Parsha Page
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Sidra Overview
The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 39 W'hara'ov, Severe Famine
Torah, Genesis 43:1-34
But the famine in the land was severe. And when they had eaten up the rations
which they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them,
“Go again and procure some food for us.”
In
chapter 43, the provisions have been eaten, and Y’hudah joins Reuven in vouching
for Binyamin’s safety, telling Ya’akov forcefully that they were told not to
come back without their youngest brother, and they were wasting time. Finally
Y’hudah convinces Ya’akov to send his sons, including Binyamin, back to
Egypt. Here Y’hudah begins emerging as more
influential than his eldest brother, and may begin to explain why the tribe of
Y’hudah is more prominent in Isra’el in later years. The brothers go with gifts
to present to Yosef, still known to them only as the viceroy of
Egypt. They also bring along the money that had
been put in their bags, as well as double the amount of money required to
purchase more food. Most importantly, they bring Binyamin.
When
the brothers come before Yosef again, he tests their sincerity. They are treated
well, but they are fearful that they will be accused of stealing the money
during their last trip. The steward of the house of Yosef recognizes the honesty
of the men, and releases Shimon back to them. As Yosef sees all his brothers
together, talks with Binyamin, and inquires of his father, he becomes
overwhelmed with emotion.
Qeriath, Jeremiah 42:2-20
The
people of Isra’el are in exile, and the remnant of Y’hudah comes to the prophet
Jeremiah, telling him to ask of God what He wants them to do, and promises to
obey His commands. After 10 days, Adonai gave Jeremiah his words. Jeremiah told
the people vehemently not to return to
Egypt, if they did the entire remnant would
perish. But if they would be obedient and stay in the Land, then HaShem would
protect them from the king of Babylon and all others.
But, Jeremiah knew the people were deceitful in their hearts and they would
reject this command.
Da'ath, Romans 8:28-39
“And we
know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His purpose.” (New King James) Rav Shaul emphasizes
that as long as we are in God’s will, and He is protecting us, then no earthly
power can truly hurt us. So it is, as Yosefs' brothers
meant to do evil to him, Adonai has turned events so that through this evil
Ya’akov and all his family are saved. Just as the remnant of Y’hudah would if
they would be obedient to Adonai and stay where He told them, rather than
turning to Egypt for help.
Igarath, James 3:13-18
In this book James, the brother of Yeshua,
continues to encourage the people to follow Torah, and exhibit the wisdom that
comes from Adonoi. Our works are to be done in humility, not boasting, lying or
seeking self-gratification. We are to reject the worldly wisdom that is
unspiritual and demonic.
Conclusion
The Torah reading Ya’akov
and his sons were looking to
Egypt
for salvation. In Qeriath Jeremiah specifically tells the people that if they
look to Egypt
for salvation, they will perish, but if they stay in the Land in obedience to
Adonai they will be saved. Da'ath tells us that Adonai will take even evil
actions and turn them to good for those who love Him and are obedient to His
Word. In Igarath we find the brother of Yeshua encouraging all believers to seek
the wisdom of Adonoi, just as Yosef has done.
Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson