Marriage

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Vayeshev – “And he settled”

B’reisheet 37:1 – 40:23

The story of the life of young Yoseph ben Ya’acov is the great pictorial essay of Messiah ben Yoseph, the suffering servant. In the narratives of Yoseph’s early years we find the most revealing pictures of the life of our Messiah Yehoshua’s first coming.

Also in this parsha we will see the revealing of numerous pictures that were not for those who lived prior to Messiah’s first coming but rather were revealed for those of us upon whom the end of the age has come.

Let’s take a brief look at the events that shaped Yoseph’s life in todays Parsha.

  • Yoseph brings bad reports to his father about his brothers’ conduct
  • Yoseph is loved by his father more than his brothers
  • Ya’acov makes a special coat of many colors for Yoseph
  • Yoseph’s brothers hate him because their father favors him
  • Yoseph dreams a dream about becoming the head of the family, and relates the dream to his brothers
  • Yoseph’s brothers hate Yoseph even more
  • Yoseph dreams another dream about becoming the head of the family and relates the dream to his abba and his brothers
  • Ya’acov rebukes Yoseph for suggesting that Yoseph’s father, mother and brothers would bow down to him, but guards the dream in his heart
  • Ya’acov sends Yoseph to check on his brothers as they are feeding the flocks
  • A ‘man’ meets Yoseph while he is on the way to meet his brothers, and informs Yoseph that his brothers have gone to Dothan
  • Yoseph goes to Dothan, finds his brothers, his brothers seeing Yoseph coming plot to kill him
  • Reuven intercedes to save Yoseph’s life
  • Yoseph’s brothers strip Yoseph of his special multicolored coat
  • Yoseph’s brothers cast Yoseph into a dry pit/hole in the ground
  • Yoseph’s brothers sell Yoseph to Yishmaeli traders for twenty pieces of silver
  • Yoseph is taken to Mitsrayim and sold to Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh’s guard
  • YHWH blesses the work of Yoseph’s hands; Yoseph is given charge over all of Potiphar’s servants and household
  • Yoseph is faithful, Potiphar does not concern himself with Yoseph’s work performance
  • Potiphar’s wife seeks to commit adultery with Yoseph; Yoseph resists
  • Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Yoseph of attempted rape; Yoseph is cast into prison
  • YHWH shows rachamim to Yoseph and blesses him while in prison; the guardian of the prison gives Yoseph charge over all of the prisoners
  • Two of Pharaoh’s servants are put into the prison in the care of Yoseph
  • Pharaoh’s servants each dream a dream and tell Yoseph of the dreams
  • Yoseph interprets the dreams; one of Pharaoh’s servants is to restored, the other is to be killed

Now lets take a look at these events in Yoseph’s life, and see if we can find some parallels in the life of Yehoshua our Messiah.

Yoseph is loved by his father more than his brothers

B’reisheet 37:3 states that “Yisrael loved Yoseph more than all his children”. How is this paralleled in the life of Messiah?

We know that Yehoshua is the only son of Yehowah born of a woman. Yet Iyob (Job) 2:1 and B’reisheet (Genesis) 6:2 tells us that YHWH Elohim has other ‘sons’. This tells us that Yehoshua was more loved by Elohim than any of His other sons; therefore at His first coming Yehoshua was given the role of “The Prophet” spoken of by Moshe in Debarim 18:15-16.

After Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection he would also be given the role of Kohen haGadol (High Priest), as the levitical priesthood ceased to exist.

And יהושע came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Mat 28:18 TS98)

Ya’acov makes a special coat of many colors for Yoseph

In giving Yoseph the ‘coat of many colors’ we see a special significance. According to the rabbis this coat was known as a ‘ketonet passim’. This special garment was customarily given to the children of kings. Since Yoseph is the only son of Ya’acov who was given such a coat, this signified Ya’acov’s intent to give the birthright, blessing and double portion to Yoseph.

We will see later how this is paralleled in the life of Yehoshua.

Yoseph’s brothers hate him because their father favors him

Yoseph’s brothers did not like the fact that Yoseph had clearly been chosen to be the inheritor of his father’s authority.

