Sowing the Seeds of Redemption: A Hidden Message in Genesis 47?
Why does the tradition seem to be silent on the ending of Parasha Vayigash? Why does the Torah tell us about Joseph's interactions with the people of Egypt? Is there a Messianic hint in these passages for us to explore?
The ending of Genesis 47, Parasha Vayigash, leaves me with a lot of questions.
One of them is why does the Torah invests the time to tell us about Joseph's interactions with the people of Egypt? They seem tertiary to the main narrative of relocating his family from the land of Canaan.
Surprisingly, the Rabbinic tradition is relatively quiet on this section, which is interesting in itself if you are familiar with how the Rabbis love to read between the lines.
I have a few ideas of my own on this section, hopefully putting a few pieces together worth consideration.
Ben Joseph and Ben David
Many are aware that the Jewish tradition regards the Torah's account of Joseph as a precursor to Messiah ben Joseph.
While many confuse the two, the mission of the Josephic Messiah is distinct from that of the Davidic Messiah, as it prepares the way for the latter¹.
In the Midrash and Kabbalah, the Josephic Messiah's focus also includes preparing the nations for the coming kingdom². The root of this idea is derived from Joseph's life in Egypt as he saved many nations from starvation during the famine.
But more than just preparation, it is believed the Josephic Messiah will plant the seeds for the knowledge of G_D—seeds that will sprout an eventual harvest in the end times.
Recapping Parasha Vayigash
Upon revealing his true identity, Joseph has a dramatic reunion with his brothers. Telling them that he was not angry, he explained how their misdeeds were an important part of the Divine plan for the "preservation of life." (Genesis 45:5-7).
See, Joseph's time in Egypt was not just beneficial for his family, but countless people were saved from starvation during his time as the Viceroy to Pharaoh.
Fast forward, Jacob's family is brought to the land of Egypt to ensure their survival through the remaining years of the famine. The text tells us:
Joseph sustained his father and his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, down to the little ones.
- Genesis 47:12
With his family taken care of and provided for, the next passages caught my attention.
