Torah Portion-December 18, 2010
vayechi
And He Lived
Genesis 47.28 – 50.26
1 Kings 2.1-12; Acts 1-4
OVERVIEW
The excitement dies down, the music takes on a somber tone, and we find Joseph promising Jacob that he will bury him in ‘The Land’ with his ancestors…not in Egypt.
With the last of his strength, Jacob tells Joseph that El Shaddai appeared to him to reveal that M’nasheh and Efrayim are to be counted as his sons and receive a sons’ inheritance.
Jacob sees the boys (surprise!), and reaches out to bless them. Jacob prays that he and his forefathers may be perpetuated in them; and that they remember who Jacob is, and what he stand for.
In the blessing, Jacob (intentionally) crosses his hands to bless the younger first. Joseph attempts to bring Jacob into correction, but Jacob says “I know that, my son, I know it. While he (M’nasheh) will be a great people, nevertheless, the younger(Efrayim) will be greater and grow into many nations.” (48.19)
So, Jacob puts Efrayim ahead of M’nasheh.
Jacob then blesses all his own sons individually, … and breathes his last.

It took 40 days to embalm Jacob (in Israel), and the Egyptians and all Pharaohs officials and dignitaries of his court, mourned Jacob 70 days!
Then the whole House of Israel (excepting children, flocks and herds) leave Goshen to return to the Cave of Makhpelah to mourn Jacob and bury him there in the cave Abraham bought

Joseph lived in Egypt and saw the 3rd generations of Efrayim’s children. It is mentioned twice that Joseph lived for 110 years.

This portion ends as it begins: with a promise and a passing. Joe’s bro’s promise to carry his bones back to Israel upon his death. Joe prophesies, of God’s visit to the bro’s… and… breathes his last.
Where are you in this story?