BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Va Yechi "And he lived"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
December, 2009
Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Haftorah: 1 Kings 2:1-12
Sugg. N.T.: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospels/Acts: Matthew 26-28
Welcome: "The grace of our 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). May divine favor, a fresh revelation of the Father's love, holy refreshing, a full working of the gifts of the Spirit, and peace be measured abundantly to you this week, as the Holy Spirit communes with you during your prayer, worship, and study time.
Go forward: "...but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more" (1 Thess. 4:10). In his epistle, Paul is exhorting the saints in Thessalonica to increase and abound in brotherly love, keep the commandments, and mature [continue forward] in their Nazarene faith. It's a good reminder for us as we begin our parsha. As it was with Paul, may all our ambitions be spiritual. Also, may we be motivated (1) to covet the best gifts (for service), and (2) to pray for growth in the working of love. To remain stationary is to lose ground. Therefore, let us urge one another to abound more and more, especially in the greatest virtue, love.
Introduction to Va Yechi "And he lived"
Last week: "And Joseph placed his father and his brethren in the land, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best land..." (Gen. 47:11). In the previous parsha Joseph brought his family to Egypt and gave them a settlement, that is, they were allowed to acquire property. Though Jacob and his house may have been given a district within Goshen, it is possible that they received Goshen itself. In the story, we observed that the weak had been made strong; the seed of Abraham had inherited the "best of the land".
This week: "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years' (Genesis 48:28).
Vayechi is the name of this parashat. It means "he lived", and refers to how Jacob lived the last years of his life in Egypt. The narrative of "he lived" is devoted to the events leading up to and following Jacob's death. The lesson we learn from it is this: True life produces godly, Torah-centered ideals/principles that are lived out, and go forth from one person and are reproduced in the lives of others, bringing forth fruit that remains. If our descendants remain loyal to the ideals and truth that we have demonstrated and passed unto them, we have prevailed, and truly "lived". Jacob "lived' 17 years in Egypt observing his children and grandchildren trained and brought up on the Torah ideals and principles he had taught Joseph, to which he had been faithful, even in exile. Jacob "lived" by remaining loyal to, and exemplifying, Torah truth. In doing so, he lived uncontaminated by the ever-present heathen values of the culture, an inspirational example for his family. Because "he lived" [prevailed], he lives on.
Jacob had lived seventy-five years in Canaan, twenty years in Padan-aram, thirty-three years in Canaan again, and seventeen in Egypt. This tallies to one hundred forty-seven years. He had spent his first 130 years on a rocky pilgrimage, encountering the ups and downs of life, with adversities and numerous struggles. But in the end he reached a place of rest and peace for the evening of his life, and enjoyed for seventeen years (the same length of time Joseph had lived with him) the care and love of his beloved Rachel's first-born son.
"The time drew near that Israel [Jacob] must die" (Verse 29). When Jacob had stood in the court before Pharaoh, his words suggested that he did not expect to attain to the ages of his revered ancestors, Abraham and Isaac. Thus he was not surprised when he sensed the allotted span of his days was drawing to an end, nor was he alarmed at the melancholy prospect of impending death. For many years Jacob had been blessed with the enjoyment of the Almighty's friendship, visitations, provision, protection and salvation so that he would certainly not regard translation into His glorious company, and reunion with his family, as a hardship. [May we all learn to count the measure of our days and apply our hearts to wisdom, which is (1) to live with a continual awareness of our mortality, and (2) continually cultivate our relationship with Yeshua.]
"Bury me not in Egypt; but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place" (Gen. 48:29-30). As Jacob foresaw his end approaching he wanted to leave final instructions with Joseph, and summoned him to his bed. Among his last duties, Jacob ordered Joseph to convey his remains to the family grave-vault in Hebron, which is in Canaan, his family's God-given inheritance. In so doing, he demonstrated his true belief that Canaan was the inheritance of Israel, and that eventually his descendants would return. Joseph affirmed his father's deepest desire with his sincere response. "I will do as thou hast said. And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him" (V. 30-31). The patriarch's last anxiety was removed; his apprehensions were allayed by Joseph's promise and oath.
