Final section of Parashat 10 מקץ (קֵץ) from a primitive root which means ‘to cut off’
Our
lives are defined by a series of ‘’entering and leaving’’ – One season comes to
an end, and we transition into a new season – in this Torah portion, the season
of hostility and separation of Jacobs family is now coming to an end – the family
is about to reconcile and unite.
Some of
our greatest trails come during the periods of transition from one season to
the next – this Torah portion of a transition defines one of the greatest trails
that the family of Jacob had to face then and will once again define their
greatest trail in the last days – before meeting Messiah ben Yosef face to
face.
The
final seven-year apocalypse coming on earth is about bringing the family of
Jacob back together again.
Why Transitions Are So Hard (and Important)
- They
disrupt stability: Leaving the familiar (even if it's comfortable or
"successful") brings uncertainty, grief, or fear. Entering the
new often feels like stepping into unchartered territory.
- They
shape character - "entering and leaving" moments defines our
journey. They refine faith, expose what we truly rely on, and prepare us
for fruitfulness in the next season.
- The
way we leave one season will determine how we will enter the next season.
We need a great wakeup call – the return of Messiah is
not about the restoration of Christianity or the Church – it is all about the
restoration of the ‘’fallen tent of David’’ (Amos 9:11) the coming together of
the house of Jacob – including all gentiles who have crossed the threshold of Jacobs
house – some gentiles will stay, while others will only visit –
Psa 15:1 יהוה, who does sojourn (visits) in Your Tent?
Who does dwell in Your set-apart mountain? –
Mat
15:24 “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’ěl.
Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, Creator of the universe,
who desires covenantal intimacy with Your called-out ones – blessed are those
whom You have called and chosen and have given a heart that longs for and
deeply desires Your covenantal life.
Please, YHVH, our Elohim, sweeten the words of Your Torah in our hearts
and in the hearts of Your people, the family of Israel. May we and our
offspring and the offspring of Your people, the house of Jacob – all of us –
know Your Name and study Your Torah to enable us to sincerely love one another
and to love You above all. Please uncover our eyes and open our hearts that we
may carefully examine and receive the marvels and mysteries of Your Torah.
Blessed are You, YHVH, who has created and established Your covenant with the
called apart ones of Israel – through Yahshua our Messiah - Amein.
ואל שׁדי - El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) is the name of YHVH as the All-Sufficient
One, the Nurturer, the Almighty who can provide in impossible situations. El
Shaddai promises the sustaining and nourishing of the patriarchal covenant
promises, promising fruitfulness and multiplication even in times of famine,
barrenness, and even impending annihilation (see Gen 17:1, 28:3, 35:11). Jacob calls
YHVH by this specific name here because the family is at the end of their
resources, they need the Elohim who is “more than enough” to intervene in their
transition – to rescue them.
“El Shaddai” highlights the central issue of this Torah
portion - In the hardest moment of transition — when everything seems cut off —
Israel calls upon the Elohim who is more than enough. He is the One who
turns famine into Goshen, separation into reunion, and the fallen tent into
restored worship.’’
Gen 43:14 “And Ěl Shaddai give to you compassion
before the man, so that he shall release your other brother and Binyamin. And
I, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved!”
Gen 43:15 And the men took that present (את־המנחה הזאת) and Binyamin,
and they took double the amount of silver in their hand, and arose and went
down to Mitsrayim, and stood before Yosěph.
That Present: (את־המנחה הזאת) According to Mat
27:46 Yahshua breathed out his last breath on the ninth hour – 3pm – the exact time
of the ‘’minchah’’ offering for the temple service – ‘’minchah’’
is the same Hebrew word used in Gen 43:15 ‘’And the men took that present’’
Gen 43:16 And Yosěph saw Binyamin with them, and
said to the one over his house, “Bring the men home, and make a great
slaughter, and prepare, for these men are to eat with me at noon.”
Gen 43:17 And the man did as Yosěph said, and the
man brought the men into Yosěph’s house.
Gen 43:18 And the men were afraid because they were
brought into Yosěph’s house. And they said, “It is because of the silver, which
was put back into our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, to throw
himself upon us and fall upon us, to take us as slaves, our donkeys too.”