Yehoshua’s brothers (the Yehudim) hated Yehoshua because He did not acknowledge the supposed authority of the P’rushim, Tsadokim, and Sophrim. Also it became known amongst all in Yehoshua’s day that Yehoshua was healing the sick, cleansing the metsorim, casting out demon’s, raising the dead etc. Therefore it was self evident that Yehoshua was bearing the authority of the Father.

Further, when Yehoshua was challenged on several occasions by the priests, rabbis etc. Yehoshua skillfully exposed their evil hearts and answered them truthfully, without sinning. He even rebuked some of the rabbis and priests on certain occasions publicly in the temple courts. This did not win Yehoshua any favors with His “brothers”.

Yoseph’s brothers strip Yoseph of his special multicolored coat

Yoseph’s brothers stripped him of his special coat. Since Yoseph’s coat signified his father’s intent to give Yoseph authority over the family upon his death, stripping Yoseph of his special coat signified their rejection of his leadership over the family.

Similarly when Yehoshua was crucified the prophecy was fulfilled that they would divide his garments and cast lots for them.

And having impaled Him, they divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be filled what was spoken by the prophet, “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” And sitting down, they guarded Him there. (Mat 27:35-36 TS98)

Amongst all of the other things that had been done to Yehoshua at His crucifixion, stripping Yehoshua of His garments was one of the signs of the rejection of Yehoshua as Messiah over Yisrael.

Yoseph’s brothers cast Yoseph into a dry pit/hole in the ground

Yoseph’s brothers threw Yoseph into a pit into the ground. Later Yoseph was cast into Pharaoh’s prison, basically a glorified hole in the ground.

Yehoshua upon crucifixion and death was placed into the tomb, a hole carved out of the rock signifying the ‘belly of the earth’, just as He had prophesied.

“For as Yonah was three days and three nights in the stomach of the great fish, so shall the Son of Aḏam be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Mat 12:40 TS98)

Yoseph’s brothers sell Yoseph to Yishmaeli traders for twenty pieces of silver

Yoseph was sold to traders to become a slave in Mitsrayim. In Scripture Mitsrayim signifies sin and death. The price for which Yoseph was betrayed at the hand of his brothers? Twenty pieces of silver!

When Yehoshua was betrayed by Yehudah of Qerioth, the chief priests paid Yehudah 30 pieces of silver for his willingness to betray Yehoshua.

Then one of the twelve, called Yehudah from Qerioth, went to the chief priests, and said, “What would you give me to deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. (Mat 26:14-15 TS98)

Then Yehudah – he who delivered Him up – having seen that He had been condemned, repented, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and to the elders, saying, “I have sinned in delivering up innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” And throwing down the pieces of silver in the Dwelling Place he left, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not right to put them into the treasury, seeing they are the price of blood.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field, for the burial of strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood, until today. Then was filled what was spoken by Yirmeyahu the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him who was pierced, on whom they of the children of Yisra’ĕl set a price, and gave them for the potter’s field, as יהוה had ordered me.” (Mat 27:3-10 TS98)

Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Yoseph of wrongdoing; Yoseph is cast into prison

Yoseph was falsely accused of attempting to rape the wife of Potiphar. Note that in Scripture adultery is used as a picture of idolatry.

When Yisrael entered into covenant with Yehowah Elohim at Mount Sinai, they entered into a marriage covenant with Him, the Torah being the ‘ketubah’ (marriage contract).

We are the Bride of Messiah, and as believers have become betrothed to Messiah; at His return He will consummate the marriage.

Just as a man or a woman violates the covenant of marriage when they commit adultery, so does a person violate the covenant of salvation and blessing when they turn around and start worshiping a false god, idol or placing anything else before one’s relationship to their Creator.

Yehoshua was falsely accused of breaking the covenant with the Father. When Messiah explained that He existed before Abraham, He was considered to be just a man who elevated Himself to be Elohim. Therefore they considered Yehoshua to be a heretic / blasphemer / idolater, certainly a covenant breaker in their eyes.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone guards My Word he shall never see death at all.” The Yehudim said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham died, and the prophets. And You say, ‘If anyone guards My Word he shall never taste death at all.’ “Are You greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died. Whom do You make Yourself?” יהושע answered, “If I esteem Myself, My esteem is none at all. It is My Father who esteems Me, of whom you say that He is your Elohim. “And you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be like you, a liar. But I do know Him and I guard His Word. “Your father Abraham was glad that he should see My day, and he saw it and did rejoice.” The Yehudim, therefore, said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” יהושע said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but יהושע was hidden and went out of the Set-apart Place, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

(Joh 8:51-59 TS98)

Two of Pharaoh’s servants are put into the prison in the care of Yoseph.

