TORAH: Genesis 47:28-50:26
HAFTARAH: 1 Kings 2:1-12
GOSPEL: John 13:1-19
Portion Outline:
Torah
Genesis 47:27 | The Last Days of Jacob
Genesis 48:1 | Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons
Genesis 49:1 | Jacob’s Last Words to His Sons
Genesis 49:29 | Jacob’s Death and Burial
Genesis 50:15 | Joseph Forgives His Brothers
Genesis 50:22 | Joseph’s Last Days and Death
Prophets
1Ki 2:1 | David’s Instruction to Solomon
1Ki 2:10 | Death of David
Portion Summary:
The last reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi (ויחי), which means “and he lived.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years” (Genesis 47:28). In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his death by securing a double portion of inheritance for Joseph and then blessing each of his sons with prophetic blessings. The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob, followed shortly by the death of Joseph and a promise of redemption from Egypt.
Portion Commentary:
The Lion of Judah
Jacob compared the future victory and ascension of Judah to a lion resting after a kill. He compared Judah’s enemies to the lion’s slain prey. A parallel prophecy in the Torah says the lion “will not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain” (Numbers 23:24). A parallel prophecy in the Torah says the lion “will not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain” (Numbers 23:24).
Like a sleeping lion, satiated after the kill, Judah will be at peace. Just as the surviving animals would never dare to rouse the slumbering lion, neither will any of the surviving nations dare to challenge Judah again. Rashi explains the prophecies of the lion as referring to the era of King David and King Solomon. The lion tearing the prey symbolizes King David, who made war on Israel’s enemies and subdued them. The lion lying down to rest refers to David’s son King Solomon, who enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity, as Scripture says, “So Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon” (1 Kings 4:25).
King David and his son Solomon prefigure the wars of Messiah followed by the peace of the Messianic Era. The lion-prophecies also speak of the time of peace that will come after the wars of Messiah. The Messiah son of David will defeat the enemies of Israel and usher in an era of peace during which no nation will dare rise up against Israel. The people of Israel will enjoy a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity—the Messianic Kingdom.
As the conquering hero who will defeat Judah’s enemies, Yeshua receives the title Lion of the Tribe of Judah:
Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome. (Revelation 5:5)
A lion fears nothing, but everything fears the lion: “A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8). This is King Messiah. (Lekach Tov)
Read complete commentary at First Fruits of Zion.
