Genesis 34-50
Ch.34
8-10. This is a dangerous compromise. Jacob and his family have been separated by the Lord, for himself. Nothing - not the temptation of more land or free trade (things of this world) should alter this.
For reference see Revelation 13:16-17
Ch.35
11-12.
Here is a repeat of Genesis 28:10-22. The Lord brings Jacob back so the he will remember! And also, that his family will know and understand the significance of what has happened.
Psalm 78
1Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
16-18.Vs. 18; Rachel knew nothing but pain at the end of her life, and the name she calls her son is a reflection of that; but Jacob knew differently. He had an encounter with God that changed everything, and he will not allow that this promise to pass by, or be stolen from any of his offspring. The name given by his mother tells a story of pain and death; the name given by his father tells an altogether different story: of life and a future.
19-20. See Jeremiah 31:15 & Matthew 2:18
22. Ruban will lose his birthright because of this heinous act of rebellion against his father - which is ultimately against God. Genesis 49:3-4
Ch.36
1-2. See Genesis 24:37; 26:34-35
The descendants of Esau will become, like the descendants of Lot and Ishmael, a thorn in the flesh of Israel. As kinsmen, their relationship was sometimes good and sometimes not.
Edom: Numbers 20:21; 21:4; Deuteronomy 23:7; 1Samuel 14:47; 2Samuel 8:14; 2Kings 8:16-22; Jeremiah 49:17-18; Ezekiel 25:12-14
6-7. Genesis 13:1-12
Because the Lord always separates his own: It is from the line of Isaac, through Jacob, that the Messiah - the Seed promised to Abraham - will come. The Lord will continually call them to be holy and separate unto him.
31.The idea here, being that the Lord was Israel’s King! See 1Samuel 8, with judges and prophets who were appointed, not by tribe or lineage as with other nations, but sovereignly appointed by the Lord. Eg Jeremiah 1:5.
38-39.
All these people “died”, but Isaac was “gathered to his people” - a sign that, for him, and others - mostly at this point, the descendants of Shem - death is not the end: See Psalm 16:9-10 & Matthew 27:51-53 ✝️
Ch.37
5-10. This is the mystery of election: We do not know why Joseph was chosen over his brothers, but with every call of separation unto God, there is a cost. Joseph will bear this cost of separation, even when at times, it becomes unbearable! Through it, his heart will be refined, and he will come to understand the LORD as his burden-bearer.
God’s election is indiscriminate! We do not earn it; nor do we deserve it: But it is through our RECEIVING it, that we are changed.
10-11. Jacob in part, understands this mystery of election, as he too, was chosen over his older brother; even though it is also shocking for Jacob to hear his son’s words - which go utterly against the status quo - But also remember: Jacob’s actions against his brother were just as shocking!
11. Compare with Luke 2:19
A foreshadowing of Messiah, who will also “save” - not from death through famine, but the eternal Death through sin.
18-20. Compare to Matthew 26:3-5; 27:1
A foreshadowing of Messiah, whose brothers also out of jealousy conspired against him.
21-22. The Messiah will not have any such “mercy” shown to him: Because for the sins of the whole world, he must die; betrayed to death by the hands of sinners. Matthew 26:45
23-24. See Matthew 27:28-30; the Messiah is humiliated and mishandled
27. Joseph will be sold for twenty pieces of silver - the currency of slaves: Jesus the Messiah is betrayed by one of his own, for thirty! - that we would no longer be slaves to sin and death - but free!
See Romans 6:1-7
29-30. This is the moment where Ruben should have stood his ground - especially considering his original intentions in vs.22. Maybe his brothers at that point, were too incensed to reason with; maybe he feared for his life also!
These brothers have yet to learn: But ironically, Judah (vs.26-27) - yes, that Judah - one day will learn! (See Genesis 44:18-34)
35. Sorrow may last for the night - but joy is coming in the morning (Psalm 30:1-5): This is true for both Israel and the brothers, and the disciples of Jesus the Messiah. See Luke 18:31-34 (Hosea 6:1-2)
Ch.38
2-5. Judah, possibly acting of of guilt, now adds to his sin of the previous chapter, by directly disobeying his ancestors’ directions (Genesis 24:3; 28:1,8)
8-11. These actions will be later enforced by the Lord, according to Deuteronomy 25:5-10.
Why? Because a woman must have airs to support her, and the dead brother’s name must be carried down to the next generation.
The death of Onan (vs.9-10) shows us the seriousness of this matter in the eyes of the Lord.
14. So, she has been forgotten - possibly deliberately; or at the very least, she is not being cared for in the way required by the Lord.
18-19. One unconfessed, un-repented of sin, will inevitably result in more and more, until we have a big mess!
29-30. By another strange turn of events, Perez will be in the lineage of Messiah through King David. Compare to Genesis 25:24-26
Ch.39
1. Joseph has been “brought down” (see Genesis 37:1-11). This, for the moment, is all we need to know.
2-6. Potiphar, through Joseph’s faithful and humble submission and service, is being introduced to the God of Joseph’s ancestors.
We see the same pattern of God’s favor upon Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, once again repeating itself with Joseph. And to what ends? That the people of their sojourning will be introduced to the God of Israel.
And Joseph has gone one step further: He is not a sojourner: He is a slave!
2-6. Now begins a pattern of refining, ready for the Lord’s ultimate purpose (Genesis 41):
The Lord blesses -> brings down (humbles) -> refines (through testing) -> and then blesses (promotes) again.
This cycle of preparation can take years - and, just like Joseph, we must be patient in our affliction, knowing that it is the Lord, who is working out his will through us! Philippians 2:13
4. Joseph “attended” him: see Ephesians 6:5-8
9. Remember: This is before the Commandments of God; so it is Joseph’s CONSCIENCE - his holy fear of God, inherited from his ancestors, that keeps him from sinning against the ordinance of marriage.
10.Compare this to Samson’s behavior in Judges 16:16-17
Samson, due to his great strength, could not be brought down, as Joseph has been: Ironically, the thing meant to be a blessing, becomes the source of his pride and downfall; and only then will he learn what Joseph has already learned. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 29:25
21-23. The Lord is STILL with Joseph - in the pit, in Potiphar’s house - now in the prison - soon to be in the palace: If we see nothing else here, we must surely see that the Lord is faithful to his will and promises (remember Genesis 37:5-11) - He is preparing the way.
When we suffer affliction and are placed in hard, and often unjust situations (in fact, any situation) it is because the Lord wishes to introduce himself to those around us - friend or foe. We must, like Joseph, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. See Acts 16:25-40; Philippians 1:12-14
Because: Lamentations 3:22-23
22. Again, refer back to Ephesians 6:5-9
But now we can look from a different angle: with Joseph as master over the other prisoners - and all evidence shows he did not lose his integrity - nor his fear of the Lord.
23. When “the Lord is with us” it is regardless of our circumstances: Here, in Joseph’s case, he has wiped the slate clean.
Ch.40
4. Again, we read of Joseph “attending” - serving, his fellow prisoners, Thus should show us something of how the Lord prepares those he is about to promote. James 4:10; 1Peter 5:6
8.Without hesitation, Joseph refers them immediately to the God of his fathers - who years earlier, gave Joseph dreams of his own. Joseph’s dreams got him into trouble when he told of them, but it has had no effect on Joseph’s character - nor his faith God; He knows that the Lord who gives dreams, will also give them meaning and at the right time, they must be told and interpreted.
Joseph’s timing with his brothers was wrong: But now - maybe now is the right time!
8. Joseph says this because he KNOWS the Lord: It is one thing to have the gift; but it is an entirely different thing to know the Giver.
9.See Isaiah 53:9 (the Messiah) & Mark 9:31 We see shadows of the suffering Messiah in both these men.