We can learn from parasha Vayechi ("he lived") some important lessons for life. As did the patriarchs, we too can "live". We can weather storms, endure tribulations, face struggles (as we return to our Hebrew heritage), and still (1) raise up godly generations, and (2) enjoy the spiritual and physical blessings of the Messianic Age--even while in exile--by obedience to the Word and the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). You could thereby also say of Paul, "and he lived".
Paul could teach us some things about living as well. In the epistle to the Philippians he shows us that our quality of life is first, determined by the caliber (character, essence) of our fellowship with the Almighty, and secondly, revealed by our peace and contentment in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. The ability to be content with one's lot is good. However, to be content (self-satisfied) with oneself is not good. Why? Because progress is produced from a sense of insufficiency, which signals there's room for improvement. Paul understood how to live in victory while in need, or when in abundance. He demonstrated that kingdom life could be lived in any circumstance, not by stoicism or force of personality, but by the power and strength given him through his union with Yeshua ha Mashiach. "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4).
We can observe the essence of Vayechi throughout the entire Book of Genesis. The patriarchs and matriarchs lived and grew in fellowship with YHVH during their lives, trusted his Word, passed the promises on to their seed, and so today they continue to "live"! That is, they live on--by their works, fruit, and seed, which have gone forward to bless the earth and bring redemption to mankind.
The Torah reading concludes with: Ephraim and Manasseh, prophecy over the brethren, Jacob's death and burial, final issues with the brothers, and Joseph's death. [Joseph would be restored to Shechem, from where he had been taken. He was a type of Messiah, in that like Messiah, he was distinguished by (1) his father's love, (2) his harmless, undefiled character, (3) his divine communications {Yeshua had he fullness of the Spirit}, (4) his unjust, undeserved abuse and mistreatment, and (5) by his exaltation as viceroy of Egypt and ascendancy in his family.]
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach ha Kodesh
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Part 4
"And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz, in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, and said to me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land unto thy seed...And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh...they shall be mine..." (Gen. 48:3-5).
Jacob had become an old man on his sick bed. He summoned Joseph, and reminisces of the early years and the visit of El Shaddai, and requests that his grandchildren be brought to him. Joseph may have had more children after Jacob had arrived in Goshen, and if so, his father would have been aware of it, but he asked for and directed his prophetic comments to Ephraim and Manasseh. "They shall be mine." It meant that Jacob considered them as his own sons, and gave to them an equal position in his family, commensurate with the original twelve sons. The first-born's double portion birthright, of which Reuben had been deprived (1 Chron. 5:1), was given to Joseph in the persons of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Jacob proceeded to prophetically bless the lads by crossing his arms and placing his right hand on the younger son, Ephraim, and his left hand upon Manasseh. First, the blessing upon Ephraim was that he would become the greater, a multitude of nations. Secondly, the blessing on Manasseh was that he would become a multitude of people, a nation, and would become great. Thirdly, the boys' mutual blessing was that both would of have spiritual influence over others. Fourthly, the blessing upon Joseph was the prophesied pre-eminence of his sons, the names of the Patriarchs associated with them, and their adoption/inclusion into Jacob's family by divinely inspired fiat [decree, command]. "My name [Israel] shall be named upon them, and the name of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac" And the double portion of blessing and increase was also for his descendants. "Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren , which I took [probably by his armed sons who had taken possession of the town, put it to the sword, and seized control of the district] out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow."
Finally Jacob, on the brink of death, directed his faith on the sure word of promise, and declared to Joseph that he would remain in Egypt under divine care until YHVH brought His people up again to Canaan. "Behold, I die; but God shall be with you, and bring you out again into the land of your fathers."
