RECOGNITION

2. RECOGNITION THE MESSIANIC PROPHECY BIBLE PROJECT http://www.messianicbible.com HEAR O ISRAEL www.hearoisrael.org SHEEPFOLD GLEANINGS WRITTEN BY JULIE PARKER www.sheepfoldgleanings.com MESSIANIC ISRAEL ALLIANCE http://www.messianicisrael.com AZAMRA TORAH FOR OUR TIME – RABBI AVRAHAM GREENBAUM http://www.azamra.org

3. VAY ECHI “And He lived” Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12 B’ritChadashah: Luke 4:31-5:11 All references: The Scripture 1998+ unless otherwise noted

4. JACOB LIVED And Yaʽaqoḇ lived in the land of Mitsrayim seventeen years. So the length of Yaʽaqoḇ’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. (Genesis 47:28 The Scriptures 1998+) 17 Years: They were “tov” years. How do we know that they were “good”? Seventeen is the numeric value of the letters “tet-vav-vet” which is the word “tov” (good). He is re-united with Yoseph; He lived out his life surrounded by all of his sons and at least one daughter. 147 Years: The length of his days. Now 147 is the numeric value of the Hebrew word “tza‟anah” (tzadee-aleph-nun-vav), which means “his flock” or “his sheep”. 147 also equal the word “na‟tsabah” (nun-tzadee-bet-hey), to “be established” or “stand upright”. 147 equals “amun‟on” (aleph-mem-yud-nun-vav-nun), which is from the word “emunah” (faith or belief) and means “faithful”, or “one who has belief”.Yisra’el, in living his life and establishing his family, would be a perfect picture of the “flock” that is “established, upright and faithful”.

5. DRAW NEAR And the time for Yisra’ĕl to die drew near .. (Genesis 47:29 The Scriptures 1998+) Quoting Rabbi Joseph Tzarfati in YadYosef (1617) (slight editions): “It is the nature of everything to ‘draw near’ and to cleave itself to its root and its source. For this reason the time of ‘death’ of the righteous ones is described as a ‘drawing near,’ as if they had a desire to return to their root and to ‘draw themselves near’ to their source. Our parents and their parents before them had a great yearning to be ‘brought near’ to the Land of Israel, for there was the root and the source of where they were formed.” Tzarfati explains that righteous people are always eager to return to their roots, that is, the Source of Life, itself. A righteous person has no fear of death because death is simply seen as an opportunity to transfer from this world to the OlamHaba – the world to come.

6. RITUAL SACRIFICE The root of the Hebrew for “draw near” is karav which is also the root of “korban”, the word describing ritual sacrifices. The korban sacrifices helped the Israelites “draw near” to יהוה, picturing that it was through a substitute death, that they were able to “draw near” to the life-giver. And Yaʽaqoḇ lived in the land of Mitsrayim .. (Genesis 47:28 The Scriptures 1998+) And the time for Yisra’ĕl to die .. (Genesis 47:29 The Scriptures 1998+) So Ya’acov, (his name switches to “Israel” in verse 29), expresses to Yosef his insistence in “drawing near” to his roots - the Land of Promise and the place where his ancestors are buried. He wants to go home and he wants his family to maintain a personal link with the Land.

7. IF YOU LOVE ME!! “Now if I have found favour in your eyes, please put your hand under my thigh, and show kindness and truth to me. Please do not bury me in Mitsrayim, but I shall lie with my fathers, and you shall take me up out of Mitsrayim and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I do as you have said.” And he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him, and Yisra’ĕl bowed himself on the head of the bed. (Genesis 47:29-31 The Scriptures 1998+) Yaakov's insistence that he be buried in Canaan with his fathers wasn't solely for his own comfort. He knew that their ultimate redemption from Egypt wasn't merely a promise from יהוה, but that it must always be a moral and spiritual imperative felt deep within the heart of Israel. This is why Yaakov changed his language from a plea for "loving kindness and truth" to a demand that Yosef take a vow to do so, "commanding" his twelve sons to make it happen. They too must understand that they do not belong in the Godless land of Egypt. Yaakov set the groundwork for the eventual exodus from Egypt by his children and their return to the land of Israel, the land of יהוה 's delight.

8. 5 POINTSLegends of the Jews All the years of Jacob's sojourn in Egypt, Asenath, the wife of Joseph, was his constant nurse. When she saw his end drawing nigh, she spoke to Joseph: "I have heard that one who is blessed by a righteous man is as though he had been blessed by the Shekinah. Therefore, bring thy sons hither, that Jacob give them his blessing.“ Now when Joseph received the news of his father's having fallen sick, through his messenger, as well as through Ephraim, whom Jacob was instructing in the Torah, he hastened to the land of Goshen, taking his two sons with him. He desired to have certainty upon five points: Would his father bless his two sons, born in Egypt, and, If so, would he appoint them to be heads of tribes; Would he assign the rights of the first-born unto himself; Would he divest Reuben of such rights altogether; And why had his father buried his mother Rachel by the wayside, and not carried her body to the family tomb at Machpelah.