23. The time for Joseph is not yet. The preparation is still on going.
Ch.41
1.After two years...
Waiting on the Lord, while serving in the prison: To wait on him is to serve him.
8.All of the wisdom, knowledge and dark arts of men amount to absolutely nothing, when the Lord suddenly steps into the equation - and speaks!
See also Exodus 8:18-19
9. In remembering his offenses, he remembers the one sent by the Lord - Joseph - who would administer the Lord’s mercy regarding his offenses and introduce him to the Lord - the God of Israel.
He is remembering his offenses because the Lord is remembering Joseph: It is time.
14-16.
1. The servant of God will be found where? - Serving (and not even in a palace - but in a pit!)
2. The servant of the Lord will point - not to himself, but to the Lord!
21. Notice how he includes details here, that were not divulged to any of his advisers before: There is reason to believe that the Lord is bringing to Pharaoh’s recollection, these extra - very significant details: Because here, he is about to provide Pharaoh with the answer - an answer that will not only save Egypt, but the entire region.
25-32. Because God is merciful and compassionate; desiring that none should perish, but that all should come to know him as the One True Lord of the Earth (2Peter 3:9)
Through Joseph - and the fallen, corrupted state of the earth, he will do exactly that. (Amos 3:6-8)
34-36. The Lord anointed Joseph as overseer and manager over the affairs of Potiphar’s mansion, the jailer’s “pit”
and now Pharaoh’s palace. And the Bible makes it clear: Wherever he was - whether the pit or the palace - made no difference to Joseph: He was faithful in the circumstances given him, regardless of what they were or where he was!; obediently serving others, as though he were serving the Lord! This is the test of character that must be passed, for EVERY disciple of Christ.
Matthew 27
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
38. And now, through Joseph’s humility, love and obedience to the Lord, Pharaoh now recognizes - not just “God” - but the Spirit (the manifest Presence) of God.
This recognition - and revelation - of the Lord, will spread throughout the whole of Egypt: Because one man chose - regardless of circumstance - to faithfully serve Him.
1Peter 2:21-23
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
So the Lord, through Joseph (a foreshadowing of Messiah) will not only save a nation from famine - but, through coming to KNOW Him, many of them will be redeemed from the grave by Messiah and saved from an eternity in Hell.
39-44. Power, riches, authority: This is a massive responsibility given from the Lord, and would only be given to someone who fears the Lord enough to not allow the power and riches to get to them: This level of godly character can only come one way: refining - I.e. by going through the tests that Joseph has had to endure - and learning from them. (Matthew 16:24-25)
46. See Luke 3:23
Here again is another foreshadowing of Yeshua the Messiah - whom, until being baptized by John and beginning his ministry, will remain relative obscurity; in submission under his parents (Luke 2:49-52) and in service under Joseph, his father.
46-49. A foreshadowing of Messiah:
Read Matthew 4:13-17
Like Joseph, Jesus, at 30, will also go out among the people, proclaiming a warning about a coming judgment and a message of how to be saved from it.
You can imagine that Joseph’s proclamation was not that dissimilar to Jesus’s.
“There is danger ahead: Turn to the servant of the Most High God and hear his words, and follow his instructions, if you want to be saved.”
47. Remember this, whenever the Lord blesses us with an abundance, so that we can bless others.
But there is another message: See Matthew 25:1-13
We must be wise with what we have - especially if it is an abundance.
48-49. Could this be a picture of the harvest at the end?
John 21
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. (Also Genesis 22:17; Revelation 7:8-17)
Before the great time of famine - of Tribulation - comes: See Revelation 9
52.This name - “Ephraim” - is probably of more significance, in pointing to the work of Messiah: see John 12:24; Matthew 13:31-32 & Isaiah 53:10-12
55.A foreshadowing of Messiah: John 2:1-12
“They have no more wine...”
“Whatever he says to you, do.”