Each of the two servants of Pharaoh dream a dream and tell Yoseph of the dreams.Yoseph interprets the dreams; one of Pharaoh’s servants is to be restored to his former station, the other is to be killed.

When Yehoshua was crucified two criminals were crucified on either side of Yehoshua at the same time. One of the criminals repents on the cross; the other does not. Let’s see the result:

And one of the evil-doers who were hanged, was speaking evil of Him, saying, “If You are the Messiah, save Yourself and us.” But the other, responding, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear Elohim, since you are under the same judgment? “And we, indeed, rightly so, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this One has done no wrong.” And he said to יהושע, “Master, remember me when You come into Your reign.” And יהושע said to him, “Truly, I say to you today, you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luk 23:39-43 TS98)

Conclusion

Through the many parallels of the life of Yoseph and the first coming of Yehoshua ha Mashiach, we see that in the pages of the Torah we are presented with prophetic pictures of our Messiah’s suffering more than 1500 years before Messiah first walked this earth in the form of a man.

Although these pictures were recognized by some of the rabbis prior to Yehoshua’s first coming, the true understanding and recognition of the fulfillment of these prophetic pictures would not be fully realized until our day.

Praise Yehowah that we have been blessed to be able to see these things revealed in our day. And get ready, for His triumphant return as Melech ha Melechim and El ha Elohim is drawing near…

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Chayei Sarah and The Bride of Messiah

The chronicle of Avraham taking a bride for his son Yitzhak is more than just a beautiful story of betrothal and marriage, it also happens to be a shadow picture of Messiah taking his bride at His triumphant return in the end of days. Let’s take a look at some of these pictures and see what we can learn from this beautiful, meaningful historical account

3 And I will make you swear by Yehowah, the Elohim of the shamayim, and the Elohim of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Kanaanites, among whom I dwell: 4 But you shall go to my country, and to my mishpacha, and take a wife for my son Yitzchak.

(Gen 24:3)

Just as Avraham would not allow his son to marry the daughter of a pagan, so our Heavenly Father will not allow His Son to marry a pagan people. His bride consists of those whose garments have been washed and made white in righteousness.

“He who overcomes shall be dressed in white robes, and I shall by no means blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I shall confess his name before My Father and before His messengers.

(Rev 3:5 TS98)

After this I looked and saw a great crowd which no one was able to count, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, and palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Deliverance belongs to our Elohim who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

(Rev 7:9-10 TS98)

5 And the eved said to him, Suppose the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land: do I need to bring your son again to the land from where you came?

(Gen 24:5)

Note that the Land of Promise, which is promised to the descendants of Avraham, conditionally requires that the descendants of Avraham remain in the land.

In Scripture, when the descendants of Avraham, Yitzhak and Ya’acov leave the land, it is either due to drought/famine, or exile for the cause of sin and rebellion.

Additionally, as in every other matter between man and El Shaddai, man’s involvement in the relationship must be voluntary. Our Father does not compel anyone to enter into covenant relationship with Him.

6 And Avraham said to him, Beware that you bring not my son there again.

(Gen 24:6)

Just as Yitzhak was not to return to the land of Avraham’s pre-covenant origin, neither is the Bride of Messiah to return to the ways of our forefathers. When our Abba calls us to become betrothed to His Son, we are to willingly and freely of our own choice answer the call. We are to leave everything behind us and go forward with complete faith and trust in our Elohim.

“Everyone, therefore, who shall confess Me before men, him I shall also confess before My Father who is in the heavens. “But whoever shall deny Me before men, him I shall also deny before My Father who is in the heavens. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword, for I have come to bring division, a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – and a man’s enemies are those of his own household. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. “And he who does not take up his stake and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. “He who has found his life shall lose it, and he that has lost his life for My sake shall find it.

