Torah Portion: Parashat Miketz
Torah Portion (Parashat Miketz):
Genesis 41:1–44:17
Haftarah:
1 Kings 3:15–4:1
Brit Chadashah (New Covenant):
John 10:22–28
Parashat Miketz – Messianic Jewish Perspective
Torah Portion (Genesis 41:1–44:17), Haftarah (1 Kings 3:15–4:1), and Brit Chadashah (John 10:22–28)
In Parashat Miketz, we find Joseph in Egypt, interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretell seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's wisdom and foresight lead to him becoming second in command in Egypt, tasked with preparing the nation for the coming famine. His brothers, unaware of his position, come to Egypt for food, leading to a powerful moment of reconciliation when Joseph reveals his identity to them. This story of Joseph’s rise to power, his rejection by his brothers, and his eventual role as their savior echoes the larger Messianic theme of redemption.
Joseph as a Type of Messiah
Joseph's life is often seen as a foreshadowing of the life of Yeshua (Jesus). Joseph, once rejected by his brothers, is later revealed as their savior, and this parallels how Israel, having rejected Yeshua, will one day recognize Him as the Messiah. Joseph’s wise leadership in Egypt, storing grain during the years of abundance to prepare for the famine, can be seen as a metaphor for Yeshua, who offers Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35) to quench the spiritual hunger of the world. Just as Joseph’s brothers, after suffering through the famine, came to him for help, so too will Israel turn to Yeshua for redemption in the days to come.
Solomon’s Wisdom and the Messiah’s Justice
The Haftarah reading from 1 Kings 3:15–4:1 highlights Solomon's divine wisdom in judging a dispute between two women, where he discerns the true mother of a child. Solomon’s wisdom in bringing peace and justice to Israel is a clear picture of the future reign of the Messiah, who will rule with perfect justice. Just as Solomon’s judgment caused Israel to marvel at his wisdom (1 Kings 3:28), so too will the Messiah, Yeshua, bring divine wisdom and justice to His people when He returns to rule in righteousness. This messianic justice will bring peace not only to Israel but to the entire world, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6–7.
In the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant), John 10:22–28, Yeshua identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads His flock, offering eternal life and protection. When questioned about His identity, He declares that His works bear witness to who He is, but those who are not His sheep do not follow His voice. Yeshua’s statement that “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27) echoes the relationship between the Messiah and His people. Just as Joseph’s brothers, who had initially rejected him, eventually recognized him and were reconciled, so Israel will one day recognize Yeshua as their true Messiah. Yeshua’s promise that “no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28) reflects the security and eternal life He offers to all who follow Him, just as Joseph secured his brothers’ safety in Egypt.
Connecting the Teachings
The central theme tying together these readings is redemption—the story of Joseph points to the Messiah’s future role in bringing reconciliation and salvation to Israel and the nations. Joseph’s wisdom in preparing Egypt for the famine mirrors the wisdom of the Messiah, who prepares the world for His return, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life to those who follow Him. The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation between Israel and Yeshua, where the Jewish people will one day turn to Yeshua for salvation, just as Joseph’s brothers sought him for food during the famine.
Solomon’s wisdom, showcased in the Haftarah, is a reflection of the Messiah’s divine wisdom and judgment. Just as Solomon judged rightly to bring peace, so will the Messiah judge with perfect righteousness when He returns. The teaching in John 10 reinforces the idea of spiritual nourishment and protection offered by the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). This assurance of eternal life through Yeshua is the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people in both the Torah and the prophets.
Conclusion: A Picture of the Messiah
The intertwined themes of wisdom, redemption, and reconciliation in these readings point to the coming of Yeshua, the true Messiah. Joseph, Solomon, and Yeshua each exemplify the qualities of a righteous leader who brings salvation, justice, and eternal life. Yeshua, as the Good Shepherd, invites His followers to hear His voice, follow Him, and receive the eternal life He offers. Just as Joseph prepared for the famine and provided for his people, Yeshua, as the Bread of Life, provides for the spiritual famine in the world, offering salvation to all who come to Him.