Elohim did remain with Israel, and eventually settled them in Canaan as He had promised. At first Israel was ruled by a theocracy, but later by a monarchy, by kings. YHVH also sent prophets to exhort, encourage, and warn the nation's leaders and populace. Following the reign of Solomon, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, or houses: Judah and Benjamin in the South, and the remaining ten tribes, led by Ephraim, in the north. Both the northern and southern kingdoms fell to apostasy, refused to listen to the prophets, and were driven from their land. The northern kingdom was over-run and carried away by Assyria, and the southern kingdom was defeated and taken into exile in Babylon. But YHVH was watching over the scattered Israelites, both the northern [Gen. 49:22-26; Deut. 7:6; 28:1-14; 33:13-17; Amos 9:9] and southern kingdoms, throughout their exiles, and raised up and anointed/empowered prophets to speak His word to them.
In the time following the scattering of the ten tribes by Assyria, and during Judah's dispersion and exile, Ezekiel was an Old Testament prophet whom the Spirit came upon and empowered to prophesy and minister to both the northern and southern kingdoms. He had a unique and varied ministry. (1) He had visions. "And I looked, and behold, a whirlwind came out of the north..." (1:4). (2) He was translated by the Spirit. "So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away..." (3:14). (3) The prophetic Word came to him. "And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying..." (6:1). (4) The power of Elohim fell on him. "...that the hand of the Lord God (YHVH Elohim) fell there upon me." (8:1). (5) He spoke prophetically of Messiah also. "And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them...and I the Lord will be their God...and I will make a covenant of peace with them..." (34:23-25).[See also: Isa. 11:11; Jer. 23:1-3.]
In the Old Testament we see again and again the Spirit bringing enlightenment, vision, power (miracles), and inspiration (words of correction and encouragement) to his elected servants, kings and prophets. During the exile of Judah the Spirit and the Word of Elohim acted together, as seen with Ezekiel, to declare the reason and purpose of their judgment, and bring hope for a future to the bewildered Jews. "And the Spirit of the Lord (YHVH) fell upon me, and said unto me..." (11:5). The Holy Spirit caused the prophet to speak Elohim's mind, His Word to the House of Israel. The coming of the Spirit upon the prophets, and the ideas/mind/word of YHVH were simultaneous occurrences. What Ezekiel described as "the word of the Lord came unto me", Micah (an earlier prophet from Judah) described as, "truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord )YHVH)...to declare..." (Micah 3:8). Power for prophetic speech was, and is, a common purpose for the coming of the Spirit upon someone.
The Holy Spirit was active in the return of Judah to Israel, and in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. [Note: He remained engaged with the scattered northern kingdom in their multiplication and migrations. Amos 9:9; Hos. 1:10;2:23; 3:5; 14:1-7.] He has also been active in the past 2000 years, as well as today, in awakening, restoring, and re-gathering the dispersed descendants of the ten tribes, the descendants of the House of Ephraim/Israel, through faith in Yeshua and the New Birth. See: Isa. 11:11-14; 32:15; 44:1-5; 59:20-21; Jer. 31:18-20, 31-40; 33:7-8; 50:20; Ezek. 36:24; 37:14; 39:25-28; Hos. 1:10; 2:23; 3:5; 14:1-7; Obad. 17-21; Joel 2:28-29; John 3 and 14; Acts 1 and 2.]
After the remnant of Judah returned from captivity in Babylon, YHVH's plan was to restore them to prosperity and security in His Torah culture, and He sent two prophets into their ranks to encourage them, and remind them of their need for the Spirit to assure success. He spoke through His prophet Haggai that His Spirit would "remain among them" (Haggai 2:5). Further, Zechariah assured the leaders and the people that they must not fear the opponents of the rebuilding of the Temple, for it was the Spirit Who was working with them. The prophet declares that every enemy, every mountain of resistance to YHVH's plan, will be removed, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit [the manifold operations of the Holy Spirit] says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech. 4:6). What the post-exilic prophet spoke to the builders of the Second Temple, he speaks to us today. Zechariah shows us how to get things done. Then and now, it is always by the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 is our paradigm for success, and Elohim is raising up Messianic Believers who are ready to return to the original model.
1. Starting with creation, the Holy Spirit has been active throughout the Old Testament in carrying forward YHVH's plans and purposes in the earth. When the Spirit lifts from a person, or departs a nation, abject failure is the result.
2. The Holy Spirit brings power, enlightenment and prophetic proclamation. His abiding presence is known/observed by His anointed people's (Israel's) effectiveness and success.