9. JACOB SPEAKS .. someone told Yosef that his father was ill. He took with him his two sons, M'nasheh and Efrayim. ..Ya`akov said to Yosef, "El Shaddai appeared to me at Luz in the land of Kena`an and blessed me, saying to me, 'I will make you fruitful and numerous. I will make of you a group of peoples; and I will give this land to your descendants to possess forever.’ (Genesis 48:1-4 CJB) Yoseph hears that his father is “sick” or “chalah” in Hebrew; which more rightly means “weakened” or “becoming weak” or “worn down”. Ya’aqob speaks of El Shaddai’s appearing to him at Luz and the blessing that was given to him there by יהוה. This place, that Ya’aqob called Beit El or House of Elohim, is within 11 miles of the Temple Mount in Yerushalayim. Beit El fits within the confines of a larger Yerushalayim, as it will be during the Messianic Age. It was here that Ya’aqob saw the “ladder” to “ha‟shamayim” or “the heavens”. It was here that יהוה blessed Ya’aqob with the blessing of his fathers, Avraham and Yitzaq. It was here that יהוה told him that he would become a company of goyim (nations), and the land of Kena’an.

10. LUZ But why does he call it Luz here, seeing that Luz was its old name. Ya’aqob, himself, named it Beit El? Well, he wants us to understand the implications. Remember “Luz” means “almond tree”. El Shaddai appeared to him at the “almond tree”. This is near, or perhaps even part of the site of Gan Eden; where we had the “Tree of Life” and the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” and now, we have the “Almond Tree” associated with this area. What does the “Almond Tree” represent? When HaShem showed Moshe the pattern of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), He gave Moshe specific instructions for the vessels and utensils as well, according to Exodus 25:31-40 and 37:17-23. He was told to make the Menorah in the likeness of the “Almond Tree” because it is the “Tree of Light”. That is why, during the rebellion of Korah in the wilderness, when the chief of each tribe of Yisra’el placed his rod (denoting leadership) in the Mishkan and only Aharon’s budded and bore fruit; and it bore almonds; because Aharon, as the High Priest, was the “Light Bearer”, which is what the name “Aharon” means in Hebrew.

11. EFRAYIM AND M’NASHEH “And now, your two sons, Ephrayim and Menashsheh, who were born to you in the land of Mitsrayim before I came to you in Mitsrayim, are mine – as Re’uḇĕn and Shimʽon, they are mine. “Your offspring whom you shall bring forth after them are yours, and let them be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. (Genesis 48:5-6 The Scriptures 1998+) Jacob was saying that Ephraim and Manasseh were to be hisfull sons, that they were to be as hisfullBLOOD sons. To make sure they understood this statement, Jacob added the clause: “as Reuben and Simeon are.” Reuben and Simeon were full blood sons by his wife Leah and not through a maidservant. These two sons were the first and second born of the twelve sons of Israel. With the above statement, Jacob effectively elevated Ephraim and Manasseh, his grandsons, to first and second born status, and conferred the covenant name Israel upon Ephraim along with the firstborn status ...For I shall be a Father to Yisra’ĕl, and Ephrayim – he is My first-born. (Jeremiah 31:9 The Scriptures 1998+)

12. FIRSTBORN Quoting from the book Redeemed Israel by BatyaWootten: “Jacob gave the birthright to his beloved Rachel’s firstborn son. He gave it to Joseph and to Joseph’s sons. In ancient Israel the birthright consisted of a double portion, as well as family preeminence (the right to act as the next family ruler). The Almighty commanded that the father must ‘acknowledge the firstborn…by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the firstborn’ (Deuteronomy 21:17). The firstborn was given a double portion, that he might be equipped to act as a kinsman-redeemer for his brethren. This right of the firstborn speaks of preeminence, primogeniture, the right to act as family ruler, to dispense justice, and to be the family redeemer. He received the right to inherit family leadership (Genesis 43:33). Preferential status: sanctity, authority, sovereignty, responsibility, and right of succession accrued to (him)…he became the next head of the family…and embodied the soul and character of the social group, becoming responsible for its continuance and welfare.

13. ADOPTION Ephraim and Manasseh were not adopted. The word adopted described one who generally had no blood ties to the family adopting them. Ephraim and Manasseh had Joseph’s (and Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham’s) blood in them. The Hebraic interpretation of adoption is absolute. The Greek interpretation of adoption leaves room for debate, implying the thought of second-class citizens. Adoption was another word introduced by the King James Version into the New Testament. It is this interpretation that leads to the phrase and mindset of being spiritual Israelites. Many believers today think they are solely spiritual Israel because the word adoption is used. The correct rendering of adoption in scripture should read sonship. We who believe in the Messiah are full blood sons of Israel and heirs according to the eternal, everlasting promises given Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that those who believe are FULL BLOOD children of Abraham… If you belong to Yeshua, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:7, 29).

14. SABBATH BLESSINGS To this day, “May Elohim make you like Ephraim and Manasseh” are the words used in the traditional blessings over sons on Shabbat. Bereshith 48:20 So he blessed them that day, saying, "By you Israel will bless, saying, 'May Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!' "… Daughters are blessed in the names of Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah – the matriarchs. So why not bless our sons on Shabbat in the names of the patriarchs? Surely we’re not blessing our sons to be like princes in Egypt. Ephraim and Manasseh were raised in comfort and prosperity. We don’t actually know much about these young men growing up, but we can assume they led a very privileged life. They were children of the Diaspora*, born and raised in Egypt, with no connection to the Land. *The body of Jews (or Jewish communities) outside Palestine or modern Israel

15. BLESSINGS Blessings are about more than prosperity and privilege. Igra De Kallah gives some insight: “Why should Jacob have wanted all his descendants to bless their children with the examples of Ephraim and Manasseh rather than with that of some other two of the tribes of Israel? Because the two young sons of Joseph had conducted themselves in accordance with the fundamental Law of the Torah; namely, that one should neither consider oneself greater than another nor envy another. Even though Jacob had set Ephraim, the younger son, before Manasseh, the first born, Ephraim did not become arrogant and Manasseh did not become jealous. Seeing this, Jacob expressed the hope that all the children of Israel would be like Ephraim and Manasseh, free of arrogance and envy.” Manasseh was blessed because he did not get upset or vengeful when his younger brother receives the blessing of the first born over him. Ephraim, the younger who is set over his older brother, in no way flaunts it or becomes prideful. The blessing we do over our sons is all about the absence of jealousy and arrogance.