Just like Mary, in John 2, Pharaoh recognizes that, in Joseph is one greater than he: Not Joseph himself, but the Spirit of the Lord, which dwells within him.
For Pharaoh, who would have been “as God” among his people, this realization is huge!
57.
A foreshadowing of Messiah:
Isaiah 55:1-3
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
{Genesis 41, may have been what the Lord was referring to here: Joseph is selling them bread, that the can live in their bodies: But the Lord is offering something so much more: Sustenance, not for the body, but for the soul; not for this temporary life, but for eternal Life with him! And this life, he is not selling to us; Jesus the Messiah has already paid the highest price imaginable. This is given to us by the Lord, for free!}
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
See also John 7:37-39; John 6:1-14, 26-51 & Luke 22:19-20
57.Why does the Lord bring, or allow, these hard times?
Always to get the attention of the people, so that they will turn back to him - and in this case, giving a time of grace and mercy (7 years) so the people can prepare.
This is the reason for the delay in Israel’s return to Canaan (see Genesis 15:16)
Only one person - Rahab - will understand, and act upon, this time of grace and mercy. (See Joshua 2)
Matthew 12:39-40
39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Luke 18:33 (Hosea 6:2)
19-20. “I fear God” - In other words: “This is now in the Lord’s hands... I have washed mine of it.”
Joseph has surrendered his will up to the will of the Lord.
Was this “three days testing” for the brothers only - or was it also for Joseph? He may have needed to clear his conscience of any bitterness, a desire for revenge- or even murder. Possibly these three days were of the Lord, so Joseph could collect himself, come to terms with what was happening, and hear and obey the Lord’s instructions out of righteousness and reason - not passion and resentment.
This is backed up by Joseph’s merciful actions next, in giving them grain for their families. During those three days of his brother’s confinement, the Lord is clearly moving on him.
Compare this to John 20:19-23
21. These sentiments are likely the same as those of the Eleven disciplines, locked up and in hiding, fearful, and guilt-stricken over abandoning and denying Jesus.
As far as the Eleven brothers are concerned, ten of them are not wrong in their assertion of guilt - because this test is two-fold:
1. Joseph - forgiveness
2. The brothers - honest confession of their transgression, and repentance.
In their confession of guilt - their ownership of their own evil actions - they are already on the way to being forgiven.
22. Does this not show us the mercy of God? Where, in Exodus, under the Law of Moses, blood for blood would be required, here we find exactly that situation: Here is a picture of Salvation through mercy...
A foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where the Blood of another - Jesus the Messiah - (John 1:29) - will be given.
24. This is so beautiful: Joseph KNOWS they are truly sorry (the Lord is showing him) - and he CARES that they are sorry - because he cares about them!
24. Just as Joseph was, years earlier, taken from among his brothers; doubtless he was bound, and taken down into the pit of slavery: His actions towards Simeon are, in a sense, mirroring this.
Still the testing for the brothers, continues:
This is all about exposure: Bu taking their brother and binding him, the Lord m, through Joseph, us forcing all of them to relive what they did to him. But this is the Lord’s doing. They must no longer be allowed to bury their guilt - but it must be surfaced in all of them, so that godly sorrow can come - which, in turn, will bring forth true and godly repentance. (2Corinthians 7:10; 1John 1:8-9.
And Messiah, 2000 years later, will also be bound in front of his brothers, and led away to the pit of the slavery of Death - except that:
God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. Read Acts 2:23-24
25-28. Because mercy triumphs over justice (James 2:13)
They do not deserve any of this - but what the Lord has done for us, none of us deserve - so much so, that it is hard at first, for us to receive it, just as the brothers here, are shocked and fearful. (vs.28 showing us still, the tremendous weight of that guilt) They do not yet understand: Mercy is a gift! 1John 4:17-18
31-32. If nothing else, the brothers have learned to be honest. These words spoken to their father, are the same words spoken by them to Joseph: They left nothing out in describing their family - not Benjamin - and not Joseph (who is “no more”)
This too, must have stung when Joseph heard it.
