Torah Portion: Parashat Vayeshev (“And he settled”) JOSEPH & CONNECTION TO THE MESSIAH, HA'MASHIACH BEN YOSSEF
Updated: 6 days ago
Torah Portion (Parashat Vayeshev):
Genesis 37:1–40:23
Covers the story of Joseph, including:
His brothers’ jealousy and betrayal.
Joseph being sold into slavery.
His time in Potiphar's house.
The events leading to his imprisonment and his interpretation of the dreams of the baker and the cupbearer.
Haftarah Reading:
Amos 2:6–3:8
Focuses on God's judgment against Israel for their injustices, such as selling the righteous for silver, and emphasizes God's call of TESHUVAH REPENTANCE to His people.
Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"
Amos 3:7-8, “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?”
New Covenant (Brit Chadashah) Reading:
Acts 7:9–16
Stephen recounts the story of Joseph, emphasizing:
His rejection by his brothers.
God’s faithfulness in raising Joseph to prominence in Egypt to preserve his family during a famine.
Other Messianic readings that may complement the portion:
Matthew 1:18–25: The story of Joseph the father of Yeshua (Jesus) in the New Testament.
Romans 8:28–39: Emphasizing God's ability to work all things together for good, a theme echoed in Joseph’s story. Introduction
Parashat Vayeshev (“And he settled”) covers Genesis 37:1–40:23. This portion marks a turning point in the story of the patriarchs, focusing on Joseph, Jacob’s beloved son, and the trials he faces. Joseph’s narrative is filled with themes of betrayal, divine favor, prophetic dreams, and redemption.
Joseph's dreams and visions have a prophetic meaning, Joseph’s life foreshadows Yeshua
as the Messiah, HA'MASHIACH BEN YOSSEF. His life was prophetic and parallel to what Mashiach ben Yosef and ben David, Yeshua would go through AS PEOPHECIED IN ISAIAH 53.
Joseph's journey from being the favorite son of his father to being sold to slavery by his brothers, his dreams, and his eventual rise in Egypt.
Key Narrative Points:
Joseph's Dreams: The portion begins with Joseph, favored by his father Jacob, sharing dreams of his future dominance over his family, which sparks jealousy among his brothers.
Joseph Sold into Slavery: His brothers' jealousy leads them to sell Joseph into slavery, where he ends up in Egypt.
Joseph in Egypt: Despite being a slave, Joseph prospers under Potiphar but is imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.
From a Messianic perspective, Joseph's life prefigures aspects of Yeshua's, particularly his rejection, suffering, and exaltation.
Interlude of Judah and Tamar: This narrative break (Genesis 38) discusses Judah's moral failings with his daughter-in-law Tamar, highlighting issues of justice, righteousness, and the importance of lineage.
Joseph as a Type of Messiah: Joseph's life parallels aspects of Messiah Yeshua's (Jesus's) life - betrayal, suffering, and eventual vindication. His journey from the pit to the throne can be seen as a foreshadowing of Yeshua’s resurrection and exaltation.
The Coat of Many Colors: Often interpreted as a symbol of divine favor, akin to the anointing of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostal theology.
Dreams and Prophecy: The emphasis on dreams underscores the Pentecostal belief in the active role of the Holy Spirit in prophetic revelation, akin to Acts 2:17 where prophecy is poured out in the last days.
Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8
Connection to Vayeshev:
Social Injustice: Amos condemns Israel for selling the righteous for silver, which echoes Judah selling Joseph for profit. This theme highlights the need for justice.
Prophetic Voice: Just as Joseph interprets dreams, Amos acts as God's mouthpiece, emphasizing the continuity of prophetic ministry from the first and second covenant.
Call to Holiness and Justice: The Haftarah's focus on social justice resonates with the message of the Tanach that calls us to living a life that reflects God's righteousness and justice, active in both personal and communal life.
New Covenant Connection:
Acts 7:9-16: Stephen recounts the story of Joseph, drawing parallels to Yeshua's rejection by His own people yet God's deliverance, illustrating the theme of divine providence and redemption.
John 2:13-4:42: This passage touches on themes of recognition and rejection, similar to Joseph's experience, and the revelation of Messiahship to Samaritans, paralleling the spread of the BESORAH Good News of Salvation YESHUA, to all nations.
Resurrection and Restoration: Joseph's story from betrayal to exaltation can be seen as a type of resurrection, paralleling Yeshua's death and resurrection.
We can learn from the story of YOSSEF that RUACH ADONAI and Yah's favor was with YOSSEF, the Holy Spirit OF ADONAI had active involvement in guiding, empowering, and revealing truth finds a precursor in Joseph's prophetic gifts and the narrative's emphasis on divine guidance.
In studying Vayeshev, one sees a tapestry of themes like divine providence, the suffering servant, prophetic revelation, and the call to justice. This portion not only recounts historical events but also invites believers to see their faith journey through the lens of redemption, restoration, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Torah Reading:
Genesis 37:1-40:23: This portion introduces the story of Joseph, focusing on his dreams, the jealousy of his brothers, his sale into slavery, and his subsequent rise in Egypt despite adversity. The narrative is rich with themes of divine providence, redemption, and the testing of faith. From a Messianic Jewish perspective, Joseph's life often parallels aspects of Yeshua's (Jesus') life, particularly in terms of rejection by his own, suffering, and eventual exaltation.
Haftarah:
Amos 2:6-3:8: The Haftarah for Vayeshev speaks of the sins of Israel, including the injustice done to the righteous for gain, which can be connected to the brothers' treatment of Joseph. This passage emphasizes God's call for justice and righteousness, resonating with the Messianic Jewish emphasis on living out the Kingdom of God in everyday life. The concept of God's covenant with Israel, as highlighted in Amos, underscores the continuity and fulfillment of that covenant through the Messiah.
New Covenant (Brit Chadashah) Connections:
John 2:13-4:42: This passage includes Yeshua's first cleansing of the Temple, His conversation with Nicodemus about being born again, and His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. These narratives reflect themes from Vayeshev:
Temple Cleansing: Symbolizes a call to spiritual purity, akin to the purification of one's heart that Joseph's trials symbolize.
Nicodemus: The concept of spiritual rebirth can be seen as parallel to Joseph's transformation from a slave to a ruler, signifying a change in status through divine intervention.
Samaritan Woman: Emphasizes Yeshua's mission to all peoples, reflecting the Messianic promise of salvation to the nations, which aligns with Joseph's eventual role in Egypt, saving many from famine.
Spiritual Gifts and Dreams: Joseph's dreams are prophetic, showcasing the role of divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's work. This encourages believers to be open to the prophetic gifts as described in the Word of Adonai.
Suffering and Redemption: Joseph's story is a powerful narrative of how God uses suffering for a greater purpose, the Holy Spirit's comfort and empowerment in trials.
This mirrors the life of Yeshua, who suffered for redemption.
Community and Forgiveness: The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers in later chapters prefigures the unity of Jews and Nations es in the body of Messiah. It teaches forgiveness and restoration!
GOD'S SOVEREIGN PLAN: Joseph's life in Egypt and his rise to power led to the salvation of many, paralleling the evangelistic call of the BRIT CHADASHAH New Covenant where believers are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.