Ultimately, the message of this combined teaching is one of hope, as we await the Messiah’s return to bring justice, peace, and reconciliation to Israel and the world. Just as Joseph’s story was one of ultimate redemption, so too will Yeshua bring about the redemption of His people and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
This summary weaves together the narrative from the Torah, the Haftarah, and the Brit Chadashah, highlighting the Messianic connections that run throughout these texts. Torah Portion (Genesis 41:1–44:17):
Parashat Miketz, which means "at the end," takes place two years after Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt. Pharaoh dreams of seven healthy cows and seven sickly cows, followed by seven healthy stalks of grain and seven withered ones. These dreams foretell seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph, interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, is made second in command of Egypt. He prepares the nation for the famine by storing grain, and when the famine hits, people from all over come to Egypt for food.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 41:14: "Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh."
Genesis 41:25: "Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, 'The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.'"
Genesis 42:6: "Now Joseph was governor over the land. He it was who sold to all the people of the land."
Genesis 42:21-22: "Then they said to one another, 'In truth, we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul when he begged us and we did not listen.'"
Messianic Interpretation:
The story of Joseph is often seen as a type and shadow of Yeshua (Jesus) in several ways:
Joseph as a Savior: Just as Joseph was sent ahead to prepare a way for his family during the famine, Yeshua came to prepare the way for salvation. Joseph's brothers, who rejected him, later came to him for food, much like Israel will one day recognize Yeshua as the Savior and turn to Him.
Joseph's Reconciliation: The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers reflects the eventual reconciliation between Israel and Yeshua. Joseph's brothers, initially guilty of his betrayal, are shown mercy. This mirrors how, despite humanity’s sin and rejection of Yeshua, He offers forgiveness and restoration.
Joseph’s Multinational Influence: Joseph's role in Egypt foreshadows the fact that the Messiah, Yeshua, is not only the Savior of Israel but the Savior of the nations, as He is the bread of life (John 6:35), available to all people.
Haftarah (1 Kings 3:16–4:1):
In this Haftarah, King Solomon demonstrates his wisdom by resolving a dispute between two women over a baby. Solomon, with divine insight, suggests dividing the baby in half, but the true mother immediately offers to give up her claim to save the child. Solomon then declares her the rightful mother.
Key Scriptures:
1 Kings 3:28: "And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice."
1 Kings 3:16-18: "Then two women who were prostitutes came to the king and stood before him."
1 Kings 4:1: "King Solomon was king over all Israel."
Messianic Interpretation:
Solomon’s wisdom points to the Messiah, who will rule with perfect justice and discernment. Yeshua, the Son of David, will return to judge the world with divine wisdom (Isaiah 9:6-7). This foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who will make righteous judgments and restore true justice. The story also parallels the ultimate claim of the true Israel to Yeshua as their King.
New Covenant (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7):
The New Covenant readings focus on the birth of Yeshua. In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an angel who reassures him to take Mary as his wife, for the child she carries is from the Holy Spirit. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel."
In Luke, the birth of Yeshua takes place in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in this humble town. The angel announces the birth of the Savior to shepherds, signifying that the good news is for the lowly and humble.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 1:22-23: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.'"
Luke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel."
Messianic Interpretation:
The birth of Yeshua, the true "bread of life" (John 6:35), echoes the provision of food in Parashat Miketz. Just as Joseph's storehouses provided for the people during famine, Yeshua, born in Bethlehem (which means "house of bread"), provides spiritual nourishment and eternal life to all who come to Him.
Additionally, the birth of Yeshua fulfills the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. He is Immanuel, "God with us," offering His presence, salvation, and guidance in a world of darkness and famine.
Summary:
Parashat Miketz points to the Messiah's mission to save Israel and the nations. The story of Joseph’s rise to power and reconciliation with his brothers foreshadows the Messiah's return to Israel and the restoration of all people through His forgiveness. The Haftarah demonstrates God's wisdom, which will be fully revealed through the Messiah, the ultimate judge. The New Covenant readings, particularly the birth of Yeshua, fulfill the ancient prophecies, showing how He is the promised Savior who brings spiritual life and justice to a broken world. Yeshua is the true "bread" for all people, bringing healing, provision, and restoration.
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