Joseph has also been prepared spiritually. He has matured since the days of his youthful dreams when he antagonized his brothers by calling attention to his self-righteous superiority. After years of being humbled through slavery, false accusations, and prison, he realizes Elohim’s faithfulness to protect him and keep him alive through all the trials. He has been prepared to win the confidence and respect of a heathen king and court by giving full credit to the Elohim of Isra’el. He acts with utmost courtesy and restraint, and directs all of his praise to Him.
Category: Torah Portions
Parashah 9: Vayeshev (He continued living)
The Targumim suggests that Tamar was a descendant of Malki-Tzedek and thus of a priestly lineage. Being burned alive, according to Leviticus 21:9, is the consequence for the daughter of a priest who prostitutes herself. Whether or not there is truth to her relationship with the King of Righteousness, Judah requires death for her immoral behavior. She sends Judah a message with the three items she has held in pledge.
Parashah 8: Vayishlach (He sent)
Circumcision was the ‘sign’ of the covenant given to Abraham, a symbol of his faith and obedience, and his heart for El Shaddai. Circumcision set Jacob’s sons apart from the uncircumcised men around them, a separation instituted by Elohim. Shechem and the men of the city did not have a heart for Elohim; therefore, circumcision was not something they should have been asked to do. The sons of Jacob perverted the act of circumcision and used it in a deceitful way, not only to humble the men of the city, but to destroy them.
Parashah 7: Vayetze (He went out)
The account of Jacob continues with another stone. This stone covers a well where local sheep are watered. It is only rolled away when all of the flocks have been gathered together. While Jacob waits for the flocks to gather, Rachel arrives with her father’s sheep. Because she is his cousin, he removes the stone from the well and waters her sheep. He then kisses her and weeps because he has finally met a relative. He no longer has to wander seeking a home.