Power is indispensable. Crowds, traditions, liturgies, organizations, and programs are good, but are not enough. Eloquence and talent are not enough. Even the letter of truth is not enough. We need more, and must look higher. Our need is, "by My Spirit". We (and what we do) must be quickened from heaven, from above, that our work and worship is robust, sincere, and true, pleasing to Elohim and profitable to His people, Israel.
Next week: Old Testament visions of the Spirit's future work.
Knowing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"And Jacob called his sons and said, gather yourselves together that I may tell you which shall befall you in the last days" (Genesis 49:1).
Jacob spoke the Spirit's inspired benedictions (YHVH's Word) over his twelve sons, prophesying the fate of their descendants in the last or future days, which is translated literally as, in the end of the days. His words spoken over the boys were adapted, customized to each lad's peculiar character and nature, and constitute a prophetic treasure which would be providentially preserved in Scripture. These benedictions (and those given by Moses in Deuteronomy 33) have stirred hope and faith in generations of Israelites which have followed the Patriarchs, and today they help us identify the cast off and exiled ten tribes of the northern kingdom. [They would migrate, become a multitude, produce strong nations, be repentant, be forgiven, re-born and baptized in the Spirit, and return to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the latter days.]
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God [Father, Abba], and the communion [intimate fellowship; sharing; rapport; communication; companionship] of the Spirit, be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14).
Hearing the Spirit and declaring His words at the right time, to the right people, is an essential spiritual practice, and necessary for the functioning of the Ecclesia in restoration ministry. This fact emphasizes the importance of maturing in revelation knowledge (1) of the Son, Yeshua, (2) of the Father's love, and (3) the communion of the Spirit, which is the fullness of intimate fellowship, union, sharing, and communications that can exist between the Holy Spirit and earnest disciples of the Messiah.
We have already discussed earlier what the communion of the Spirit is, and how we enter into and sustain the relationship. As you know, it begins with faith in Yeshua, the new birth by the Spirit, and obedience to the Word of God. The enrichment, the blessings that come forth from fellowship with Him include the communication of Yeshua's words [Mark 13:9-11], revelation of the glory of the Son, and progressive spiritual transformation as His truth/voice is quickened and assimilated into the soul. And there's more.
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God [Abba, Father] is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which [Who] is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).
In the passage from Romans Paul refers to the tribulations of life being common to all men. He affirms that there is in them a supernatural benefit for Believers, a sure profit that works for us as we obey the truth, submit to divine guidance, and trust in the Father's wisdom and love. That immeasurable blessing is the love of the Father that is placed into our recreated, regenerated spirits (hearts) through faith in Messiah.
"The love of God" is a gift, given by divine grace, and it becomes the possession of the true Believer in Yeshua. It is to be: appropriated, cherished, discerned, experienced, yielded to, and enjoyed. It is Elohim's intent that we have our hearts filled with the riches of His love, which is to become our motivation (spiritual influence) for service and godly activity. The Spirit (1) bestows the glorious love of the Father, revealed in Messiah, into our hearts (spirits), and (2) illuminates (communicates, reveals) to our souls His love's reality and power. "The Spirit witnesses with our spirits." Our heavenly Father wants us to sense, experience, be consciously aware of His love flooding our hearts through the presence of the Spirit, that we can rejoice and be strengthened by the revelation, and made secure in an unstable world of superficial, unsteady relationships. The internal legitimate knowledge (consciousness) of the genuineness of His "agape" love for us individually, communicated into us by the Spirit, produces the assurance needed within each Believer of his (a) sonship and (b) importance to Elohim. In this way, jealousy, vexation, insecurities, and comparisons are removed from the Ecclesia. Thus, each Saint's place in Messiah is confirmed, and we endure distresses and trials more hopefully unto transformation and victory. The life-changing, personal revelation of the Father's love is the fourth blessing coming forth from the communion of the Spirit. It is a divine revelation that has brought healing and renewal to many, many Believers.