Gen 43:19 So they came near to the man over the
house of Yosěph, and spoke to him at the door of the house,
Gen 43:20 and said, “O my master, we indeed came
down the first time to buy food,
Gen 43:21 but it came to be, when we came to the
lodging place, that we opened our sacks and saw each man’s silver in the mouth
of his sack, our silver in its weight. And we have brought it back in our
hand.
Gen 43:22 “And we have brought down other silver in
our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.”
Gen 43:23 But he said, “Peace be with you, do
not be afraid. Your Elohim and the Elohim of your father has given you
treasure in your sacks – your silver had come to me!” And he brought Shim‛on
out to them
Gen 43:24 And the man brought the men into Yosěph’s
house and gave them water, and they washed their feet. And he gave their
donkeys fodder. (all adding to the brothers’ increasing confusion and
anxiety)
Gen 43:25 And they made the present ready for
Yosěph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they were to eat there.
Gen 43:26 And when Yosěph came home, they brought
him the present which was in their hand, into the house, and bowed down before
him to the earth.
Gen 43:27 And he asked them about their welfare,
and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still
alive?”
Gen 43:28 And they said, “Your servant our father
is in good health, he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and did
obeisance.
Gen 43:29 And he lifted his eyes and saw his
brother Binyamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of
whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “Elohim show favour to you, my son.” (Joseph
wasn’t gloating over his brothers, he was being guided by YHVH’s Hand)
Gen 43:30 And Yosěph hurried, for his emotions were
deeply moved towards his brother, and he looked for a place to weep, and
went into his room and wept there.
Gen 43:31 Then he washed his face and came out, and
controlled himself, and said, “Serve the food.”
Gen 43:32 And they set him a place by himself, and
them by themselves, and the Mitsrites who ate with him by themselves, for the
Mitsrites could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to
the Mitsrites.
Gen 43:33 And they sat before him, the first-born
according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the
men looked at each other in astonishment.
This was statistically improbable for a stranger to know,
which is why the brothers were amazed. It is one of several subtle revelations
Joseph gives before fully disclosing himself in the next parasha (Vayigash).
This foreshadows the Messianic Age / Millennial Kingdom,
where the tribes of Israel have distinct, honoured places in the restored
Kingdom under Messiah.
This does not diminish the inclusion of the nations;
rather, it fulfills the Abrahamic promise that all families of the earth will
be blessed through Israel’s restoration.
This moment at Joseph’s table is a beautiful foretaste of
the future wedding supper of the Lamb and the Kingdom feast where Israel’s
tribes have designated honour, and all who belong to Messiah (Jew and Gentile)
rejoice together.
Gen 43:34 And he took portions to them from before
him, but Binyamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they
feasted and they drank with him.
Midrashic and rabbinic tradition (e.g., in Talmud, Rashi,
and earlier sources): The Temple was built in Benjamin’s portion because
Benjamin did not participate in the sale of Joseph. This gave him the
unique privilege of hosting the Divine Presence. Jerusalem itself straddled the
border, but the sacred core (Moriah / the most set apart place – Kodesh
Kodishim) belonged to Benjamin.
This makes Benjamin’s inheritance uniquely tied to the most
contested set apart site on earth.
In many end-time teachings (especially in Messianic and
restoration circles), this culminates in attempts to capture, destroy, or
change ownership of the Temple Mount — the very place in Benjamin’s
inheritance. This aligns with the Time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jer 30:7): intense
pressure on the House of Jacob, particularly focused in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:2–3, 14:2 — Jerusalem becomes a “cup of
reeling” and a “burdensome stone” for all peoples; nations gather against it.
Midrashically and typologically: The number five often
symbolizes grace, favour, or strength in Scripture (five books of Torah,
five-fold ministry in Ephesians, etc.). Benjamin receiving “five times more”
can picture extraordinary grace and provision needed for the tribe/portion
bearing the heaviest burden — guarding or hosting the most set apart place on
earth during the most severe last days assault.
