.
Luke 6:9-16 [New Testament]: Healing on the Sabbath/Choosing the twelve.
Matthew 23-25 [Gospels]: Hypocrisy, Messiah's return, wisdom, and preparation. Relate the teaching and ministry of Yeshua in the Gospel reading to the Torah section.
Study Questions: Keep these questions in mind as you read each week's assigned Scriptures, and ask Elohim to give you fresh, new, inspired insights/answers for every one of them.
1. In your opinion, what is the major teaching or theme of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting/complimentary truth found in the Haftorah?
3. What is the corresponding truth or idea found in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the common teaching/central idea of the entire parsha, as you see it?
5. Relate the entire pasha's main teaching/theme with the assigned Gospel reading. How does Yeshua reflect/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does the week's parsha teach you concerning your Israelite/Hebrew: a. identity, b. birthright. c. heritage, d. destiny, and e. duty?
7. Did the Holy Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-18) anoint and teach you this week? How?
8. Did you experience intimacy/fellowship with the risen Messiah Yeshua this week during study?
9. Do you believe your senses are being exercised/conditioned/stretched/disciplined to discern and respond to His voice/prophetic word?
10. Have you met lately with others to pray, and to practice recognizing and operating in the gifts of the Spirit, starting with tongues, interpretation, and prophecy? What were the results?
Israel
"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 47:13).
Money, as a primary means of exchange, was of little use in Canaan as the famine became unbearable, but Joseph's family (shepherd, herdsmen) was settled in Goshen, the best pasture land of Egypt. Goshen is a type of the Kingdom of God. Although shepherds were looked down upon, even despised, by the Egyptians, Israel nevertheless had the best of what Egypt had to offer. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Mt. 5:5).
"For the Lord will comfort Zion: He will comfort her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody" (Isa. 51:3).
After centuries of Diaspora, Judah is in the land again, and Eretz Israel is blooming just as the prophet declared long ago, even though there are many that still despise and look down upon her. The population of Israel is about seven million people. Approximately eighty percent are Jewish, the rest are mostly Arab Muslims of the Sunni Sect. There are many Christians living in Israel, about one-hundred thousand. They include Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Maronite, and Protestant Believers.
Israel and Jerusalem comprise the spiritual home of the Hebrews/Israelites. [Judah and all the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are Israelites, along with the descendants of the exiled ten tribes, and all grafted-in Believers in Yeshua.] Jerusalem is the capital of the nation, being conquered and established by King David in 1004 B.C., and of course, it is where Solomon's and Ezra's Temples were built. [The Second Temple, constructed in the era of Ezra, was greatly expanded by Herod the Great just before the birth of Messiah Yeshua in Bethlehem.]
When the presence of Christianity became a permanent feature in the Land, the "Common Era" began, and Israel started to be called the "Holy Land". Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem are the most popular sites for Christian tours.
Latter Days
"And God spoke unto Israel [Jacob] in the visions of the night, and said Jacob, Jacob...fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation" (Gen. 46:
2-3).
A long night of exile was soon to come upon Jacob, and he wanted a confirming word before leaving Eretz Israel. Therefore, Elohim visited him to assuage/comfort/assure him that, while he was away from Canaan, YHVH's presence and Shechinah glory would always be with him. Jacob had reason to be concerned about moving to Egypt. His grandfather Abraham had run into peril and difficulty there. His father Isaac had actually been forbidden to descend to Egypt.
["The Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt..." (Gen. 26:2).] Indeed, Egypt had been prophesied as the land of bondage where Jacob's family would remain and grow for four-hundred years. [See. Gen. 15:13.] It's understandable that Jacob would be apprehensive about "signing that lease". Before this visitation, he had received the command, bolstered by the benediction, to be fruitful and multiply. [See: Gen. 28:3.] Jacob had also been informed two other times that he would become a multitude of peoples. [See: Gen. 28:14; 35:11.] But this fresh injunction (command) stirred up foreboding images in his mind. Nevertheless, the Almighty's encouragement renewed his faith, and he went forth, perceiving that the fulfillment of the prophetic promise given to his fathers and him, was unfolding.
