Vayechi: He lived — ויחי

Thoughts on Torah for Last Week:
 
Additions to our page on Spiritual Coaching:
                Link to video teaching on Tzitzit.
                Link to product page of the Name of God plaque.

Genesis 44-47
In a previous post, we touched on the idea of the birthright son carrying the responsibilities of the father if he was unable.  The father’s primary responsibility to the family was to be a provider and protector of the family – aspects of the father’s role as king.  In this portion of the story of Joseph, we see this come to fruition in a dramatic way as Joseph saves his parents and siblings from a seven-year famine.

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​For Believers, understanding and applying the principles and practices of the firstborn and birthright is not only an element of the law, but it has direct applications to Yeshua/Jesus.
 
Firstborn
The first of everything belongs to God – first fruits of the harvest, firstlings of animals and the firstborn of Israel.  The first fruits and firstlings were offered to God in sacrifice.  Likewise, we saw God ask Abraham to offer his firstborn Isaac as a sacrifice.  We will see the firstborn in Egypt spared through sacrifice; and, see God declare that the firstborn of Israel belonged to Him.  The firstborn were redeemed from God’s service in Israel with a payment of money.
 
Birthright
The birthright son was an integral aspect of family government in Israel.  His role included the following:

1. Be a provider and protector of the family if the father was unable.  In a dramatic way, we saw this happen with Joseph.
2. Continue with perpetual covenants the father had made with his God.  We saw this with Isaac and Jacob.
3. Function as an example and leader to his siblings.
4. Care for elder parents receiving a double portion of the inheritance to do so.
5. Head over the family clan.

 
Moreover, the primary qualifications for the birthright were based on gender, righteousness and strength of character.  In the case of both Jacob and Ephraim, both seemed to be selected based on righteousness and strength of character instead of being the firstborn.
 
Yeshua
Yeshua is considered both the Firstborn of the Father and His Birthright Heir over all humanity.
 
Practice for Torah-Keeping Believers
Firstborn sons should be redeemed by making the redemptive payment.
Parents should consider those who of their sons have the character to be the birthright heir.  If no sons, then a daughter is to be selected.  Parents should be preparing their birthright choice to assume this responsibility.

Isaiah Chapter 11
As an ensign to the nations Jehovah’s servant gathers a remnant of Israel and Judah in a new exodus.

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Resource Links for this Week's Portion

TORAH: GENESIS 47:28-50:26
GOSPELS: John 13:1-19

Listen and Read the Portion
First Fruits of Zion

​​Commentary with Nehemia Gordon
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HAFTARAH: ISAIAH Chapter 12

Commentary with Avraham Gileadi, PhD