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11 – Parashat Vayigash Yahudah( וַיִּגַּשׁ יְהוּדָ֗ה) — “Then Yahudah Came Near”– 3rd Month 20th thru 3rd Month 26th — (06/13/2026)

June 7th thru June 13th, 2026

11 – Parasha Vayigash Yahudah( וַיִּגַּשׁ יְהוּדָ֗ה) — “Then Yahudah Came Near”– 20th thru 3rd Month 26th — (06/13/2026)

11 – Parsha Vayigash Yahudah( וַיִּגַּשׁ יְהוּדָ֗ה) — “Then Yahudah Came Near”

June 7th thru June 13th, 2026
Torah Portion: Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 44:18 – 47:27
Haftarah: Yechezq’el (Ezekiel) 37:15-28
Brit Ha’dasha: Luqas (Luke) 24:30-48

Daily Readings

1stday (Sunday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 44:18-34 – Yahudah comes near before Yoceph and humbly pleads on behalf of Binyamiyn; He recounts the events that led to their journey into Mitsrayim and explains their father Ya’aqov’s deep love for Binyamiyn; Yahudah describes how the loss of Yoceph had already brought great sorrow upon their father and how the loss of Binyamiyn would bring him down to the grave in grief; Yahudah reminds Yoceph that he personally became surety for אֶת the young man before his father; He offers himself as a servant in place of Binyamiyn so that he may return home safely; Yahudah demonstrates sacrificial love, repentance, and concern for his father and brother above his own welfare.

2ndday (Monday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 45:1-15 – Yoceph can no longer restrain himself before all who stand by and commands every Mitsriy to leave the room; He reveals his identity to his brothers, declaring, “I am Yoceph”; The brothers are troubled and unable to answer him because they are afraid; Yoceph comforts them and explains that Elohiym sent him before them to preserve life during the famine; He declares that Elohiym used their evil actions for His greater purpose; Yoceph instructs them to quickly bring their father Ya’aqov and their households to Mitsrayim; He promises to provide for them during the remaining years of famine; Yoceph embraces Binyamiyn and weeps upon his neck, and afterward he embraces all his brothers and speaks peacefully with them.
Yechezq’el (Ezekiel) 37:15-28 – The Word of Yahuah comes to Yechezq’el commanding him to take two sticks, one for Yahudah and one for Yoceph (Ephrayim), and join them together into one; Through this sign, Yahuah declares that He will gather Yashar’el from among the nations and make them one people under one King; He promises to cleanse them from sin, establish an everlasting covenant of peace, and place His Sanctuary among them forever; Just as Yahudah and Yoceph were reconciled and reunited in Parashat Vayigash Yahudah, Yahuah promises to reunite the whole house of Yashar’el under the reign of Mashiach Yahusha.

3rdday (Tuesday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 45:16-28 – News reaches Pharaoh’s house that Yoceph’s brothers have come; Pharaoh and his servants are pleased and command Yoceph that Ya’aqov’s family be brought into Mitsrayim; Pharaoh promises them אֶת the good of the land of Mitsrayim, and they shall eat אֶת the fat of the land; Yoceph gives wagons, supplies, garments, and gifts to his brothers for the journey; Binyamiyn receives additional garments and silver above his brothers; Yoceph sends provisions and gifts for his father; He exhorts his brothers not to quarrel along the way; The brothers return to Kena’an and tell Ya’aqov that Yoceph is alive and ruler over all Mitsrayim; At first Ya’aqov does not believe them, but when he sees the wagons sent by Yoceph, his ruach revives; Yashar’el rejoices and determines to go and see his son before he dies.

4thday (Wednesday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 46:1-27 – Yashar’el sets out with all that he possesses and comes to Be’er Sheva; He offers sacrifices unto the Elohiym of his father Yitschaq; Elohiym speaks to Yashar’el in visions of the night and reassures him not to fear going down into Mitsrayim because He is El, the Elohai of his father and He will be with him; Yahuah promises to make of him a great nation there and assures him that Yoceph will be with him at the end of his life; Ya’aqov and his family depart Be’er Sheva, and the sons of Yashar’el carried אֶת Ya’aqov their father, their little ones and journey toward Mitsrayim in the wagons Pharaoh provided; The names of the sons, daughters, and descendants of Ya’aqov who enter Mitsrayim are recorded; Seventy souls which came out of Ya’aqov’s loins, besides Ya’aqov’s sons’ women come into Mitsrayim.