Ch.43
7. The brothers have learned to be honest and to speak with integrity.
8-9. Compare this to Ruban’s earlier pledge (Genesis 42:37): He was willing to sacrifice his sons!
But Judah - he gets it right! Judah is willing to sacrifice himself!
Is this Judah’s guilt speaking? (Remember Genesis 37:26-27); Or is he now being driven by a purer, more sincere nature? We shall know more as we read more.
11. In the mustering of all these gifts, Israel could possibly be remembering another precarious situation: Genesis 32:13-15.
12. Double the money equates to twenty pieces of silver (refer back to Genesis 37:28). Again the brothers - especially Judah - are being forced to REMEMBER: Cor the same amount that they sold one brother (Joseph) they must buy back another (Simeon).
14. And yet, Israel does not know: That through his lost, most beloved son, is coming the Lord’s hand of mercy: He will receive everything back - and more! Remember Genesis 37:11 - how far away this must be from Israel’s thoughts right now.
18. Sin leads to guilt, which results in fear. But it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. (See Romans 2:4; 1John 4:17-18)
23. Is this not a perfect picture of the heart of God: Again, Romans 2:4 - it is his kindness that leads us to repentance and restoration - provided that we are sorry for what we have done. See 2Corinthians 7:10; Luke 15:11-32; John 21:15-22.
“The Lord has put treasure on your sacks”
Because:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44
It looks as though Benjamin - the brother of Joseph - the favorite of their father - is about to get them all into trouble (see Genesis 37:2) :-
Will they deal with this “spoiled” youngest son - favorite of their father - who has just received five times the food of the other brothers...Will they deal with him as they did Joseph?
16. The conscience of every man will prick him to death because of his iniquity - and the Lord has created us exactly this way - so that we will turn to him and repent: For through the Sacrifice of Jesus, he has paved the Way to Salvation. Psalm 32:3-5
17. Here is the test faced by Jesus’s disciples (see Mark 14:27, Matthew 26:31, and John 16:32.)
They failed at first, because they held on to their own lives (Matthew 16:25). Following Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, all will change - they will change: Each one recognizing their guilt before the Lord, and then receiving his undeserved grace and forgiveness: This is what changes a person - so they no longer hold in to their lives, but willingly lose them for another (John 15:13); because the one who has been forgiven much, loves much. (Luke 7:36-50)
33-34. Compare to Genesis 37:26-27: - Judah is penitent to the point where he is willing to take the punishment for this one brother - knowing that this punishment is rightfully his, because of what he did to the other brother!
But (spoiler alert) this punishment will not be dealt: Joseph, just like the God that he knows and serves, will show mercy on his brothers- and forgive them! This is the true nature and heart of God, who, 1800 years later, as the man Jesus Christ, will be crucified on a cross - taking the punishment for the sins of the entire world (John 3:16-17), and granting forgiveness to all who would - like Judah - humble themselves, fall on their swords and confess that they do not deserve it. (1John 1:8-9)
Ch.45
1-8. Could this be a picture - a foreshadowing - of Romans 11:25-17 & Revelation 7:-
And that the Lord will remove us (the Gentile Church and Jewish Remnant) out of the way, according to 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, before revealing himself to the sons/tribes of Israel.
vs.3-4 See Zechariah 12:10
Here is the climax to Peter’s famous sermon of Acts 2: - when Jesus the Messiah will reveal himself to the whole nation of Israel. (Revelation 19:11-21)
vs.5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. See John 11:49-52
& Acts 3:17-20 For surely the thoughts of our hearts are tended so much toward evil - but, through the cross, the Lord will take what was meant for evil and turn it into good:- Because, only God is truly Good - Mark 10:18
vs.7 See Matthew 1:21
vs.8:- Isaiah 53:10a; John 19:11
9. See Acts 2:36
10-11. See Revelation 20:4-6; Matthew 19:28
Also: Ezekiel 34
Psalms:
Psalm 2, 9, 14:7, Psalm 46, 47, 48: Note, vs.13-14 (for this purpose is the Millennial reign of Christ)
Psalm 50 (a separation of true Israel from false
Psalm 102
Psalm 110
Psalm 113
Psalm 114:5-8 (The remembrance of Israel’s journey from Egypt into the Promised Land, leads the Psalmist into prophecy concerning the return of Jesus.