Read the Word and, like Jacob, exercise faith. Be attentive to His inspiration rising within you. "...and He will tell you what is yet to come [as He did with the Patriarchs]" (John 13:13). The Holy Spirit guides us and shows us things that are to come. [See: 1 Cor. 12:8.] He will give you words of knowledge and wisdom for yourself, and to speak to others. You and I do not need to live in the dark concerning His plans for us. He speaks to us wisdom and knowledge so we can help ourselves and others prepare for the days ahead.
And begin to pray for a greater revelation of the Father's love.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Va Yechi "And he lived"
"Give diligence [study] to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:25). A disciple is one who carefully studies and emulates the words and ways of his/her teacher, a follower. A disciple is a convinced adherent of a teacher and his teachings.
Start your reading and seeking with the psalmist's prayer: "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 from which you can be the most enriched. They are (2) the intended, primary medium of practice (exercise) for listening to and hearing the voice/word of Elohim, and as such are (3) the expected means by which the Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, exhortation, and instruction.
Genesis 47:28-50:26. [Torah]: Jacob's last days/Ephraim and Manasseh/Jacob prophesies over his sons/Death of Jacob/His burial at Machpelah/Joseph's brethren/Joseph's assurance/Death of Joseph.
1 Kings 2:1-2. [Haftorah]: David charges and blesses his son, Solomon. Consider the power, the impact of anointed, inspired words spoken over a person.
1 Peter 2:11-17. [New Testament]: Prophesy according to your measure of faith. Jacob was a man of faith. Read and exercise your spiritual gifts. Prophesy by inspiration and faith. Do not fear mistakes. You will learn from them.
Matthew 26-28. [Gospels]: Includes the last supper, crucifixion, resurrection, and Great Commission.
Study Questions: Keep these questions in mind as you read each week's assigned Scriptures, and ask Elohim to give you fresh, inspired answers (insights) for each 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 similar/corresponding idea is revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the common teaching [central truth] of the entire parsha as you see it.
5. Relate the main teaching of the three parsha readings with the assigned Gospel reading. How does Yehsua reflect/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What do this week's parsha Scriptures teach you about your Israelite/Hebraic: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, and e duty?
7. How did the Spirit of Truth [John 14:15-18] anointand teach you this week?
8. Have you experienced intimacy with the risen Saviour Yehsua during study and prayer this week? Explain.
9. Are your senses being exercised (conditioned, disciplined) to discern and respond to the Spirit's input, His prophetic voice?
10. Have you met lately with others to pray, and to practice operating in the gifts of the Spirit? What were the results? Pray for the inspiration gifts to begin to manifest. They are tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy. This is a good place to begin.
Israel
"...and God shall surely visit [remember] you, and bring you [the generations and the remains of the brothers] out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Gen. 50:24).
The Chumas Commentary, Stone Edition, states that Joseph had learned from Jacob during his last moments of life that a redeemer would come to the enslaved Israelites in Egypt. He would inform them that God had said, "I [Elohim's Name] have indeed remembered you" (Ex. 3:16). The idea conveyed is that after a long period--when it seemed that the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had forgotten the people--He would manifest His presence and power, as if He was remembering them again. The "password" (the sign of impending deliverance/redemption) was given to the leaders to be handed down to future generations. The chosen, sent redeemer would speak these words and the leaders of that generation would know him. Evidently, no one but Moses himself ever spoke the term/phrase before the time for Israel's deliverance from Egypt arrived.
Joseph died at one hundred and ten years old. He was embalmed and put in a coffin, i.e. a mummy case made of sycamore wood. After 360 years, at the time of the Exodus, his remains were removed and carried eventually into Canaan where he was entombed in a sepulcher in Shechem. Today Shechem is called Nablus, a commercial and industrial town of 75,000 residents. It is the largest town on the West Bank, and a center for Palestinian nationalism. Nearby Hebron was the burial place of Joseph's ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah.
Hebron is among the world's oldest cities. It a town of 70,000 people, is considered one of the four Jewish holy cities [Jerusalem is foremost], and has a large Islamic center. It also has a reputation for violence. It was here that Abraham entered into his covenant with Elohim. It is in Hebron that Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah, the patriarchs and matriarchs--founders of the Israelite Nation--were buried. David, King Saul's successor, made Hebron his first capital before moving to Jerusalem seven years later.