(Mat 10:32-39 TS98)

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

(Mat 19:29 TS98)

Messiah is teaching his talmidim the lesson of Avraham. This is a clear message today for those of us who desire to inherit eternal life. Once we accept the call, there is no turning back. The former things are to remain the former things. We are to walk in a new way, regardless of what our family, friends, society etc. thinks of us. Furthermore, we are to school our children only in the way. We are not to allow our children to return to the paths of our pre-covenant past. Rather we are to teach and instruct our children in everything that He is showing us.

Naturally we should never seek division but peace. In fact we are to be the most peaceful people on earth, living in the shalom of Sar Shalom, The Prince of Peace. However, if a family member or friend or our community rejects us because of our new found faith, we by necessity must separate from them. We must be focused on our relationship with the Messiah in order to be a functional partner in the relationship.

Imagine that a man and woman exchange vows and seal the covenant, but their parents interfere and require them to follow their way of thinking & living; what chaos would ensue in the marriage?

Or suppose a man ceases to engage prostitutes, enters into covenant and pledges his faithfulness to his new bride, but returns to engaging in relationships with prostitutes? What kind of marriage could that man have with his wife?

7 Yehowah Elohim of the shamayim, who took me from my abba’s bayit, and from the land of my mishpacha, and who spoke to me, and that swore to me, saying, Unto your zera will I give this land; He shall send His malach before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.

(Gen 24:7)

Just as every bride receives a dowry, we are not asked to leave everything and everyone behind and enter into covenant with our Groom for nothing; He promises us a great reward: land inheritance, and His protective covering.

8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath: only bring not my son there again.

(Gen 24:8)

If He gives us the invitation and we refuse the offer, He will not force us to enter into the covenant. Rather He will leave us alone…

16 And the young girl was very beautiful to look at, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17 And the eved ran to meet her, and said, Please let me drink a little mayim from your pitcher. 18 And she said, Drink, my master: and she hurried and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw mayim for your camels also, until they have done drinking. 20 And she hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw mayim, and drew for all his camels.

(Gen 24:16-20)

Note the heart of the young virgin. In behavior she is pure, undefiled and lovely. She has not played the harlot, but preserves herself for the one special relationship that awaits. Keep in mind that she does not yet know who her husband will be; but in patient faithfulness she waits, maintaining her dignity in the integrity of her heart.

She is prepared for every opportunity to show kindness to others; she has the heart of a dedicated servant.

Let the brotherly love continue. Do not forget to receive strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained messengers.

(Heb 13:1-2 TS98)

This is the type of heart that our Master comes looking for. If your heart is divided or if you will not be dedicated to Messiah, he will take no joy in you, for you will not be able to maintain a functional relationship with Him. You will not become His Bride.

54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and stayed all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away to my master. 55 And her brother and her eema said, Let the young girl stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she shall go.

(Gen 24:54-55)

When your call comes, watch out for the enemy to delay your decision. With delay often comes a change of heart. Instead, when the opportunity comes, leap forward and don’t look back! There is nothing of import that you should want to hang on to. Go forth and be blessed!

57 And they said, We will call the young girl, and ask her. 58 And they called Rivkah, and said to her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go.

(Gen 24:5-58)

No hesitation! A heart that is humble, patient, pure and prepared! That is what our Heavenly Father is looking for in a Bride for His Son!

64 And Rivkah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Yitzchak, she was lifted from off the camel. 65 For she had said to the eved, What man is this that walks in the field to meet us? And the eved had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself. 66 And the eved told Yitzchak all things that he had done. 67 And Yitzchak brought her into his eema Sarah’s tent, and took Rivkah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Yitzchak was comforted after his eema’s death.

(Gen 24:64-67)

When Messiah returns at the sound of the Shofar haGadol, he will destroy His enemies, those who have been seeking to destroy His Bride and prevent the marriage. This will be the Yom ha Kippurim haGadol, the Great Atonement. And what comes next? The Marriage Supper of The Lamb, at the Chag Sukkot Gadol, the Great Feast of Sukkot! We will enter into the Sukkah/tent with our Groom, and consummate the Eternal Marriage.

Today is the time for us to prepare our hearts to become the Bride of Messiah. We must put on the purity, faithfulness, kindness, humility and willingness to serve of our ancient Matriarch Rivkah. Only then will we be an acceptable Bride for our Groom!