The Temple Mount in Benjamin’s ancient inheritance
(Zechariah 12:2-3, 14:2; Psalm 83; Ezekiel 38–39). Jerusalem and the Temple mount
will become the focal point of global conflict.
In that hour, the “Benjamin” remnant — the faithful core
tied to the covenants and the Set Apart place — will face their darkest hour.
Just as young Benjamin needed special protection and favour when the family
stood at the threshold of their greatest transition, so the end-time “Benjamin”
portion will require supernatural wisdom and understanding.
It is possible that a significant non-Jewish remnant
(Gentile/Ephraimite) will make ‘’aliyah’’ and return to the embattled family of
Jacob, during the heightened phase of the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. This company
draws near in humility, brings their offering, and participates in comforting
Zion – See Is 40
Batya Ruth Wootten (pioneer in the Messianic restoration
movement) and author extensively uses the Joseph story to describe the
awakening and return of Ephraim (the “fullness of the nations,” Gen 48:19). She
links the second descent and family reunion to the end-time regathering of both
houses of Israel, where non-Jewish believers (seen as Ephraim) play a key role
in comforting and restoring Zion.
Non-Jewish / Ephraimite Role: In restoration theology (as
discussed with Batya & Angus Wootten and similar teachers), the awakening
of the “fullness of the nations” (Gen 48:19 — Ephraim) fulfills the “light to
the Gentiles” role. These grafted-in ones participate in comforting Zion (Isa
40) and helping restore the fallen Tent of David (Amos 9:11). They do not
replace Judah but join in the regathering.
Joseph Tests His Brothers
Gen 44:1 And he commanded the one over his
house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as they are able to bear, and
put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack.
Gen 44:2 “And put my cup, the silver cup, in the
mouth of the sack of the youngest, and the silver for his grain.” And he did
according to the word of Yosěph which he spoke.
Gen 44:3 As soon as the morning was light, the men
were sent away, they and their donkeys.
Gen 44:4 And when they had gone out of the city,
not having gone far, Yosěph said to the one over his house, “Rise up, follow
the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for
good?
Gen 44:5 Is this not the one from which my master
drinks, and with which he indeed divines? You have done evil in what you have
done.’”
Gen 44:6 So he overtook them and spoke these words
to them.
Gen 44:7 And they said to him, “Why does my master
say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do according to
this word.
Gen 44:8 “See, we brought back to you from the land
of Kena‛an the silver which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then should
we steal silver or gold from your master’s house?
Gen 44:9 “With whomever of your servants it is
found – he shall die and we shall become my master’s slaves as well.”
Gen 44:10 And he said, “Now also let it be
according to your words: he with whom it is found becomes my slave, and you are
innocent.”
Gen 44:11 And they hurried, each man let down his
sack to the ground, and each opened his sack.
Gen 44:12 And he searched, with the oldest first
and with the youngest last, and the cup was found in Binyamin’s sack.
Gen 44:13 And they tore their garments, and each
man loaded his donkey and went back to the city.
Gen 44:14 And Yehuḏah
and his brothers came to Yosěph’s house, and he was still there. And they fell
before him on the ground.
Gen 44:15 And Yosěph said to them, “What deed is
this you have done? Did you not know that a man like me indeed divines?”
Gen 44:16 And Yehuḏah
said, “What do we say to my master? What do we speak? Or how do we clear
ourselves? Elohim has found out the crookedness of your servants. See, we are
my master’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.”
Gen 44:17 But he said, “Far be it from me to do
this. The man in whose hand the cup was found, he becomes my slave. And you, go
up in peace to your father.”
This is the moment of total surrender for the brothers
– this is the ultimate ‘’dark night of the human soul’’
This section is about crossing the darkest threshold
right before the revelation of Joseph revelation and Goshen (provision,
protection, and family reunion). Jacob’s family must leave the old season of
separation and enter the unknown — mirroring how the Time of Jacob’s Trouble is
the “greatest trial” in the transition before Messiah’s return and the full
restoration. “He shall be saved out of it” (Jer 30:7) parallels Joseph’s
eventual self-revelation and the move to Goshen.