16. NEGATIVITY ELIMINATED Both of those characteristics have plagued the chosen family from the beginning. These feelings are prophesied to be eliminated along with the restoration of all of Israel: And He shall raise a banner for the nations, and gather the outcasts of Yisra’ĕl, and assemble the dispersed of Yehuḏah from the four corners of the earth. And the envy of Ephrayim shall turn aside, and the adversaries of Yehuḏah be cut off. Ephrayim shall not envy Yehuḏah, and Yehuḏah not trouble Ephrayim. (Isaiah 11:12-13 The Scriptures 1998+) Hopefully, our future generations will receive this blessing and be free of such negative emotions! See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity – (Psalms 133:1 The Scriptures 1998+)

17. IDENTITY The problem with the ekklesia (the body of believers in Messiah) today is that WE do not know who WE are. If a people do not know who they are, they do not develop a respect for their heritage. If we are part of Israel coming home, we have a responsibility, a place, a people and a blessing in our Hebraic heritage according to an eternal covenant. When we lose our identity a veil covers our heart due to our lack of understanding. Not knowing we are full, physical sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (meaning full blood relatives) causes us to miss our inheritance and be able to see only partially. On the other hand, many today from the House of Judah tend to focus heavily on the “law” (contained in the Mosaic Covenant) or the legal end of the Torah, without the fullness of Torah, or the Spirit of Torah, Yeshua. In doing so they miss the LIFE in Torah. The Mosaic Covenant can, in fact, also be understood as the teachings of Yeshua to Moses (John 5:46-47) and is the foundation of our covenant with our Savior. But to separate law from the Spirit or Life of Torah (Yeshua) produces death. You cannot have one without the other.

18. RACHEL’S BURIAL “And I, when I came from Paddan, Raḥĕl died beside me in the land of Kenaʽan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath. And I buried her there on the way to Ephrath, that is BĕythLeḥem.” (Genesis 48:7 The Scriptures 1998+) Why the sudden move from inheritance to Rachel: It is all about the 5 points troubling Joseph prompted by the Holy Spirit that are to be answered indicating the significance of his mother burial. Legends of the Jews: .. the Lord commanded it." The reason of the command was that God knew that the Temple would be destroyed, and Israel would be carried away into banishment, and the exiles would ask the Patriarchs to intercede for them with God, but God would not hearken unto them. On their way to the land of the stranger they would pass the grave of Rachel, and they would throw themselves upon it, and beseech their mother to make intercession for them with God. Is there scripture to confirm this?

19. RACHEL WEEPING Thus said יהוה, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing, bitter weeping, Raḥĕl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15 The Scriptures 1998+) Legends of the Jews: And Rachel would pray to God in their behalf. "O Lord of the world, look upon my tears, and have compassion upon my children. But if Thou wilt not take pity on them, then indemnify me for the wrong done to me." Unto her prayer God will hearken, and He will have mercy upon Israel. Therefore was Rachel buried in the way. Then was filled what was spoken by Yirmeyahu the prophet, saying, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and weeping, and great mourning – Raḥĕl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they were no more.” (Matthew 2:17-18 The Scriptures 1998+)

20. WHOSE ARE THESE And Yisra’ĕl saw Yosĕph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?” And Yosĕph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom Elohim has given me in this place.” And he said, “Please bring them to me, and let me bless them.” And the eyes of Yisra’ĕl were dim with age, and he was unable to see. And he drew them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Yisra’ĕl said to Yosĕph, “I had not thought to see your face. But see, Elohim has also shown me your seed!” So Yosĕph brought them from between his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. (Genesis 48:8-12 The Scriptures 1998+) We read that Jacob’s eyes were dim by age and that he could not see. But, we also read in verse 8; And Yisra‟el saw Yoseph‟s sons, and said, “Who are these?” Now we know that they were born in Mitzrayim, before Jacob came down; they were certainly older than 17. Why then did Ya’aqob ask who they were? He asked “for the record”. He was about to bless them and prophesy over them. From between his Legs: They were prostrated on the ground

21. CROSSED HIS HANDS And Yosĕph took them both, Ephrayim with his right hand toward Yisra’ĕl’s left hand, and Menashsheh with his left hand toward Yisra’ĕl’s right hand, and brought them near him. And Yisra’ĕl stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephrayim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Menashsheh’s head, consciously directing his hands, for Menashsheh was the first-born. (Genesis 48:13-14 The Scriptures 1998+) The time had come for Jacob/Israel to pass on the firstborn blessing to “his” children by the laying on of hands. The younger son Ephraim was in front of Jacob/Israel left hand and the firstborn Manasseh was before his right hand. The right hand represented the authority of יהוה and is used when blessing and passing on inheritance. Jacob/Israel, being led by the Holy Spirit, placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head and not on Manasseh’s head. He crossed his hands and pronounced the firstborn blessing upon the younger son.

