Week 12 Vayechi (and He lived)
Genesis 47:28-50:26
Today, we’re diving deep into Torah Portion Week 12 Vayechi, which translates to “And He Lived.” As we continue to explore the story of Joseph, we’re going to tackle some interesting connections, and yes, it all ties back to when they caught 153 of them, to be exact!
The Story of Joseph
We’re again in the midst of the Joseph saga, where Jacob, now Israel, is about to bless Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. It’s a powerful moment of family, legacy, and divine favor. Here, we encounter a significant twist: Israel (Jacob) crosses his hands to bless Ephraim, the younger son, with the right hand (a position usually reserved for the firstborn) and Manasseh with the left.
The blessing begins with Israel invoking the Yahweh of, his fathers, Abraham and Isaac, and declaring that these two boys would become great nations. This moment is more than just a family blessing; it’s a prophetic declaration about the future of the people of Israel. But how do 153 fish fit into this?
153 Fish and Multitudes
To answer that, we need to look at Genesis 48:14-16:
“And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand upon the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands. For Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph and said, ‘The Elohim before whom my father’s Abraham and Isaac walked, the Elohim who has led me all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and in them let my name be perpetuated and the name of my father’s Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude amid the earth.'”
This reference to a “multitude” of people, as numerous as fish in the sea, is a key part of the blessing. In fact, some Jewish rabbinical sources translate this idea as “proliferate abundantly like fish.” Fish here symbolize abundance and multiplication. Think of a school of fish, all moving together, each part of a greater whole. The analogy is clear: Ephraim and Manasseh, representing the nations, will grow into something extraordinary, just like many fish in the sea.
The Connection to Yeshua and the 153 Fish
This concept of multitudes of fish isn’t just a theme in the Old Testament; it carries over into the New Testament, particularly in the story of Yeshua (Yeshua) and the miraculous catch of fish after His resurrection. In the Gospel of John, after a night of unsuccessful fishing, Yeshua appears to His disciples on the shore, instructing them to cast their nets on the other side. When they do, they pull up 153 fish. This number has intrigued many scholars and believers, with some suggesting it represents the “fullness of the nations,” echoing the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh in Genesis 48.
In this story, we see a miraculous catch and a profound illustration of how the message of Yeshua, the gospel, is intended to reach people from all nations. The disciples, fishing on the right side of the boat as instructed by Yeshua, represent the harvest coming at the gathering of God’s people from the nations.
Fish as a Symbol of People
In the prophetic books of the Bible, fish are often used as a symbol for people. In Jeremiah 16:16, we read:
“Behold, I will send for many fishers, says Yahweh, and they shall fish them. Afterward, I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill and out of the holes of the rocks.”
This passage speaks to God’s plan to gather His people, using fishers and hunters as metaphors for those who will return the scattered people. It’s a striking parallel to the disciples’ calling to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Yeshua wasn’t introducing a new concept; He was drawing from the Old Testament tradition of using fishing as a metaphor for the gathering of people.
More Fish in Ezekiel
In Ezekiel 26 and 29, we find additional references to fish. Ezekiel 26 speaks of Tyre’s downfall, where the city’s destruction is likened to the rising of the sea and the spreading of nets. Ezekiel 29, on the other hand, talks about how the river’s fish will be hooked and brought up. These prophetic passages underline the idea of people being caught in judgment or gathered into God’s plan.
Ezekiel 47 further connects the idea of fish with life and healing:
“It shall come to pass that everything that liveth, which moveth, wherever the rivers shall come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish because these waters shall come there; for they shall be healed, and everything shall live where the river cometh.”
Fish represent life and abundance here, much like the promise to Ephraim and Manasseh. Just as the waters heal the fish, the nations (symbolized by the fish) will be brought into God’s covenant and experience His blessings.
The 153 Fish: A Fullness of Nations
Returning to the New Testament story in John 21, we see the disciples recognizing Yeshua after the miraculous catch of 153 fish. This is a powerful moment when the fullness of God’s plan for the nations is revealed. The 153 fish are not just an arbitrary number; they represent the completeness of the gathering, bringing in people from every nation, just as Ephraim and Manasseh represent the scattered nations in Genesis 48.
The 153 fish tie into the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh and the prophecy of the nation’s being gathered together in God’s kingdom. It’s a picture of restoration, where the once-divided nations will come together under one banner.
Grafted In: Romans 11
Romans 11 further elaborates on the inclusion of the nations in God’s promises, using the metaphor of being grafted into the olive tree. Paul writes:
“Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of Elohim: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. How much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?” (Romans 11:22-24)
This passage reminds us that the nations symbolized by Ephraim and Manasseh are now part of the covenant through Yeshua. The fish, the nets, and the multitude point to the same idea: the gospel is for everyone, and God’s people are being gathered from all corners of the earth.
Unpacking the Blessings and Prophecies: A Deep Dive into Biblical Symbolism and Fulfillment
This blog post explores a fascinating journey through biblical symbolism and prophecy, focusing on themes of blessings, curses, and the unity of God’s people. From the covenant promises made to Abraham to the intricate story of Ephraim and Manasseh, we will uncover how these ancient truths connect to modern understanding and provide prophetic insights into the end times.
Blessings to the Nations: A Promise Fulfilled
The Bible starts with a powerful promise in Genesis 12, where Yahweh tells Abraham: “I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This promise not only set the stage for Israel’s relationship with Yahweh but was also intended to bless all nations. We see a glimpse of this promise’s fulfillment in the story of Joseph.