Psalm 115:12-18
Psalm 122
24. The mercy of the Lord through Joseph, has created in the brothers, the fear of the Lord: Joseph wishes for this penitent fear and gratitude to continue - especially after witnessing the gift lavished on the INNOCENT brother, Benjamin, so he orders/exhorts them: Remember the underserved mercy and grace that the Lord has shown to you today. Do not quarrel out of jealousy. (It was through jealousy that Joseph was sold into slavery; and through jealousy that Jesus Christ, 1800 years later, will be handed over to be crucified. Matthew 27:18)
Because he was God’s Hand of MERCY: Here is the hidden message of the Gospel. Luke 23:34
28. See Luke 2:25-32
Ch.46
1-4. So now, in this ancestral place of peace and covenant, the Lord re-affirms his Covenant with Israel: His sin he thought was dead, was all the time alive! See Ephesians 4:8-10
Joseph went “down” to prepare a place of Salvation; just as Yeshua, our Messiah descended (Revelation 1:17-18), before ascending, to prepare a place for us. John 14:1-3. Here is the fulfillment of the Lord’s Covenant with Israel.
vs.4 and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.
The final seal of Promise on Israel, that his last testament, at his dying breath would be: “God is faithful; He will surely do it!”
3. So, to become “great” in the Promised Land Israel must first go down, into a land of slavery (Matthew 20:25-28); that he (his descendants) would be humbled (Genesis 15:13-16) and learn that their source is not from men, but from God. (Deuteronomy 8)
How does a nation become “great”? By recognizing their need of God’s Salvation. (1Peter 2:9)
5-7. Because it is the Lord who “sets the lonely in families”(Psalm 68:6); so that none one is left behind; no one is left out if forsaken. See Acts 16:29-34
Through all of this - the account of Jacob’s offspring - we see the faithfulness of God to his promises; all of this, from one man and one woman, who against all odds, believed the Promise of God, although it seemed impossible. (Read Hebrews 11:8-12)
8-27. Numbers and censuses are important to the Lord; History is important: It is how we learn. Remembering is important: This is the reason behind Deuteronomy 8, 29, and why we have the Book of Numbers:
The Way, the Truth, the Life that we know, we pass down, to the next generation. Compare Genesis 46:34 with Genesis 47:3.
20. It is worth noting here these two tribes (one of which - Ephraim - will grow to become very powerful) are half Egyptian - half Gentile;
This is not to mention the other gentile marriages that the Lord permitted, where offspring was born into Abraham’s line. (Eg: Shaul, who Simeon bore to a Canaanite woman)
Again, the Lord is giving us a hint - leaving little clues here and there; that after all is said and done, Salvation, although coming from the Jews (Judah’s line) will not be for them only; but for all nations and peoples of the world. See Revelation 7
28. He sends Judah instead of Ruban because: Genesis 44:18-34: - A truly penitent heart, willing to lay down his life for his brother, now steps up, to lead the Way!
And from Judah’s line will come the One who is the Way - to Salvation! John 14:5-6
Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5
30. See Luke 2:25-32
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Ch.47
3. Such a transformation! The brothers will not act with dishonesty; they will not hide any longer: Having been forgiven of so much, they are ready to trust in the Lord for everything else - their faith surpassing even Joseph’s at this point! Because: Luke 7:41-47
6. Following the test of Genesis 47:3, the Lord now sees fit to promote Joseph’s brothers as he did Joseph: Fir all have been through the fire of refining.
