#11 — Parshat Vayigash
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True Leaders in Israel
In Parsha Vayigash, “And he approached,” the story of Jacob’s sons Joseph and Judah unfolds in a dramatic climax. Judah and Joseph are displayed at their bests.
Judah at His Best
“And he [Judah] approached” (Genesis 44:18) Joseph, to make intercession for his brother Benjamin. He does so with a moving speech. (Genesis 44:18-34)
“For your servant became a pledge of safety for the boy to my father,” Judah explains to the Egyptian ruler – still unaware the man with authority over imprisonment or death was his own brother! (Genesis 44:32)
And these are not mere words. Judah really steps forward. He who once sold his brother Joseph as a slave, now offers himself as a slave to set his brother Benjamin free.
Judah shows the character of a true leader in Israel. “Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my Lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers.” (Genesis 44:33)
Joseph at His best
At this point Joseph cannot control himself anymore, overcome with emotion. He sends all Egyptians away and then with loud weeping reveals himself to his speechless brothers. “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?”
Joseph also now demonstrates the character of a true leader in Israel. He invites his brothers to come near. Literally he says, “Approach me.” (Genesis 45:4) He follows with words of comfort and forgiveness for them. He even extends forgiveness for their cruelest deed, telling his brothers, “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here.”
Joseph kisses his all his brothers and weeps upon them. (Genesis 45:15). He offers his brothers full release for their offenses, wholeheartedly, with no trace of vengeance.
Why is Joseph able to be so magnanimous? His statement gives the answer: the L-RD’s sovereign hand upon his life. “G-d has sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).
And that Joseph really does in the rest of our parsha. He takes the utmost care to bring his father’s entire family safely to Egypt. Joseph’s great power and influence are employed to provide for the family of Israel abundantly.
The last word of our parsha is: “Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly” (Genesis 47:27)
Israel’s Ultimate Leader
Approaching to intercede, offering full forgiveness, giving life to Israel, providing abundantly. These are the best qualities of Judah and Joseph on display. And as Joseph and Judah are seen at their best, they both pre-figure the ultimate leader of Israel who will approach G-d to intercede for Israel.
We read it in Jeremiah 30:
Their leader shall be one of them
And their ruler shall come forth from their midst;
And I will bring him near and he shall approach Me:
For who is he that gives his heart in pledge to approach Me? declares the L-RD. (Jeremiah 30:21 NASB)
In the context of the book of Jeremiah, Israel is in deepest trouble. G-d’s chosen nation has nothing left but the terrible curses of the covenant they broke. But this leader approaches G-d, intercedes, and gives Israel a new covenant. (Jeremiah 30:22, 31:31-34). It is a covenant based on complete forgiveness. (Jeremiah 31:34). This new covenant means full life and blessing for Israel. (Jeremiah 32:40)
This leader was despised and rejected by his own (Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 22:6). Nevertheless, he has nothing but forgiveness to offer. He pledges his own life to secure a completely restored relationship with G-d. Because of him G-d says:
“And you shall be my people and I will be your G-d.” (Jeremiah 30:22)
Same Message
At the end of the book of Genesis Joseph says: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but G-d meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.“ (Genesis 50:20-21)
This was Joseph’s message for his brothers, when their consciences were still gnawing at them. But the good news of Jesus the Messiah is exactly the same. In essence, He says to us, “I died for you. G-d sent me to preserve your life!” (Compare John 10:10, 15)
May you be blessed by His shalom to the full.