The Reconciliation: Parashat Vayigash
This week’s parasha, Vayigash (וַיִּגַּשׁ), meaning “And he came near,” presents a powerful moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Judah approaches Joseph, unaware that he is speaking to his estranged brother, who now holds the powerful position of viceroy of Egypt. Judah, in his plea for Benjamin’s release, addresses Joseph with words of deep respect, even declaring, “You are like Pharaoh” (Genesis 44:18). While the Egyptians regarded Pharaoh as divine, this reference highlights an overarching principle: Joseph, in his role, foreshadows the Messiah, and as Mashiach ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph), Yeshua is the full expression of the Father.
Hebrews 1:3 Complete Jewish Bible
3 This Son is the radiance of the Sh’khinah, the very expression of G-d’s essence, upholding all that exists by his powerful word; and after he had, through himself, made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of HaG’dulah BaM’romim
As Isaiah 9:6 prophesies, the Messiah will be called “Mighty G-d, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” illustrating the divine nature of the Messiah. The term Vayigash translates as “to draw near,” a concept closely tied to korban (sacrifice), which in the Temple was used as a means to draw near to God. In this way, we understand that Yeshua, as the ultimate korban, allows us to approach the Father in ways that were once unimaginable. As the writer of Hebrews states:
Hebrews 7:19 (CJB):
“…and, on the other hand, a hope of something better is introduced, through which we are drawing near to God.”
In 1 John 2:2 (CJB), we are reminded:
“Also, he is the kapparah (atoning sacrifice) for our sins—and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.”
Joseph’s actions in saving Egypt and the surrounding nations are mirrored by Yeshua’s redemptive work, which extends not only to Israel but to all people.
Divine Purpose in Rejection
In his revelation to his brothers, Joseph tells them not to be distressed or angry for their earlier betrayal, for G-d had used it to bring about a greater purpose:
“G-d sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors” (Genesis 45:7).
This powerful statement reflects a divine paradox: their rejection of Joseph ultimately led to the salvation of many. Similarly, Israel’s rejection of Yeshua has led to the salvation of the Gentiles, according to G-d’s plan. As Paul writes in Romans:
Romans 11:12:
“Moreover, if their stumbling is bringing riches to the world, how much greater riches will Israel in its fullness bring them!”
The rejection of the Messiah by Israel was not a defeat but a necessary part of God’s larger redemptive plan. The “stumbling” of Israel has opened the door for the Gentiles to be grafted into G-d’s promises, and in the fullness of time, Israel’s own reconciliation will occur.
The Reunification of Judah and Joseph
In Ezekiel 37:15-28, G-d promises to reunite the divided kingdoms of Israel—Judah (the southern kingdom) and Joseph/Ephraim (the northern kingdom). The vision of the two sticks becoming one is a powerful image of how the Messiah will restore Israel. God says:
“I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel… And David my servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd” (Ezekiel 37:22-24). This is a foreshadow of Yeshua who was from the house of David.
This reunification of Judah and Joseph, seen in the Joseph narrative, is prophetic of the ultimate reconciliation between Israel and the Messiah. Just as Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, so too will Yeshua reveal Himself to Israel in the fullness of time, bringing about the healing of the nation.
The Mystery of God’s Plan
This divine mystery, hidden for a time but revealed in God’s timing, is central to understanding the unfolding of salvation history. In Romans 11:25-26, Paul writes:
“For I do not want you, brothers, to be ignorant of this mystery, so that you may not be wise in your own estimation: a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved…”
This mystery of Israel’s partial blindness, which allowed the Gentiles to enter into the promises of G-d, will one day be lifted, and Israel will be fully restored. As Paul proclaims in Romans 11:33,
“Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of G-d! How inscrutable are His judgments! How unsearchable are His ways!”
Drawing Near to God
The Hebrew word nagash (“to draw near”) used when Judah approached Joseph, is significant. In the Septuagint, the Greek equivalent is engidzo (ἐγγίζω), meaning “to draw near” in a relational, intimate sense. To be within an arms distance, so to speak. This concept is further reflected in the New Testament in James 4:8:
“Draw near to G-d, and He will draw near to you.”
In Yeshua, we are invited to draw near to G-d in a way that was previously impossible. As Hebrews 4:16 encourages us,
“Let us confidently approach the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.”
As Judah drew near to Joseph in his time of need, we draw near to G-d through
Yeshua in our time of need.
The Power of Reconciliation
Just as Judah’s approach to Joseph signified the beginning of their reconciliation, so too does the invitation to draw near to G-d through Yeshua offer the opportunity for personal and communal restoration. Yeshua, as the ultimate korban, is the means through which we can approach G-d with confidence, knowing that He is near to us.
The ultimate reconciliation will come when all of Israel recognizes Yeshua as their Messiah, just as Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers. The promise of Ezekiel 37, where the two sticks—representing the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel—become one in G-d’s hand, speaks to this future reality.
In this season, as we reflect on the themes of Vayigash, let us remember that through Yeshua, we can draw near to G-d and experience the fullness of His grace and mercy. Just as Joseph’s brothers were reconciled to him, so too will Israel be reconciled to their Messiah, and all nations will join in the worship of the one true God.
Shalom and blessings,
R’ Yehudah
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