"I will go down with you to Egypt and I will surely bring you up again" (Gen. 46:4). Everywhere Israel went, Elohim's divine presence went with them, to preserve them. He was with Judah in Babylon, and brought them back to their homeland. He has also been with the scattered Ten Tribes in their exile, and is bringing them back into His fold, and revealing to them their lost identity and heritage. "I will sift the House of Israel among all the nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth [be forgotten]" (Amos 9:9).
Yeshua will accomplish this great work. "And He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah..." (Isa. 11:12). Messiah will gather His people, and bring the two houses, Judah and Ephraim, back into their ancient homeland and settle them in their tribal regions again. The re-gathering and reconciliation will be culminated at His second coming.
Where are the missing tribes today? "Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over a wall: the archers ...shot at him, and hated him, but his bow abode in strength...by the Almighty who shall bless thee with blessings..." (Gen. 49:22-25). The tribe of Joseph--actually it is composed of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim--occupies the stronger and more wealthy western nations. The prophecy likens Joseph [tribes, descendents] to a vine, not a situated tree, that [runs] spreads out by sending branches and vines elsewhere. The descendants of Joseph as well as the other ten tribes (House of Israel/Ephraim) would be scattered and present in every nation, however, they would be predominant as colonizing countries, having a religious mixture, envied and hated by other nations, powerful, and blessed by the Almighty (to the extent they walked in their divinely given light).
What is in Israel's [the descendents of the tribes, and those grafted into Israel through faith in Yeshua and the second birth] future, before the Second coming? "And thou [Gog and Magog] shalt come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days..." Ezekiel 37:16).
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel.
For years Jewish worshipers at the Cave of Machpelah (Cave of the Patriarchs) have complained about the unreasonable and illegal noise of loudspeakers sounding Muslim calls to prayer in the area assigned exclusively to Jewish worship.
"...those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell" (num. 33:55). Prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and its suburbs. Psalm 122: 4, 6-9.
2. Pray for America (or your Nation).
In Massachusettes, a second grade boy was asked to draw a picture relating to Christmas Day as part of a class assignment. He drew a picture of Jesus on the cross. When the picture was discovered, the child was promptly disciplined by the school, asked to leave class and return home, and required to undergo psychological evaluation. Grace is lifting. National repentance is needed. Psalm 5:1-3. Pray for a third spiritual awakening in the land.
3. Sing the Song of the Lord [Sing a New Song]. Teaching and Exhortation
Prophecy, the exhortative, edifying word from the Lord, is an integral aspect of the new song.
"...that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery , and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: and the Spirit of the Lord shall come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into a different man" (1 Sam. 10:5-6). The aforementioned prophets were in training for the office, and when they met Saul they were fervently engaged in singing/chanting YHVH's praises. This was one way the teacher Samuel refined and acclimated their minds to the prophetic presence of the Spirit. King David had also learned from one of Samuel's schools about metre and psalmody, which readied him to become the "sweet singer of Israel". The prophetic anointing can be upon the singer's words and the instrument's music. Such an anointing came upon Saul when he came into contact with the songs/chants of the prophets, and he was changed into a different man, enlarging his capacity to know and identify YHVH's presence and purpose.
"But now bring me a minstrel. And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand [the Holy Spirit with of power and charismata/gifting] of the Lord came upon him. He said, Thus saith the Lord..." (2 Kings 3:15-16). Elisha, the great prophet of Israel, was picked up and moved prophetically by the song of the Lord, having his mind transformed by the word of the Lord.