In the end times, Jacob’s Trouble involves unparalleled
distress — wars, deception, economic collapse, and isolation — that drives
Israel and the scattered House of Jacob into a place of total dependence and
surrender. Like Jacob’s family, they reach the end of their own resources and
have now reached that place where they do not love their lives even unto death –
(“if I am bereaved, I am bereaved”).
Jer
30:6 Ask now, and see if a man is giving birth. Why do I see every man
with his hands on his loins like a woman in labour, and all faces turned
pale?
Jer
30:7 Oh! For great is that day, there is none like it. And it is the
time of Ya‛aqoḇ’s distress,
but he shall be saved out of it.
Jer
30:8 And it shall be in that day,’ declares יהוה of hosts, ‘that I break his yoke from your
neck, and tear off your bonds, and foreigners no more enslave them.
Jer
30:10 And you, do not fear, O Ya‛aqoḇ My servant,’ declares יהוה, ‘nor be discouraged, O Yisra’ěl. For
look, I am saving you from afar, and your seed from the land of their
captivity. And Ya‛aqoḇ shall return, and have rest and be at ease, with no one to trouble
him.
So, how
is it possible not to fear? – Because this is just a transition – the old
season is passing away – a new season is about to begin – it is not just a
transition – it is a means to an end.
2Co
4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outward man is
perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2Co
4:17 For this slight momentary pressure is working for us a far more
exceeding and everlasting weight of esteem.
2Co
4:18 We are not looking on what is seen, but on what is not seen. For
what is seen passes away, but what is not seen is everlasting.c Footnote: cSee 2Co_5:7,
Rom_8:24, Heb_11:1 and Heb_11:13.
No matter
how bad the transition is – YHVH will send ministering angels to minister to
His covenant people.
Psa
91:11 For He commands His messengers concerning you, To guard you in all
your ways.
Heb
1:14 Are they not all serving spirits sent out to attend those who are
about to inherit deliverance?
Psa
34:7 The messenger of יהוה encamps all around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
Rev
12:11 “And they overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb, and
because of the Word of their witness, and they did not love their lives to the
death.
Job 13:15 -“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”
The sages note that Joseph was acting with prophetic
wisdom. He wanted his brothers not only to be sorry, but to demonstrate ‘’teshuvah
gemurah’’ (complete repentance) through action. The agony was measured and
purposeful — never to destroy, but to heal.
In the end times, the House of Jacob will face
intensified testing and apparent judgment (the “cup” of wrath or trial - this
is not a ‘’diviners’’ or ‘’devils’’ cup – it comes from YHVH Himself) right
before Messiah’s full self-revelation.
Isa
51:17 Awake, awake yourself! Rise up, O Yerushalayim, you who have drunk
at the hand of יהוה the cup of His wrath. You
have drunk the dregs of the cup of reeling, and drained it out.
Isa
51:18 Of all the sons she bore, she has none to guide her. And of all the
sons she has brought up, none is strengthening her hand.
Isa
51:19 Both these are coming upon you – who is sorry for you?: Ruin and
destruction, scarcity of food and sword. How shall I comfort you?
Isa
51:20 Your sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets,
like a gazelle in a net. They are filled with the wrath of יהוה, the rebuke of your Elohim.
Isa
51:21 Therefore please hear this, you afflicted and drunk, but not with
wine.
Isa
51:22 Thus said your Master, יהוה and your Elohim, who pleads the cause of
His people, “See, I shall take out of your hand the cup of reeling, the dregs
of the cup of My wrath – never again shall you drink it.
Isa
51:23 “And I shall put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who
have said to your being, ‘Bow down, and we pass over you.’ And you made your
back like the ground, and as the street, to walk over.”
This is the climax of pressure before the full
revelation and reunion in the next parasha (Vayigash).
Blessed
are you YHVH, our Elohim, King of the Universe, you have given us your Torah of
truth and have planted everlasting life within our midst. Blessed are you, YHVH
giver of the Torah – Amein.
Siener van Rensburg: The Final Prophecies of Fire,
Famine, and the New Dawn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39TWkhjQXiM