22. NATIONS The name Ephraim comes from the word pri, which means fruit.  Out of Ephraim is destined to come what is called in Hebrew m’loh” goyim.  This may be translated a multitude of nations or Gentiles. The word goyim is Hebrew for Nations and has been incorrectly transliterated as gentiles in some translations, especially in the New Testament. When this happened, the true identity and understanding of the Nations or Jacob/Israel’s children was completely missed and lost to believers because the word gentile had no relationship to the Tribes of Israel or to anything Hebraic in the Bible. People became blinded to their heritage and lost to the full understanding of Yeshua in the New Testament. The word gentile means: a confused pagan without God, a group other than one’s own. Gentile does not describe יהוה’s people or those in Yeshua. When Yeshua indwells His people they are no longer confused, pagans or without God! By crossing his arms Jacob symbolized the joining of the nations to Israel through the cross fulfilling the covenant promise: I have made you the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:5 CJB)

23. THEN HE BLESSED JOSEF And he blessed Yosĕph, and said, “The Elohim before whom my fathers Aḇraham and Yitsḥaq walked, the Elohim who has fed me all my life long to this day, the Messenger who has redeemed me from all evil – bless the youths! And let my name be called upon them, and the name of my fathers Aḇraham and Yitsḥaq. And let them increase to a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (Genesis 48:15-16 The Scriptures 1998+) We see Jacob/Israel bypassed Joseph’s authority and chose to directly pray that foremost blessing over יהוה’s chosen son, Ephraim, whose name means “doubly fruitful” or “I shall be doubly fruitful.” For Jacob/Israel, the memory of usurping Esau, his father’s choice for the birthright, may have been on his heart. Knowing Manasseh was Joseph’s first choice, Jacob/Israel obeyed the Holy Spirit eliminated the chance of a recurrence of the circumstances in which he had received the firstborn status instead of Esau, which caused years of alienation. This also confirmed that Ephraim and Manasseh were to be as Jacob/Israel true sons, and as their father, he blessed them.

24. PORTION And Yisra’ĕl said to Yosĕph, “See, I am dying, but Elohim shall be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. “And I, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.” (Genesis 48:21-22 The Scriptures 1998+) Yisra’el had adopted Yoseph’s two sons in order to give them each a portion; in essence, giving Yoseph a portion above his brothers. What “portion” was the extra one? Does it matter? You see, the word in Hebrew here for “portion” is “Shekem”. “Shekem” literally means “the shoulder”, a “portion of the upper back”. o, the “portion” is “Shekem” because “Shekem” here means “the portion”. “Shekem” is in the very “portion” that Ephraim would get in “The Land” (by casting lots) as the Children of Yisra’el were preparing to come in and receive their inheritance, at the end of the exodus. Shekem would also become the capitol of the Northern Kingdom of Yisra’el and the last city to be taken by the Assyrians in 722 BCE.

25. SHEKEM Shekem was a city in the middle of the land of the Amorites, yet Ya’aqob never killed an Amorite. But, Yisra’el did indeed take Shekem from the Amorites by sword and bow, through Shim’on and Levi, and they killed all the men. Ya’aqob/Yisra’el, as the patriarch, takes responsibility for the actions of the family. In fact, back in B’reshith 34:30, as he is admonishing Shimon and Levi for this deed, he says that they have made him “a stench among the inhabitants of the land”. And, in Chapter 49, as Yisra’el prophesies over his sons, he says of them in verse 5; “Shim‟on and Lewi are brothers, their weapons are implements of violence.” It’s interesting to note that the symbol for the tribe of Shim’on is the sword. The oral accounts have always stated that, prior to the “Breastplate of the High Priest”, a bow was the symbol for Levi.

26. GATHER TOGETHER And Yaʽaqoḇ called his sons and said, “Gather together, so that I declare to you what is to befall you in the last days: (Genesis 49:1 The Scriptures 1998+) RABBI AVRAHAM GREENBAUM “According to tradition, At the time when Jacob our father assembled his sons in Egypt at the hour of his death, he commanded and spurred them on in the unification of the name of יהוה and that they should follow the path of יהוה that Abraham and Isaac his father walked. He asked them and said, 'My sons, maybe someone among you is flawed and does not stand with me in the Unification of the Name?' They all answered and said, 'Hear Israel HaShem our יהוהHaShem is One' -- that is, 'Hear from us, our father Israel, HaShem our יהוה, HaShem is one'. The old man answered 'Blessed be the Name of the Glory of His Kingship forever and ever!' And this is why all Israel has the custom of repeating the expression of the praise used by Israel when he was an old man after this verse. (Rambam, Laws of Recital of Shema Ch. 1:4)”.

