Torah 101-Vayigash

I.

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS STUDY QUESTIONS (from

Mikkets)

1) Question for Genesis 41:

If we read the Torah one way, it is possible to conclude Joseph really doesnt interpret
dreams at all, but has another gift instead. What is that gift?
BILADAY ELOHIM YAANEY ET-SHLOM PAROH (41:16) = it is not by my
own power but Elohim may provide an answer to Pharaoh. The early form of not by
might, not by power, but by My Ruach which we saw two weeks ago. Daniel has a
similar attitude that the interpretation is given by YHWH and he and Joseph are
merely giving YHWHs answers. On the other hand, Josephs declaration suggests
he doesnt interpret dreams at all but merely hears Abba YHWHs voice and gives
that answer.
.
Question for Genesis 42:
Even if we believe that Joseph doesnt really interpret dreams, he can understand
when one of his dreams prophecies are fulfilled. When does this actually happen?
In 42:6 his brothers bowed low to him as Vizier, but they didnt recognize Joseph.
Nevertheless Joseph knew, in part because of how Jacob interpreted the dream, that
the sheaves and stars that bowed down to him in his dreams at age 17 were being
fulfilled at that moment.
2) Question for Genesis 43:1-44:17:
Why didnt the Egyptians eat with the Hebrews?
HAMITZRIM LEECHOL ET HA IVRIM (43:32) = the Egyptians didnt eat with
Hebrews. This was because Hebrews ate sheep whereas sheep were a sacred and
taboo animal to the Egyptians, much like how Hindus dont eat cows. This may also
add another wrinkle to why Potiphar only worried about Josephs foodironically
with the Hebrew being considered unclean!
3) Haftorah Question of the Week: 1 Kings 3:15-4:1
Solomon is able to do something that only 2 other kings seem to have been allowed to
do. What is it and who are the other kings?
ARON BRIT ADONAY (3:15) = Ark of the Covenant of Adonai. Solomon could
actually be in the presence of the ark without being a kohen and without dying. This
is how righteous he is, or perhaps he has a special dispensation in return for his
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building the Temple.

The other two kings are David when he dances with the Ark (2 Samuel 6) and
Hezekiah, who offers a prayer of deliverance in front of the Ark (2 Kings 19).

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II.

QUESTIONS FOR THIS TORAH PORTION (Vayigash)

Please NOTE:

For clarity and time constraints, if I elect to not read the whole parsha (which
is the case this week) I may still ask questions relating to the portions I did not
read!

4) Question for Genesis 44:17-45:28:

How do certain readings in the Greek OT, or Septuagint, help us figure out exactly
where Goshen was?
5) Question for Genesis 46:
The Rabbis have a legend that Josephs wife Asenath is not a pagan at all but instead
the daughter of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. Does the Hebrew in Genesis 46 affirm or
deny this idea?
6) Question for Genesis 47:
If you have read my teachings on Bible math then tell me, what is the significance of
Joseph sending 5 brothers to speak with Pharaoh?
7) Haftorah Question of the Week: Ezekiel 37:15-28
What does the prophet Ezekiel reveal here about Judah and Ephraim in his day that
might be embarrassing to both parties in terms of their identity politics today?
8) Renewed Covenant Commentary: Yochanan 10:11-19
John 10:11
136) Wordplay with ena (I) and ana (Flock), the word for flock here is plural.
John 10:16
137) Those not of the sheepfold (12 Tribes of Israel) are they who come out of the
Goyee (nations). It is a light thing that you should be my servant to raise up the
tribes of Jacob, and restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to
the Goyee (nations), that you may be my salvation unto the end of the earth
Isa_49:6. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my
name shall be great among the Goyee (nations) Mal_1:11. See also Isa_11:10;
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Isa_42:1; Isa_42:6; Isa_60:3; Isa_66:19; Jer_16:19. No other Jew in history has had
such great fame among the Goyee (nations) as Yshua.
138) One Shepherd refers to the removal of all false religious and political leaders
who have taken wrongful leadership over YHWHs people. False shepherds divide
sheep, take tithes, offerings, and donations from YHWHs people, use non-profits to
live their American dream. YHWH says, they are greedy dogs which can never
have enough...they cannot understand: they look to their own way, every one for his
gain...Come, they say...tomorrow shall be as today, and much more abundant
Isa_56:11-12. Motivational shepherds dole out promises of future success, but
YHWH says, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand,
and cause them to cease Eze_34:10. Christians, Muslims and Jews give about three
trillion dollars ($3,000,000,000,000) annually to religious causes. Religion is big
business.

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