"I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you,; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and I will give them a heart of flesh: that they may walk in my statutes..." (Ezek. 11:19-20). Ezekiel, who looked forward to the restoration of Israel, is speaking about the need of both Judah and Ephraim to have a new heart to replace the old one that is hardened [petrified, beyond sentimental capacity] and unrepentant [seared]. They will have a common heart that is open to obedience, loyalty, selflessness, reconciliation and brotherhood. The prophet goes on the declare that this miraculous transformation will be accomplished by YHVH sending the gift of "the new (Holy) Spirit", that will be imparted into his people. This was foretold by Joel also. The Set-apart Spirit came on Pentecost. The great Agent of transformation, the Spirit, was given as prophesied and now perpetually abides with and within the Ecclesia Saints, redeemed Israel. Pentecost provided the Agency [the universal outpouring of the Spirit on YHVH's people] that would transform Believers and begin uniting them in Messiah. With the advent of the Spirit's outpouring, and Israel's spiritual transfiguration (the new birth/regeneration by the Spirit), began the re-gathering, restoration and reconciliation of all Israel, the Tabernacle of David.
"But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (1 Cor. 14:24-25). The prophetic anointing released in praise and worship also impacts unbelievers in certain instances, bringing repentance and conversion, i.e. spiritual transformation.
The prophetic anointing within the Song of the Lord is released when the words are spoken/sung. First, as we discussed last week, strongholds are broken [the anointing breaks the yoke] and spiritual liberation takes place. Secondly, personal transformation occurs. National and individual transformation are both the work undertaken by the Spirit, Elohim Almighty. The evidences include: (1) Newness of spirit replaces the old disposition of rebellion, (2) a heart for unity, i.e. concern for Yeshua's prayer that we "all may be one" manifests, and (3) sensitivity to YHVH's love, gratitude, faith, consecration becomes a noticeable motivation.
Sing your own new "song of the Lord" every day this week. As you incorporate this edifying form of worship into your life, trust Him for a prophetic anointing to come into your song, and bring you comfort, exhortation, even a word of wisdom (direction). Then let doubt be transformed into faith, despair into hope, loathing into love, resentment into forgiveness, fear into courage, confusion into clarity, and weakness into strength. You will be changed, "a little here, a little there", and you will become aware of His "lifting" presence.
Conclusion
"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh. Joseph placed his father and his brethren...and Joseph nourished his father and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. And there was bread in all the land..." (Gen 47:11-13).
Jacob had been introduced to Pharaoh, who was impressed with his age and stature, and asked him how meaningful had been the days of his years. Jacob humbly assessed the quality of his life and answered, " My life is not comparable to the lives of my fathers. They lived more, in the sense that every day of their existence was living, and they were able to carry out their missions under cheerful conditions." [The Stone Edition, pg. 265]
Before he departed from the palace, Jacob blessed Pharaoh. The result of the blessed and anointed patriarch's benediction, and the kindness shown him by the monarch, was Egypt's famine ending after only two years, instead of the seven forecasted by Joseph. ["And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them unto them; and he did it not" (Jonah 3:10). Famine and drought are historically regarded as judgments, but the Holy One can forestall, or postpone them.] Verse 13, and the remainder of the passage, reverts back to the beginning of the famine and Joseph's grain collection and distribution policies. "And Joseph gathered up all the money...and Joseph bought the money [every penny] into Pharaoh's house" (verse 14). Even as the powerful, unchallenged Viceroy of the land, Joseph's loyalty to his Torah training, which accounts for his integrity and honesty, motivated to glorify Elohim, and distinguished his own life and service.
New Testament Living
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil" (2 Thess.
3:3).
As Jacob, Joseph, and the brethren were established by the faithfulness of YHVH, so will we as we persevere in abiding in His grace and in unity with one another. Our confidence is in His faithfulness to Israel, to which we belong, and over whom He is always brooding and moving. He (1) has begun a good work that He will carry on. He (2) intercedes for us in heaven and will obtain all His requests. He (3) has bestowed upon us, and placed within us, His Spirit and will not withdraw His presence or power from His sanctified ones. His faithfulness to all Israel makes us secure, encourages feats of faith, and fill us with joy.
"...no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11). He is busy establishing you, right now, even as you read!
Complete the Ten Study Questions.
Hutch Church D. Min.
BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