Hebron was populated by an unbroken Jewish presence for many centuries, up until 1929. At that time Arabs besieged the Jewish quarter and killed 67 people and forced the remaining residents to flee their homes. In 1967, following the Six-Day War, Jews returned and created the Kiryrat Arba district. In 1980, Jewish students coming out from the Cave of Machpela were ambushed by Arab gunmen, killing six and wounding seventeen. In 1993 and 1994, following the Israel-PLO accord, there were more attacks on Jews, who at times responded in kind against Arabs in the Hebron area. Nevertheless, the Cave of Machpela is considered a place of prayer for both Jews and Muslims.
Latter Days
"But as for you, ye thought evil against against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen. 50:20).
Joseph had come to understand YHVH's plan in his exile in Egypt. He reassures his brethren, that whatever their motive was, Elohim had been, from the beginning, processing and evolving the events and circumstances for the family's preservation, multiplication, and eventual deliverance back to Canaan. By divine providence, everything had turned out for fledgling Israel's benefit and welfare.
Following Joseph's death, Jacob's (Israel's) family grew. The tribes actually became a nation during their four hundred years of bondage in Egypt, their deliverance, and coming into covenant with YHVH at Sinai. The twelve tribes remained a theocratic nation while wandering forty years in the wilderness, conquering and settling in Canaan, and through the period of the Judges. Later, the Nation of Israel became a united kingdom ruled by monarchs, selected kings. The United Kingdom lasted about 120 years and was ruled by Saul, David, and Solomon. During the reign of Rehoboam (Solomon's son) the United Kingdom was conflicted, and in 931 B.C. was divided into two kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, with ten tribes dominated by the tribe of Ephraim, was in the north. It was ruled by Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah. Jeroboam set up idol altars in Bethel and Dan, and caused Israel to sin and fail. The Southern Kingdom of Judah, consisting of two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, occupied the south. It was ruled by Rehoboam. The Kingdom of Israel has never been reunited. However, the process of restoring the fallen Tabernacle of David (Kingdom of Israel) is underway.
Jeroboam turned the Northern Kingdom, or House of Ephraim/Israel, into a thoroughly idolatrous culture, and as a result it was weakened, exposed, and conquered by Assyria, and taken into captivity in 722 B.C. Eventually, the "lost ten tribes" were scattered, emigrating to the nations/foreign lands. The Northern Kingdom/House lasted 209 years. The Southern Kingdom, Judah, was conquered and taken in to captivity in Babylon in 586 B.C. It lasted 345 years, 136 years longer than did the House of Ephraim/Israel.
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, never returned en masse to the land of Canaan/Israel from its Assyrian captivity, or from its migrations. However, the Southern Kingdom did return to Eretz Israel, and under the supervision and encouragement of anointed leaders and prophets, built the Second Temple, resettled Jerusalem, and returned to Torah-based worship. The Southern Kingdom, the House of Judah (Jewish people), has remained the only recognizable people of Israel, like the tip of an iceberg, so to speak. But today many Believers who are not from Judah (not Jewish) are claiming Israelite heritage also. They are the dismissed descendants of the house of Ephraim, the forgotten ten tribes. When the Believers of the house of Ephraim are recognized, the underwater, unnoticed part of the iceberg will start coming into view. Then Israel will be seen as much larger than had been originally thought.
For years the lost sheep of the House of Israel were considered to be irretrievible, existing only among the small, remote enclaves of people discovered from time to time who retained vestiges of Hebrew/Jewish culture. But in these latter days the Holy Spirit is awakening many Believers around the world to their Hebraic heritage and calling them back to reentry into the Torah. Scripture informs us that these descendents of the "lost tribes"--though some small numbers may be found in remote recesses of various Middle Eastern, Asian, and African countries--would be numerous, and found in populated, prosperous, powerful nations, and figure prominently among Spirit-filled Believers, i.e. the Church/Christianity. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Rom.8: 14-16). The Holy Spirit is the gift of Elohim to Believers. He is the Spirit of liberty. He is also the Spirit of adoption. This does not suggest merely an external relationship. It clearly implies a transformation of heart and mind, of character, of life, of spirit that when realized results in the cry of Abba (my personal Father) rising from the affectionate, grateful, joyous hearts of those who were not His people, but who now are His people.