27. GATHER TOGETHER Bereshith 49:1-2 And Ya’acov called his sons and said, "Gather together (ha’asfu), that I may tell you what shall befall you in the end of days: "Come together (hekavstu) and hear, you sons of Ya’acov, and listen to Israel your father. Ya’acov focuses on a future time when the tribes must purposely “gather together”. He uses two Hebrew verbs that represent coming together. He tells them - “become a single group…reconcile yourselves.” There must not be any inner jealousies, hatred, or rivalries. Following the call to unity, he goes on to speak of their uniqueness – prophesied diversity within a unified Israel. This is a picture of the chosen people in the “end of days.” The nation cannot function unless these tribes are all unified. “And if a reign is divided against itself, that reign is unable to stand. (Mark 3:24 The Scriptures 1998+) Unity is crucial for the end times. Thus Ya’acov begins with a strong call to come together, and follows with blessings

28. REUBEN “Re’uḇĕn, you are my first-born, my power and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of exaltation and the excellency of power. “Boiling like water, you do not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, then you defiled it – he went up to my couch. (Genesis 49:3-4 The Scriptures 1998+) Re’uben (#7205) “behold a son” the first-born, and from last week’s parsha, his sons Hanok (#2585) meaning “dedicated”, Pallu (#6396) meaning “set apart”, Hetsron (#2696) meaning “surrounded by a fence or hedge” and Karmi (#3756) meaning “keeper of my vineyard”. From the Tribe of Re’uben we understand the following: “Behold a son, the first-born, dedicated, set apart, surrounded by a hedge, keeper of my vineyard.”Here we see that as first-born, Re’uben was intended to be the leader of all the tribes. But, in sinning against his own father, he forfeited that right and blessing. Moshe blesses Re’uben in Deuteronomy 33:6; “Let Re‟uben live, and not die, and let his men be numbered.” While Re’uben may have sinned, in the last days, he will live and not die and be numbered in Yisra’el and find Tikkun (restoration)

29. SHIM’ON “Shimʽon and Lĕwi are brothers, their weapons are implements of violence. “Let my being not enter their council, let my esteem not be united to their assembly; because they slew a man in their displeasure, and they lamed an ox in pleasure. “Cursed be their displeasure for it is fierce, and their wrath for it is cruel! I divide them in Yaʽaqoḇ and scatter them in Yisra’ĕl. (Genesis 49:5-7) Shim’on (#8095), whose name means “hearing & obeying”, from the word Sh’ma. His sons Yemu’el (#3223) meaning “the day of Elohim”, Yamin (#3226) meaning “right hand”, Ohad (#0161) meaning “united” as in echad, Yakin (#3199) meaning “whom He establishes”, Tsohar (#6714) meaning “brightness” or “radiance” and Sha’ul (#7586) meaning “desired”, the son of a Kena’anite (#3669 &3665) meaning “humble” woman, or bride. Combined we get “In the Day of Elohim, when His Right Hand will be united with whom He establishes in radiance, a desired and humble bride.” Shim’on is scattered in Yisra’el throughout the world. But, in the last days, those who make teshuvah, return to HaShem and our Ketubah (bridal contract) in humbleness of heart, will be His Bride.

30. LEVI Levi (#3878) “joined with at the heart”. His sons, Gereshon (#1648) meaning “exile”, Qehath (#6955) meaning “assembly” and Merari (#4847) meaning “bitter herbs”. So of Levi we read; “He is joined in heart to the exiled assembly, eating the bitter herbs.” It is most interesting that he is joined to the assembly in exile, eating the bitter herbs. That’s referring to all the tribes. While it is noted that some Levites stayed with Judah, at the splitting of the Kingdom, many Levi’im, true to their calling, stayed and were hidden with the rest of us in the nations. Remember, he had no inheritance of land or riches; but, his inheritance was in Elohim. Just, as Moshe also prophesied of Levi in Deuteronomy 33:8-11. Though they tried their Redeemer in the wilderness, they stood with Elohim when their brothers sinned with the golden calf, even regarding their own family members, and, because of this, יהוה set them apart to guard His Torah, serve Him in the Set-apart Place and to teach all Yisra’el His Word.

31. JUDAH “You, Yehuḏah, your brothers praise you; your hand is on the neck of your enemies; your father’s children bow down before you. “Yehuḏah is a lion’s cub; from the prey you have gone up, my son! He bowed down, he crouched like a lion. And like a lion, who does rouse him? “The sceptre shall not turn aside from Yehuḏah, nor a Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him is the obedience of peoples. “Binding his donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his robes in the blood of grapes. “His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. (Genesis 49:8-12 The Scriptures 1998+) Ya’aqob blesses Yehudah with “leadership” over all Yisra’el and his enemies. The “scepter”, or “shebet” (literally the “rod” or authority and leadership) nor the “lawgiver”, or in Hebrew “m‟chokek”, will depart from his descendants until Shiloh comes. There is a prophetic and Scriptural connection here to Psalms 110:1, that states; YHVH said to my master, “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Then also verse 2 reads; YHVH sends your mighty scepter out of Tzion.

32. JUDAH - ENDTIME Yehudah (#3063) “Yah‟s praise”. His sons Er (#6147) meaning “watchman”, Onan (#0209) meaning “strong”, Shelah (#7956) meaning “prayer”, Perets (#6557) meaning “to break through” and Zerah (#2226) meaning “dawning”. Note: Er and Onan died in the land of Kena’an; or, that “the watchman and the strong died in the land of merchants (the world)”. Perets was Yehudah’s son by his daughter in-law Tamar (palm tree or upright column, both euphemisms for righteous), who had been married to Er and Onan, but was childless. We are now told that Perets had two sons Hetsron (#2696) meaning “surrounded by a fence” and Hamul (#2538), meaning “spared”. What do we get then: “even though Yehudah lost his watchman and strength (became blind and weak) through sin, with “Shelah” (prayer) he will breakthrough, as the dawn, in righteousness and יהוה’s fence will surround him and he will be spared”. With Yehudah we see this “surrounded by a fence” theme (as in Torah fences) in his genealogy.