9. Jacob is acknowledging the undeserved grace and mercy of God upon him; that he did not live righteously as his father and grandfather did. Yet because the Lord is faithful, here Jacob stands today, having everything that was lost, restored to him. Jacob’s stumbling walk and fallen life is a precursor to our own.
10. Who is able to bless one as great as Pharaoh? Only one who has himself, been blessed by One greater than him: The Lord.
It is never about us; only the Lord whom we represent and serve. See Hebrews 7:6-7
20-25. This may seem very harsh of Joseph to indenture the people like this; but somewhere within this strange turn of events, is the message of the Gospel. Read Luke 15:11-32
When the younger son, having insulted his father, realized that he couldn’t survive without him, he returns - not as his son - but willing to be called his slave; not independent any longer, but willing to become indentured, to his own father.
Just as the Egyptians, not being able to survive on their own, now literally belong to Pharaoh.
But - see vs22-24 of Luke 15 - unlike this chapter, we see the father’s merciful response to his son, and realize: That it was our Father’s will all along, that we become his personal possession; not for slavery, but out of Love. (Acts 20:28, Romans 6:15-23; 1Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 3:13-14; 1Peter 2:9;
vs25 And they said, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.”
Compare this to: vs18 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’
Because Salvation leads, not only to gratitude, but also humility.
22. Here is a similarly to how the Lord will separate the Tribe of Levi to serve as priests in His House.
The Lord will separate his own people and provide for them.
27-28. “He” has now become “they” - the faithfulness of God to his Promises!
The only ones not “enslaved to the government” are the ones who belong to the Lord. Here begins a lesson for the descendants of Israel, that will be continued in another place and time: see Deuteronomy 8.
29-31. The Promise: see Genesis 17:1-4 & Galatians 3 - its fulfillment.
Israel remembers; and holds on to the Promise.
Ch.48
3. Remembering the Promise
4. See Revelation 20:4 - until the Lord makes “all things new”.
14. vs11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”
And yet, we read that his eyes are dim; so much so that, that Joseph has to bring his sons near, that Israel can see them: So how - and through whose eyes - is Israel really seeing Joseph and his sons?
See John 9:39-41: Acts 9:3-19 Sometimes the Lord has to blind us - or allow us to be blind - so that we can truly see
This explains Israel’s actions in vs.14
15-16. Remembering the Promise
15. Israel sees the Lord according to the place and life that has been granted to him: As a shepherd.
Not so much a name, as an attitude and action:
See Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:9,22 Galatians 3:6; James 2:23;
17-19. A pattern is emerging here: see Genesis 25:23; 37:5-11
Israel knows - as Joseph of all people - should also know - that the Lord’s election is a mystery: It is not based upon who was born first...on tribe, family or lineage:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. see Ephesians 2:4-10
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2.As apposed to the Lord directly speaking, Israel is prophesying: The Lord is, for the first time, speaking through a man.
4. See Genesis 35:22
Because of Reuben’s instability, authority has been divided between Levi and Judah.
5-7. See Genesis 34:25-29
Here we begin to see the kindness and severity; the mercy and the judgement of God (Romans 11:22)
Even though the brothers had repented and been forgiven, we can already see Exodus 20:5 taking effect.
7. The tribe of Simeon became small (Numbers 26:14) and scattered within Judah's territory (Joshua 19:1), while the Levites were scattered among all tribes with no single territory - although, because of the faithfulness of this tribe during the rebellion of the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-28), they were later ordained as priests. So this scattering actually became a blessing.
8-12. The Messiah will come out of Judah - not because he was great - but because he recognized the exact opposite: He was the greatest of sinners (deserving to be punished instead of Benjamin) - but the Lord was a much greater Savior: Matthew 1:21
Judah in Genesis 44, held the dagger to his own chest, crying “Punish me! I have sinned- this one is innocent! (And this, even though Benjamin’s apparent “theft” made him and the other brothers look innocent: Judah knew otherwise.
