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Parsha Page
Torah, Genesis 40:1-23
Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt gave offense
to the lord the king of Egypt.
This sidra is the familiar story of Yoseph in prison because of the treachery of
Potiphar’s wife. While in prison, he has risen to a position of responsibility
because of his integrity. He interprets the dreams of Pharaohs cupbearer and
baker, who have been placed under his supervision in the prison. Yoseph’s’
dreams follow a pattern – earlier Yoseph had two dreams his brothers and father
interpreted, these two dreams he interprets for the cupbearer and baker, and
later Pharaoh will have two dreams that Yoseph interprets for him. Each time,
Yoseph pronounces that God is the one that interprets these dreams; Yoseph only
speaks the interpretation that is given to him.
The
dream of the cupbearer indicates that he will be restored to his position at the
hand of Pharaoh, while the baker’s reveals that Pharaoh will destroy him. Three
days later, both of Yoseph’s interpretations come true. Yoseph has asked the
cupbearer to mention his innocence to Pharaoh; while the cupbearer agreed, he
forgot about him.
Qeriath, 1Samuel 2:12-26
Samuel has been left to serve in the Temple by his mother and father, as
an offering to Adonoi. He has grown into service under Eli, the cohen hagadol
(high priest). Eli’s two sons are scoundrels, mistreating the offerings that
people bring to Adonai, among other grievous sins. Eli has reprimanded them, but
to no avail. In contrast, Samuel is performing faithfully, growing in esteem and
favor with both God and men. We hear of Adonai’s plans to eventually cause Eli’s
sons to die because of their sin.
As with Yoseph and his brothers, the faithful servant is the one to gain
in esteem from Adonoi, and men will eventually recognize this. The sinful
brothers end up suffering for their sins, and causing grief to their fathers.
Da'ath, 1Peter 4:12-19
In our Igarath reading, Kefa, who is Peter, is writing to a Messianic
Community that is undergoing persecution because of their belief in Yeshua as
Messiah. Kefa tells them that it is not an unusual or extraordinary thing that
is happening to them. Kefa encourages them, since they are being insulted
because they bear the name of Messiah. Thus, the very Spirit of God is resting
on them. Kefa tells the community that they will rejoice all the more when the
full Sh'khinah of the Lord is revealed.
Igarath, James
1:12-26
Ya'akov continues his letter to the Jews in the Diaspora, encouraging
them to persevere under temptation. We must recognize that God never sends that
temptation, but instead the temptation comes from our own desires. That desire
entices us then gives birth to sin, which gives birth to death. We are told to
see that all good things come from God, including Yeshua, His perfect Word. We
are commanded to rid ourselves of all our vulgarity and evil, accepting the Word
in our lives. And Ya'akov tells us to act upon what we have been told; doing the
good that is part of our observance of Torah.
Conclusion
Torah shows Yoseph suffering imprisonment because of his faithfulness to
Adonai, yet continuing to grow in esteem in the eyes of men because they
perceive that the blessing of God is upon him. Qeriath tells us that Samuel also
grew in the esteem of God and men because of his faithfulness, even in the
presence of the evil enacted by Eli’s sons. In Da'ath Kefa encourages believers
to be faithful to Adonai even when they are being persecuted for obeying Him.
And Igarath tells us to faithfully follow Torah, resisting worldly temptations
that will lead us to death, instead doing good. Yoseph and Samuel are two shining examples that show how blessings flow from Adonai to those who are faithful to Him.
Barukh HaShem,
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Shalom