33. SHILOH As many equate “Shiloh” as meaning “Mashiach”; they thereby nullify Yehudah’s rule since they say that Mashiach has already come. However, the etymology of Shiloh indicates that this is referring to the time Mashiach will come and be the physical “king” of Yisra’el on this earth, during His Millennial Reign. “Shiloh” (Shin-yud-lamed-hey) is from the root word “Shelah” (Shin-lamed-hey), was a grandson of Yehudah, and his name means “prayer” or “that which is prayed for” (a reference to Mashiach’s reign). The definition of “Shiloh” is literally “rest and tranquility”. This is also why the resting place of the Tabernacle for 369 years, prior to the building of the Temple in Yerushalayim, was named “Shiloh”.

34. ZEBULUN “Zeḇulun dwells at the seashore, he is for a haven for ships, and his border is unto Tsiḏon. (Genesis 49:13 The Scriptures 1998+) Zebulun (#2074) “habitation or dwelling”. His sons Sered (#5624) meaning “fear”, Elon (#0356) meaning “mighty” and Yahle’el (#3177) meaning “Elohim expects”. Regarding Zebulun (HaShem’s habitation): Elohim tells us that He expects us to “fear our Mighty One, YHVH”. Now, in Scripture, the seas also represent peoples and Tsidon (#6721) means “fishing”. So, “Zebulun is a fisher of men.” This make sense, along with a connection to Yissackar, in Moshe’s words in Debarim 33:18-19; And of Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your going out, and Yissaskar in your tents! They call peoples to the mountain, there they bring offerings of righteousness, for they draw from the riches of the seas, and treasures hidden in the sand.” Together Zebulun and Yissaskar, in the last days, are calling the people to HaShem’s Mountain (Mt. Tzion) with offerings of righteousness. They draw out the children of Avraham, Yitzaq and Ya’aqob (Yisra’el, Yah’s treasured possession), who are as the sands of the seas and hidden in the world.

35. YISSACKAR “Yissasḵar is a strong donkey lying down between two burdens, and he saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, and he inclined his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a subject to slave labour. (Genesis 49:14-15) Yissackar (#3485) whose name means “recompense”. His sons Tola (#8438) “scarlet”, Puw’ah (#6312) “mouth”, Yob (Job) (#3102) “persecuted” and Shimron (#8110) “watchtower” or “Samaria”. As Elohim speaks to all Yisra’el through Yissackar’s blessing, He tells us “that the recompense for our idolatry is scarlet red, and that from our own mouth we have persecuted our brothers and we will also be persecuted because of our choices in Samaria, the place where our idolatry began”. It’s so very interesting that the fight for the Land today centres around Samaria. Note: In the genealogies listed in 1 Chronicles 7:1 we read; And the sons of Yissaskar: Tola, and Puw‟ah, Yashub, and Shimron, four. Here Yob’s name has been changed to Yashub (Strong’s #3437) meaning “he will return” as in make teshuvah and return to HaShem.

36. DAN “Dan rightly rules his people as one of the tribes of Yisra’ĕl. “Dan is a serpent by the way, an adder by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider falls backward. “I have waited for your deliverance, O יהוה! (Genesis 49:16-18 The Scriptures 1998+) Dan (#1835) “Judge” and his son Hushim (#2366) meaning “those who make haste”. While Ya’aqob says that Dan will rule his people, as a “judge”; many scholars deduce from the description of Dan being “the nachash (serpent) and a “shephyphon” (viper) in the derech (way or path) subversively striking the heel of the “soos” (horse or swift one [as in He who comes quickly]) so that the rider falls backwards”, that from Dan will come “anti-messiah”. That, because of him, Jacob will wait anxiously for the Deliverance of HaShem, or the coming of Mashiach. Ya’aqob uses the word “shephyphon” for “viper”, the only time this Hebrew word is used in Scripture. It is a specific kind of viper that lives in and around Israel namely the black and red horned viper. This viper digs into the sand, with only its horns protruding. When birds, or other small prey, come to peck at, or eat, the “worm”, it kills and eats its prey. Thus the rabbis as indicate that Dan will, use trickery and deceit to gain a victory and rule.

37. HEEL The Hebrew word used for “heel” is “aqeb”, which is more commonly translated as “at the end”. However, the context of our verse suggests “heel”. We get another piece of the puzzle from And of Dan he said, “Dan is a lion’s cub, that leaps from Bashan.” (Deuteronomy 33:22 ) This is another clue regarding anti-messiah. Bashan is the Golan Heights and is the area that’s part of the portion given to Yoseph (through Menashe), by Ya’aqob. It’s interesting that when they came from Mitzrayim to enter EretzYisra’el, they were attacked and overcame Og, king of the Amorites in Bashan. The mountain of Bashan is HarHermon. “Hermon” was a mighty one of the Amorites in the region, whose name meant “Consecrated to Destruction” or “Devastation”. This area has been part of Israel since the 1967 war; but, Syria also continues to claim ownership. One of the ancient Biblical cities in Bashan / Golan Heights is “Dan”. This is where the second of Yarboam’s (Jeroboam’s) temples and golden calves was set up. The other city is Beit El. Thus beginning the idolatry and whoredom of the House of Yisra’el. To many it appears that “anti-messiah’s armies” will come to attack Yisra’el from, or through, Syria.

