Joseph as Midrash
“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; for I am HaShem their G-d, and I will hear them.
Zechariah 10:6
Introduction
- P'shat ("simple"): the plain, literal sense of the text - looks to the grammar of the language and the historical setting as background for deciding what a passage means. Remez ("hint"): wherein a word, phrase or other element in the text hints at a truth not conveyed by the p'shat (but not in contradiction).
- Drash ("search"): an allegorical or homiletically application of a text. Typology is a form of drash, or midrash.
- Sod ("secret"): a mystical or hidden meaning arrived at by operating on the numerical values of he Hebrew letters, noting unusual spellings, transposing letters, and the like.
- Last week we saw the “Drash” way of looking at Isaac and Jacob. This week we used this in looking at Joseph.
How does Joseph Resemble Messiah?
- Judaism uses an interesting name for Messiah (among others). Mashiach ben Yoseif – Messiah son of Joseph.
- Since ancient times, there has been a clear connection between Joseph and Messiah. Joseph is seen as a redeemer, as is Messiah.
- Taking that idea, and examining Genesis, how does Joseph resemble Messiah Yeshua?
Joseph as Midrash
- Gen 37:9-11 – Rev 12:1, 5; Phil 2:9-10:
- Sun, moon, stars imagery: brothers bow to him
- Gen 37:13-17 – to Matt 15:24; John 1:11:
- Sent to brothers by his father – but rejected.
- 2Kings 6:11-18 a place of seeing, and blindness.
- Gen 37:18-20 – to Luke 19:14; Luke 20:13-15:
- His brothers conspired to kill him.
- Gen 37:24; 37:24 – to Ps 88:5-6; Ps 22:18; Matt
27:57-60:
- His garments were divided – and he was thrown into a pit.
- Gen 37:26-28 – to Matt 26:14-15:
- Sold for silver (by whom? Judah?)
- Gen 37:28 – to Ps 30:3; Jonah 2:4-6; Matt
12:39-40:
- In the pit, yet brought out – a picture of resurrection.
- Gen 37:36 – to Luke 18:32; Rom 11:11; Deut
32:21; Deut 26:5:
- Delivered to Gentles. Prospered and multiplied in Gentile land.
- Gen 41:46 – to Luke 3:23:
- Began service to the king at 30.
- Gen 41:55-56 – to Ps 22:27-29; Ps 72:8-16:
- Feeds the world. (Note: during a 7 year famine)
- Gen 41:41; 42:8; Mal 1:11 – to Rom 11:25:
- Known, in way, by Gentiles – but not his brothers. True identity is not seen by either.
- Gen 42:14-20 – to Heb 4:12:
- A discerner of the heart.
- A “third day” promise of life (42:18)
- Gen 45:1-11 – to Jer 31:33-37; Is 61:6-9; Zech
12:10; Rom 11:25-26:
- He reveals himself, and all Israel is saved.
The Dance Parable
- How does what we learned relate to our Parable of the ‘Dance’ with Messiah?
- Have you recognized Messiah as the Brother of the sons of Jacob – or is He a “Gentile” messiah? How do you behave toward His brothers?
Summary
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of G-d! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”
Romans 11:33.