After the Northern Kingdom was captured and dispersed, the Prophet Hosea who foresaw this day, said of them, "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered; and it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people [Lo Ammi], there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God [Ammi]" (Hosea 1:10).
Paul refers to them, the Lo Ammi who became Ammi, in his Epistle to the Romans. The Spirit, as prophesied in Joel 2:28-29, had been poured out on them and they had been brought back into covenant [Jer. 31:31-33] with their Elohim. As a "Spirit" people, Paul exhorts them, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [people, "ammi"] of God" (Rom. 8:14). Stay in the Spirit.
[See: Genesis 12:1-2; 15:1-6; 17:1-3, 15-16; 26:4-5; 28:14; 46:3; 48:3, 15-22; 49:22-26; Deut. 7:6; 28:1-14; 33:13-17; Jer. 31:31-40; Hosea 2:23; 3:5; 14:4-7; Joel 2:28; John 3 and 14; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 3:2, 33-15, 28-29.]
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel.
Israel is close to God's heart. "He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all his saints; even the children of Israel, a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 148:14).
"This is the way you shall bless Israel. Say to them, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Nu. 6:23-26).
2. Pray for America/Pray for your Nation.
Repentance for all iniquity. 1 John 1:9-10. Petition for those in authority to perform godly judgment and justice. See Proverbs 21:1-3. "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water; he turneth it whithersoever he will."
3. Sing the Song of the Lord [New Song]. Teaching and Activity
"And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir, son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph's knees" (Gen. 50:23).
Joseph lived at peace in Egypt as his family grew around him. Machir's sons [Nu. 26:29] would be among the fourth generation that YHVH had promised Abraham would see His redeemer and be liberated from the house of bondage. "And also that nation, whom they serve, I will judge...but in the fourth generation they shall come hither again..." (Gen. 15:16). The word of wisdom given to Abraham, and the means of identifying Israel's deliverer confided by Jacob to Joseph, provided hope and a clue to sustain His people during their time in servitude.
The Song of the Lord [New Song] is inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophetically anointed, embodies the mind of YHVH, and supplies hope and needed information. It can impart exhortation, encouragement, comfort, and/or instruction. In 2 Kings 3:3:15-19 we have an example. Elisha requests a minstrel to assist Him, and the Word of the Lord (supernatural revelation) comes upon him concerning his enemies. "But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord [the power of the Spirit of God] came upon him."
Music and song skills were taught/developed in the schools of the prophets which were in operation during the days of the kings. [1 Sam. 10:5; 1 Chron. 25:1-3.] Music was often employed in prophetic ministry to quiet and sooth the soul, help the listener to forget earthly distractions and other external pressures, and waft the person into a relaxed, peaceful state-of-mind most open and receptive to heavenly influences. David's playing on the harp relaxed and refreshed Saul, and also drove away the evil spirit that tormented him. [1 Sam. 16:23.] It is not difficult to perceive that the playing (and singing) of skilled musicians had a soothing and effective affect in general on the prophetic gift, and would lift the prophets above the stir of the world and allow them to concentrate their hearts and minds on the voice of the Spirit Who would communicate divine timely messages to them.
Elijah was angered with the three kings who had come to see him for counsel and prophetic guidance concerning their warfare. They had started their campaign in the power of their flesh and with carnal understanding, but when their available water supplies ran low and they faced defeat, they retreated to YHVH for military advice. Elisha ignored the king of Edom, rebuked Jehoram, the ungodly King of Israel, but had a measure of respect for Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. Therefore, he called for a minstrel to play and calm his aggravated soul so he could be brought into a more suitable, peaceful, receptive disposition for the Spirit to come upon him, and deliver His word.