38. GAD “Gaḏ, a raiding band raids him, but he raids its heel. (Genesis 49:19 The Scriptures 1998+) Gad (#1410) “good fortune”. This presents somewhat of a problem, as it relates to the false elohim of fortune. However, Le’ah clearly stated in B’reshith 30:11 that “good fortune” had truly come, and that’s why she named him Gad. His sons Tsiphyon (#6837) meaning “longing” or “expectation”, “Haggi” (#2291 & 2287) meaning “festive” or “to keep a festival”, Shuni (#7764) meaning “in Gad” or “fortunate” or “blessed”, Etsbon (#0675) meaning “to see” or “to discern”, Eri (#6179) meaning “guarding”, Arodi (#0722) meaning “roaming” or “to break loose” and Areli (#0692) meaning “hero”. Here we see Gad as “longing to celebrate YHVH’s feasts and blessed is he who discerns and guards them.” Further that “Gad will one day break loose as a hero”.

39. ASHER “Bread from Ashĕr is rich, and he gives delicacies of a sovereign. (Genesis 49:20 The Scriptures 1998+) Asher (#0836) “happy”. His sons Yimnah (#3232) meaning “prosperity”, Yishwah (#3438) meaning “to resemble” or “become like”, Yishwi meaning “will be like me”, Beri’ah (#1283) meaning “a gift”, Serah (Serach), their sister (#8294) the same as Sarah meaning “remnant”, and the sons of Beri’ah, Heber (#2268) meaning “a company” and Malki’el (#4439) meaning “my King is Elohim”. We read through his children that his “happiness and prosperity is in learning to be like Elohim.” In fact, Yah says “Yishwi, he will be like me.” For he is a “gift a, remnant and a company that calls Elohim, my King.” Bread is Torah and Asher finds rich delicacies within it. And, as Moshe says in Deuteronomy 33:24; “Asher is most blessed of sons. Let him be accepted by his brothers, and dip his foot in oil.” In these last days, Asher will walk in the oil, the anointing of RuachHaKodesh.

40. NAPHTALI “Naphtali is a deer let loose, he gives words of elegance. (Genesis 49:21 The Scriptures 1998+) Naphtali (#5321) “wrestling” and his sons were Yahtse’el (#3183) meaning “Elohim divides”, Guni (#1476) meaning “painted with colors”, Yetser (#3337) meaning “forming” as man from the dust and Shillem (#8006/7999) meaning “a covenant of peace”. Here Naphtali is “wrestling as Elohim divides and paints with colors (many colors) Yisra’el. But, Yahweh will form with man, a covenant of peace.” We read Moshe’s words in Deuteronomy 33:23; And of Naphtali he said, “O Naphtali, satisfied with pleasure, and filled with the blessing of יהוה, possess the west and the south.” Napthali is wrestling as it doesn’t match Naphtali’s original land grant; but rather, the new distribution of the Land Ezekiel 48. 'Naftali's territory will run alongside the territory of Asher from east to west.

41. JOSEPH “Yosĕph is an offshoot of a fruit-bearing tree, an offshoot of a fruit-bearing tree by a fountain, his branches run over a wall. “And the archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. “But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty One of Yaʽaqoḇ – from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Yisra’ĕl – from the Ěl of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. “The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the limit of the everlasting hills. They are on the head of Yosĕph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separated from his brothers. (Genesis 49:22-26 The Scriptures 1998+)

42. JOSEPH con’t Yoseph means “Yah has added”. Menashe means “forgetting” or “causing to forget”. And, Ephraim means “double portion” or “double land”. This is echoed in Moshe’s words of Deuteronomy 33:13-17; And of Yoseph he said, “Blessed of YHVH is his land, ... And they are the ten thousands of Ephrayim, and they are the thousands of Menashsheh.” Through Ephraim and Menashe, Yoseph’s seed is spread throughout all the nations of the earth.

43. BENYAMIN “Binyamin is a wolf that tears, in the morning he eats prey, and at night he divides the spoil.” (Genesis 49:27 The Scriptures ) Now Benyamin (son of the right hand) and his sons, Belah (#1106) meaning “swallowed up”, Beker (#1071) meaning “young man”, Ashbel (#0788) meaning “man of Elohim”, Gera (#1626 & 1627) meaning literally “one granule of grain” or “1/20 of a shekel” (the smallest coin of currency minted, equating to the widow’s mite), Na’aman (#5283) meaning “pleasant”, Ehi (#0278) meaning “my brother”, Rosh (#7220) meaning “head” or “beginning”, Muppim (#4649) meaning “Speaking or Repeating what is heard”, Chuppim the plural of Chuppah, meaning “bridal canopies” or “coverings” and Ard (#0714) meaning “Wanderer”. So, of Benyamin and his sons we learn; “The Son of the Right Hand, though swallowed up, as a young man, attached himself to Yehudah, a man of Elohim”. And, “as the smallest of grain, he was pleasant for his brother, the head, speaking what he has heard, he is under the bridal canopies, with the wanderer”. Smallest grain refers to Benyamin almost wiped out; Judges 19-20

44. HIS OWN BLESSING All these are the twelve tribes of Yisra’ĕl, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them, he blessed each one according to his own blessing. (Genesis 49:28 The Scriptures 1998+) Not everything that Ya’acov says appears to be a “blessing”. We might evaluate Ya’acov’s words as part blessing, part prophecy, and part settling of scores. Rabbi Ralbag notes, however, that blessings are not like possessions, which have an objective value independent of their bearers. Rather, a blessing is defined by what a person makes of it. We are familiar with the idiom, “a blessing in disguise.” Consider a person who missed their plane, only to hear later that the plane crashed. Or to be rejected by a job offer, only to be offered a much better job a few days later. Ya’acov speaks to the strengths and weaknesses of each of his sons. In doing so, each son has the choice of working with these known tendencies. How each son receives the message and applies it will determine whether or not it is a blessing.