Joseph’s journey to Egypt, where he ultimately became a leader and provided for his family, is a powerful reflection of God’s blessing and mercy. During a famine, people from all around came to Egypt to receive blessings, fulfilling God’s promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s descendants. The right side of the boat, symbolizing mercy and blessings, reminds us that God’s favor flows through the obedient, and Joseph’s role in this narrative is a perfect example.
The Blessing and Cursing: Ebal and Gerizim
In the Bible, blessings and curses are not random. We see them prominently in the story of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (Deuteronomy 27). These mountains symbolize the choice between life and death, obedience and rebellion. In the same way, God’s promises to bless those who bless His people and curse those who curse them reflect the importance of aligning with His will. This brings us full circle to the idea of the two houses of Israel and Judah and Israel reuniting in the end times, as prophesied in Jeremiah 3:18, where “the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land I have given your forefathers.” This promise points to a reconciliation in which God’s people will be united, fulfilling His covenant.
Manasseh and Ephraim: A Symbol of Forgetfulness and Fruitfulness
The biblical story of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph, is rich with symbolism. Manasseh’s name means “causing to forget,” while Ephraim means “fruitful” or “doubly fruitful.” These two brothers represent two different paths: one of forgetting and one of abundance.
The story of the Prodigal Son in the New Testament mirrors this dynamic. Manasseh, representing the forgotten or lost son, reflects the experience of someone who departs and later returns to the father’s embrace. On the other hand, Ephraim can be seen as the son who stays but feels overlooked or overshadowed by the returning brother. This dynamic plays out in the story of Joseph, where Judah, the older brother, struggles with feelings of being left behind while Joseph welcomes back Ephraim with open arms.
The Sons of the Living God: A Symbol of Restoration
In the New Testament, Yeshua’s call for His disciples to be “fishers of men” holds profound significance. The concept of fishing for people connects with the prophetic themes of Jeremiah and Hosea, where Yahweh proposes sending “fishers” to gather His people. The number 153 in the story of the miraculous fish catch is a topic of much debate. Some interpret this number as symbolic of the fullness of the Gentiles being brought into God’s kingdom, while others suggest it represents all nations153 species of fish if the theory holds true.
Regardless of the interpretation, the message remains clear: God’s purpose is to gather His people from all corners of the earth, uniting them under His banner. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations and the unity of the two houses of Israel.
A Prophetic Vision for the End Times
The themes we explore in this blog post are not just historical but have prophetic significance for today. As we consider the state of the world and the division within God’s people, we see parallels to the biblical narratives of division and restoration. The prophetic story of the two houses of Israel being reunited points to a future where God’s people are restored, His blessings flow, and His mercy is poured out on all who align with Him.
In closing, the story of Ephraim and Manasseh and the promise made to Abraham offers us a deep look into God’s eternal plan. It is a story of mercy, redemption, and the eventual return of His people to the land He promised them. This journey reminds us that we are not just strangers in this world but sojourners passing through on our way to a better, heavenly country. As we continue to study these truths, let us be encouraged by the knowledge that God’s plan is unfolding, and His blessings will ultimately reach all nations.
Meaning of The Tribes of Israel (Genesis 48)
| Tribe | Blessing | Key Names of God Used | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manasseh | Jacob blesses Manasseh, giving him the firstborn status despite being the younger of Joseph’s two sons. He blesses Manasseh with a future of prosperity and greatness. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 48:13-20 |
| Ephraim | Ephraim, the younger of Joseph’s two sons, receives the blessing of becoming greater than Manasseh. Jacob crosses his hands and blesses Ephraim as the leader of Joseph’s descendants. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 48:13-20 |
| Reuben | Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, loses his birthright for his sinful actions. He is described as unstable like water. His tribe will not excel. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 49:3-4 |
| Simeon | Simeon and Levi are cursed for their violence and anger. Their tribe will be scattered among Israel. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:5-7 |
| Levi | Similar to Simeon, Levi is rebuked for his violent nature but later receives the priestly role, being scattered throughout Israel but given cities to dwell in. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:5-7 |
| Judah | Judah is blessed with leadership. Jacob prophesies that the kingship will come from Judah’s descendants, culminating in the Messiah (a reference to David and Jesus). | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:8-12 |
| Zebulun | Zebulun is blessed with prosperity and will dwell by the sea, becoming a prosperous place for trade and commerce. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 49:13 |
| Issachar | Issachar is described as a strong donkey who will become a servant to others, symbolizing hardworking and loyal people. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:14-15 |
| Dan | Dan is blessed with the role of a judge, but Jacob also prophesies that Dan will be a serpent in the way, a symbol of his later role in causing division in Israel. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 49:16-18 |
| Gad | Gad’s tribe is blessed with victory in battle, although they will face attacks, they will overcome them. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:19 |
| Asher | Asher’s descendants will be blessed with abundance, with rich food and royal delicacies. | El Shaddai (God Almighty) | Genesis 49:20 |
| Naphtali | Naphtali is blessed with freedom and speaks beautiful words, symbolizing a tribe that will bring a message of peace. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:21 |
| Joseph | Joseph is blessed with fruitful prosperity, despite the challenges he faced. His blessings surpass those of his brothers. Jacob invokes El Shaddai to bless him. | El Shaddai (God Almighty), YHWH | Genesis 49:22-26 |
| Benjamin | Benjamin is blessed as a ravenous wolf, symbolizing his descendants’ strength and prowess in battle. | Yahweh (The LORD) | Genesis 49:27-29 |
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