Vayeshev (And He Dwelt), Genesis 37:1-40:23 focuses on Joseph, the son whose life will set the stage for an entire nation. Joseph receives the famous tunic from his father, shares dreams that hint at a future rise, and sparks jealousy among his brothers. Their resentment leads them to sell him into slavery in Egypt while telling Jacob that his beloved son is dead. Jacob’s grief is bottomless. Meanwhile, in Egypt, Joseph rises in Potiphar’s household, only to be thrown into prison after false accusations from Potiphar’s wife. Even there Joseph is elevated, interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer, which come to pass, though he remains confined for a time.
When we read Torah narratives, we’re reminded that these stories look forward as much as backward. They’re not simply ancient history but prophetic markers for future generations. Joseph’s life stands out as a master class in endurance and faith. He moves from favored son to slave overnight, with every reason to fold under bitterness. Instead, he works faithfully, earning trust in places where others would have given up. His journey shows that our circumstances don’t define who we are, but rather how we respond, especially when the bottom falls out. Joseph held fast to what he knew of God’s character, the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the dreams that hinted at something greater than the injustice in front of him.
Joseph’s inner strength raises a natural question. Where does someone find that kind of resilience after betrayal and loss? Most people would stew in anger or self-pity, and who could blame them? Joseph chose a different path. Scripture gives the reason. Genesis 39:23 says, “ADONAI was with him, and whatever he did prospered.” Joseph’s bitachon (trusting faithfulness) anchored him. He truly felt his pain, but he simply refused to let it own him. He trusted that God’s goodness was steady even when his surroundings were not. He remembered the promises spoken to his fathers. He remembered his own dreams. And he submitted to God’s mysterious work, believing that his life had a purpose bigger than the dungeon he was sitting in. There’s a strong word and example in Joseph for all of us.
Joseph’s story points beyond himself. He stands as a remarkable foreshadow of Messiah. He shepherded his father’s flock as Yeshua shepherds His own. He was beloved, sent out, betrayed, conspired against, stripped, cast down, raised up, and eventually exalted over the nations. He revealed himself to his brothers, and through God’s providence became a savior to the world during famine. These parallels paint a clear line to Yeshua, the Suffering Servant in His first coming and the reigning King in His return. Jewish tradition speaks of Mashiach ben Joseph and Mashiach ben David. Believers see these fulfilled in one Messiah across two advents. Both pathways run through suffering before glory. And one day soon, the whole picture will come into full view. Be inspired by the life of Joseph and the promise of the Messiah.
