Parashat Vayeshev, Understanding the Messiah by the life of Yoseph

658

In this week’s reading from Parashat Vayeshev (Bereshit / Genesis 37:1-40:23) we learn that Yaakov (Jacob) loved Yoseph (Joseph) more than his brothers (37:3, וְיִשְֹרָאֵל אָהַב אֶת-יוֹסֵף מִכָּל-בָּנָיו).  Yoseph had a dream about his future (37:5-10) as a result his brothers become jealous (37:11).  As the narrative continues, Yoseph’s brothers are plotting murder in their hearts (37:18-22) but instead put him into a pit (37:23) and then sell him into slavery to the Ishmaelites (37:27-29).  The Ishmaelites sell Yoseph to Potiphar in Mitzrayim (Egypt) where Yoseph acts righteously (וּצְדָקָה) and God prospers him.  Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Yoseph and he is placed in jail (39:1-20).  The Lord God makes Yoseph prosperous in jail and Yoseph interprets dreams for the baker and butler, two people Pharaoh had placed in prison (40:5-23).  This week’s parashah primarily discusses Yoseph, however in the midst of the narrative on Yoseph there is a short story on Judah found in Bereshit 38:1-30.  Yoseph was the eleventh son born to Yaakov and was the first born of his wife Rachael.  As a result, Yaakov showed Yoseph favoritism over his brothers (וְיִשְֹרָאֵל אָהַב אֶת-יוֹסֵף מִכָּל-בָּנָיו כִּי-בֶן-זְקֻנִים).  The favoritism of his Father caused Yoseph to be a spoiled son based on what we read in 37:2 וַיָּבֵא יוֹסֵף אֶת-דִּבָּתָם רָעָה אֶל-אֲבִיהֶם He brought a bad report about his brothers.  Though Yoseph was spoiled by Yaakov, he walked in righteousness (וּצְדָקָה) and justice (מִשְׁפָּט) more so than his brothers.  The juxtaposition of the story of Judah (38:1-30) with Yoseph and Potiphar’s wife (39:1-20) illustrates for us that Yoseph chooses the path of righteousness.  As a result, the Lord was with Yoseph (וַיְהִי יְהוָֹה אֶת-יוֹסֵף וַיְהִי אִישׁ מַצְלִיחַ) prospering him and preparing him for the plans He has for him.  Today have you chosen the path of righteousness regardless of what comes your way in life?   Read More here.

Previous articleParashat Vayishlach, The Revelation of the Messiah according to the Scriptures.
Next articleParashat Miketz, El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) the All Sufficient God!
Duane D. Miller received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Akron Ohio. He is currently a Chemical Engineering Researcher. Duane’s research expertise has focused upon functional materials development for the control, conversion, and release of process gases in Energy production technologies. His R&D interests include computational chemistry, developing novel technologies for converting biomass to fuels and studying their fundamental interactions during the chemical conversion process. His past experience includes sorbent development for pre- and post-combustion CO2 and SO2 capture, selective absorption of H2S from methane streams, O2 capture for oxy-fuel combustion, photocatalytic reduction of alcohols, NOx reduction catalysis, the development of oxygen carriers to combust fossil fuels (CH4 and coal) for the chemical looping combustion processes, and the extraction of rare earth elements using patent pending sorbents. His research expertise has focused on operando-characterization using Infrared, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to observe the nature of the catalytic active sites and reaction intermediates under realistic reaction conditions, allowing direct correlation of molecular/electronic structures with catalyst performance during Gas-Solid / Liquid-Solid Adsorption and Photocatalytic Processes with real time online analysis of reaction products using ICP-MS and mass spectrometry. His current work involves a multi-disciplinary approach to developing, understanding, and improving the catalytic gasification of coal and methane, high temperature chemical looping combustion, and the catalytic decomposition and gasification of biomass and coal using novel microwave reactor.​ He has been studying the Hebrew Scriptures and the Torah for 20+ years and sharing what he has learned. The studies developed for MATSATI.COM are freely to be used by everyone, to God be the Glory!