The kings received their prophetic instructions/guidance that came forth to the prophet Elisha, who heard the Spirit while under the anointed music. Elohim promised (1) water and (2) victory over Moab for Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and the king of Edom, and provided them with a strategy. The visiting kings were greatly encouraged, and went forth to follow the prophet's instructions with renewed faith and vision. The divine orchestration of the forecasted favorable circumstances began to take place the following morning when the meat offering was offered at sunrise, the time of the early sacrifice. Please read the account.
The anointing upon inspired, prophetic music and song motivates love-based labor and animates the saints to warfare. The song of the Lord that flows in anointed music releases to the listener the mind of the Lord concerning life, conduct, and conflict. It thus stirs faith, renews vision, provides direction, and prepares the spirit and soul for discerning and acting on the word of the Lord. Elisha's words, which came forth under the sweet music of the harpist, were instructive words of wisdom, promising victory and strategy for the beleaguered kings. Singing inspired prophetic songs while playing music is a ministry in which everyone in the Ecclesia (Congregation of Israel) is encouraged to participate.
[By the way, we can learn a lesson from King Jehoram of Israel (not Judah). Scripture says, "And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord, but not like his father and his mother...he put away the image of Baal...nevertheless he cleaved to the sins of Jeroboam..." (verse 2-3). This is a mix, typical of Ephraim/Israel. In short, Jehoram was lukewarm, a compromiser. Half-"repentance" is not complete repentance. Jehoram was half-hearted, and this is rebuked from Genesis to Revelation. Half-heartedness and luke-warmness contain within them the virus of weakness and failure. These undesirable qualities anger YHVH, invite demonic activity, and cause weakness and defeat.]
Sing Numbers 6:23-26 over Israel, the people, and the land, all week.
Conclusion
"So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt" (Gen. 50:26).
Joseph had a remarkable, varied life, and faced many difficult and challenging circumstances, not all of which he deserved. Despite his righteousness, Joseph had his troubles. His bondage in Egypt was primarily the result of his brothers' resentment of his godly life. His resistance of temptation resulted in his undeserved imprisonment. Yet, by faith in the Almighty One, he remained strong, steadfast in his character and demeanor during all his trials and triumphs. Misfortune, it seems, finds everybody at one time or another. Joseph rose to prominence in the end, but when his race was run and he died, all his wealth and royalty were left behind. Others came and took his place, his power, and his privileges. So we ask, after our lives are over, no matter what estates we rose to or descended from, what is left? 1 Corinthians 13:13 gives the answer. "And now abideth [remain] faith, hope, love, these three [and what they produced in life]..."
New Testament Living
"Faith alone, without corresponding actions is dead" (James 2:17). ["Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." [ King James Version]
The Patriarchs learned that a relationship with the Almighty was all about faith. Joseph demonstrated his convictions through corresponding actions of faith. We observe in the lives of the heroes of Genesis that it was the virtue of active faith in YHVH that opened for them the doors to His visitation, victory, provision, the blessing in their lives and generations. We can learn from them because in their history we observe times and seasons when:
1. They progressed in Spirit and Truth --by faith. [Heb. 6:1-3]
2. They prayed, built altars, and received answers--by faith. [Gen. 12:8]
3. They perceived His voice and obeyed--by faith. [Gen. 12:1-3]
4. They prophesied (and interpreted dreams)--by faith. [Rom. 12:6; Heb. 11:20-22]
5. They pleased Him--by faith. [Heb. 11:6]
6. They persevered in trials and troubles--by faith [Heb. 6:12]
7. They produced a nation--by faith [Gen. 46:1-7]
8. They were perfected in character--by faith. [1 John 4:12]
"Now the just shall live [eternally, and abundantly] by faith [trust and dependence upon Elohim]..." (Heb. 10:38).
Va Yechi, "and he lived", is the title of our parsha, and it refers to the dynamic, over-coming quality of Jacob's life. What, then, made his life worthy, in the Spirit's sight, to be described as "he (really) lived?" He learned to live by faith and dependence in Elohim.
With that is mind, we conclude our Genesis-Matthew volume of the yearly parsha schedule with this exhortation: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:1-2).
Complete the Study Questions.
To be continued.
Hutch Church, D. Min.