45. VIRTUE The Or Hachayim comments on Bereshith 49:28: “According to his own blessing” – a blessing, which matched the inner traits of his soul and his actions. For every soul has a particular virtue. It may be the priestly service or the majesty of a monarch, the crown of Torah or physical strength, wealth or simple good fortune. Ya’acov wanted his blessing to bring out the inner nature of every son. “He blessed them” – He blesses them as a collective, for the particular blessing of every one of the brothers will help all the brothers. When one brother has a particular virtue….a small amount of that virtue will reach each and every one of the brothers. Every brother has something unique. Every brother has something to contribute to the family as a cohesive unit. Even Ya’acov’s“curses” can be understood as “blessings” from this perspective.

46. A CURSE IS A BLESSING Rabbi S. R. Hirsch explains this concept in the “curse” over “Simeon and Levi”: “Shimʽon and Lĕwi are brothers, their weapons are implements of violence. “Let my being not enter their council, let my esteem not be united to their assembly; because they slew a man in their displeasure, and they lamed an ox in pleasure. “Cursed be their displeasure for it is fierce, and their wrath for it is cruel! I divide them in Yaʽaqoḇ and scatter them in Yisra’ĕl. (Genesis 49:5-7 The Scriptures 1998+) The motives which prompted Simeon and Levi to action – family pride, a sense of the dignity of the Israelites, and an unwillingness to see their sister disgraced or to be taken advantage of. These motives can be good, but only when applied in moderation. In its extreme form, these feelings of family pride (or nationalism) can become dangerous, even leading to murder. For this reason, Simeon and Levi must be split up or “scattered in Israel”. Then these feelings can be toned down with the help of the other tribes and can become a valuable asset to the nation.

47. THE MESSIAH The Messiah is really the focus of Ya’acov’s blessing over Yehuda. Remember Ya’acov had received an earlier vision fromיהוה Bereshith 28:14 …in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. יהוה promised Ya’acov that through his “seed” (singular) would come the “blessing”: Galatians 3:16 Now to Avraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Messiah. This “seed”, who is “Messiah”, is what Ya’acov is most interested in now that he has reached the end of his life. This “seed” is the great hope for the world and it is through this “seed” that the unity of Israel will be accomplished. In his blessing over Yehuda, Ya’acov refers to this seed as “Shiloh”: Bereshith 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Yehuda, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

48. DETERMINIG THE LEADER Quoting Rabbi Yaakov Beasley : “How was Yehuda determined to be the rightful choice? Reuven was the firstborn, but his instability disqualified him from serving at leadership. Because “their anger was strong and their wrath was fierce,” Shimon and Levi were also deemed unsuitable. Reuven’s abandonment of the land of Israel and their settlement on the other side of the Jordan, Shimon’s involvement in the Shittim incident, Levi’s sins during Korach’s rebellion. In addition, since both of the latter tribes would be scattered among the others, the monarchy would not be suitable for either. The other tribes were rejected, continues the Abrabanel, not because they didn’t possess leadership qualities but for practical reasons. The people of Zevulun were traders who dwelled by the seashore, not the centre of the country. Yissachar tended towards agricultural pursuits, awhile Asher preferred material comforts. The people of Naftali, exemplary in strength and swift as a hind, would make great servants, but not leaders. Dan, Gad, and Binyamin were brave fighters – but not at the head of an army. They were not the brave lion, but the cunning snake and ravenous wolf. Yosef was blessed materially with everything, but not the obedience of his brethren. This, suggests the Abrabanel, left Yehuda, destined to rule due to his strength, generosity, and sense of filial responsibility.”

49. SHILOH Shiloh….this is the Messiah who shall achieve the “obedience of the people” to יהוה. Yehuda’s rule over the nations will last till Messiah comes, and then the nations will follow him. The result of “obedience of the people” is connected with the meaning of the Hebrew root of “Shiloh” – shalah, meaning “to enjoy rest”. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Gematria also makes an interesting connection: Shiloh comes = 358 Messiah = 358 All the ancient scholars recognized that “Shiloh” spoke of Messiah (LXX, TargumimOnkelos, Yonathan, Jerusalem; the Talmud, Zohar, BereshithRabbaandYalkut). Modern Jewish and liberal scholars hesitate to admit that this is a reference to Messiah because it will open the door to the idea of a personal Messiah, i.e. Yeshua!

50. DREW HIS LEGS And he commanded them, and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people, bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Ḥittite, in the cave that is in the field of Maḵpĕlah,...And when Yaʽaqoḇ ended commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. (Genesis 49:29-33 The Scriptures 1998+) Yaakov was painfully aware of Egypt a pit of immorality, a she'ol of injustice, cruelty and licentiousness. Taking up residence in the land of Goshen was good, as Israel was separated from the rest of Egypt, and Yaakov understood that he must live out his days there. So hateful to him was this place that before leaving this earth, he withdrew his feet from the land of Egypt. He died in Egypt, but he first separated himself from its soil, the soil through which the Nile ran and upon which the Pharaoh ruled. Even in his own death, Yaakov's soul would not be comforted and would not rest until his body was brought up out of the netherworld of Egypt and buried with his fathers deep in the soil of the land of Israel. Only from this holy portal would his soul enter Paradise.