But the Lord, through Joseph- the wronged brother - will show MERCY; which will change Judah forever!
In the same way that his descendant - the innocent Messiah - the spotless Lamb of God - will take our punishment of Death and Hell, upon Himself; so that we, who receive this gift of mercy and forgiveness will be saved, and changed forever!
See Luke 7:36-50
8. See first
Acts 2:22-39
Zechariah 12:10-13:1
9. (Revelation 5:5)
Judah is a lion’s cub: The lion has yet to come: Isaiah 11:1-10; Revelation 5:1-5
10. Psalm 110:1-3
Describing, first King David - and then, one far greater than David: Jesus the Messiah.
11. See Zechariah 9:9 & John 12:14-15
The Messiah, riding a foal - not a horse - will come to his People as the suffering servant, taking their sins on his back. He will tie his foal (symbolic of peace, through sacrifice) to the vine (Israel - see John 15:1-8) until “it is finished” John 19:30
11. See Isaiah 63:1-6 (Revelation 19:11-21)
They supplied the largest number of troops tKing David in 1Chronicles 12:33
14. According to Numbers 26, they were the third largest tribe
The meaning seems to be that Issachar was strong, but docile and lazy. He would enjoy the good land assigned him but would not strive for it. Therefore, eventually he would be pressed into servitude and the mere bearing of burdens for his masters.” (Leupold)
16. See Judges 13:1-14 (Samson)
17. Judges 18:30
1Kings 12:26-30; Amos 8:14; Jeremiah 8:16; (Daniel 11:37-39 - possibly)
This would explain vs.18: “I wait for your salvation, O LORD.”
Salvation: Hebrew “Yeshuwah” (a type of Messiah’s name). Jacob may be prophesying about the anti-Christ, and how, both he, and the Saints of that time, must endure, wait and hope for Yeshua their Messiah - who is Salvation!
In Revelation 7:5-8, Dan is missing from among the 144000 - yet mysteriously re-appears in Ezekiel 48 - (the Millennial Reign of Christ) because the the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, and his mercies never come to an end.
19. Jeremiah 49:1
And yet:
He shall raid at their heals: “This has been the blessing of many a child of God – to fight, and apparently to lose the battle, yet to win it at the end.” (Spurgeon)
20. Reaffirmed by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24
21. See Isaiah 9:1-4/Matthew 4:12-16
22. John 15:1-8; Psalm 1:1-3;
John 17:7-8
Compare with Zechariah 4:1-6: A picture of Joseph’s intimate relationship with, and reliance upon, the LORD. (Genesis 41:16)
23. See
a Genesis 39:6-20
b Genesis 39:21-23
(For there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
The Shepherd: John 10:11-15,27-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1Peter 5:4;
The Stone: Matthew 21:33-44; (Psalm 118:22); Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1Peter 2:4-7
All of this (Joseph’s faith and faithfulness) is laying the ground for the Chief Cornerstone; preparing the way for the Chief Shepherd: Yeshua the Messiah!
27. Judges 3:15-23 (Ehud) 1Samuel 9:1; 14:47-52 (Saul); Acts 8:1-3 (Saul, soon to become Paul!)
Also Philippians 3:2-6, 7-14
29. Remembrance
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7-9. A pilgrimage of Jew and Gentile, to the place where, approximately 1,425 years later, the Altar of Sacrifice will be built; and approximately 1000 years after that, the Sacrifice for the sins of the world will be made.
17-18. This, this most profound foreshadowing of Messiah: See Acts 2:22-41 (Luke 23:34)
19-21. Again, a picture of Messiah: Romans 11:25-27; Isaiah 54; Zechariah 12:10 & Isaiah 40:1-2:-Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD’S hand
double for all her sins.
What the Jews who killed their Messiah, meant for evil, the Lord intended, and planned, from the very beginning, for GOOD! Isaiah 53:10-11 (John 11:47-53)
24-25. The Promise
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