5thday (Thursday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 46:28-47:10 – Ya’aqov sends Yahudah ahead to prepare the way into Goshen; Yoceph makes ready his chariot and goes to meet Yashar’el; Father and son embrace one another and weep together after many years of separation; Yashar’el declares that he can now die in peace because he has seen Yoceph alive; Yoceph instructs his brothers how to answer Pharaoh concerning their occupation as shepherds; Five of the brothers are presented before Pharaoh and request permission to sojourn in Goshen; Pharaoh grants their request and commands that to give the best land to make אֶת his father and brethren to dwell; Yoceph brought in אֶת Ya’aqov his father before Pharaoh; Ya’aqov blesses Pharaoh and speaks the years of his sojourn upon the earth; Ya’aqov blessed אֶת Pharaoh again, and goes out from before Pharaoh.

6thday (Friday) – Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 47:11-27 – Yoceph settles his father and brothers in the land of Goshen according to Pharaoh’s command; Yoceph nourishes אֶת his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families; The famine grows exceedingly severe throughout Mitsrayim and Kena’an; The people exchange their silver, livestock, land, and labor in order to obtain food; Pharaoh acquires possession of the land of Mitsrayim through Yoceph’s administration during the famine; Yoceph establishes a statute requiring one-fifth of the produce to be given to Pharaoh while the people retain the remainder for food and seed; The people acknowledge that Yoceph has preserved their lives; Yashar’el dwells in the land of Goshen, acquires possessions, and multiplies greatly; The family prospers even during the years of famine because of Yahuah’s provision through Yoceph.
Luqas (Luke) 24:30-48 – After His resurrection, Mashiach Yahusha reveals Himself to two talmidiym as He breaks bread with them, and their eyes are opened to recognize Him; He then appears to the other disciples, brings them peace, shows them the evidence of His resurrection, and opens their understanding of the Scriptures; Yahusha Ha’Mashiach teaches that His suffering, death, and resurrection were necessary for the salvation of many and commissions His talmidiym to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations; Just as Yoceph revealed himself to his brothers and brought reconciliation and preservation of life in Parashat Vayigash Yahudah, Yahusha reveals Himself as the promised Mashiach who brings reconciliation between Yahuah and mankind through His resurrection and the eternal covenant cut in His blood.

Main Themes & Commandments

Learning from Past Sins and Walking in Humble Meekness

Yahudah’s plea for Binyamiyn reveals a transformed character. Years earlier, he participated in the betrayal and sale of his brother Yoceph. Now, rather than sacrificing another brother for his own benefit, he offers himself as a servant in Binyamiyn’s place. His words demonstrate repentance, humility, compassion, and a willingness to bear responsibility for his past actions. True repentance is not merely sorrow for sin but a changed heart that produces set-apart righteous fruit. Yahudah’s willingness to suffer on behalf of another became the catalyst for reconciliation within the family and ultimately the preservation of Yashar’el.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 44:33 – “Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my adoniy; and let the lad go up with his brethren.”

Mishlei (Proverbs) 28:13 – “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Tehilliym (Psalms) 51:17 – “The sacrifices of Elohiym are a broken ruach: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohiym, Thou wilt not despise.”

Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

Ya’aqov (James) 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of Yahuah, and He shall lift you up.”

**Repentance is proven by changed behavior. Yahudah’s actions demonstrate that a servant of Yahuah must learn from past sins, accept responsibility, and walk in humble meekness and humility. Yahuah is able to restore relationships and bring reconciliation when His people forsake their former ways and choose the righteous will of Yahuah instead of their own prideful will.

Yahuah Is with Those Who Obey Him

Before entering Mitsrayim, Ya’aqov stopped at Be’er Sheva to seek Yahuah. Rather than moving forward according to his own understanding, he worshipped and sought direction from Elohiym. Yahuah responded by reassuring him that the journey was according to His will and that He would remain with him. Throughout Scripture, Yahuah repeatedly promises His presence to those who trust Him, seek Him, and walk in obedience to His commandments. Ya’aqov’s example teaches that major decisions should be preceded by prayer, worship, and submission to Yahuah’s guidance.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 46:1-2 – “And Yashar’el took his journey with all that he had, and came to Be’er Sheva, and offered sacrifices unto the Elohiym of his father Yitschaq. And Elohiym spake unto Yashar’el in the visions of the night, and said, Ya’aqov, Ya’aqov. And he said, Here am I.”

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 46:3-4 – “And He said, I am El, the Elohai of thy father: fear not to go down into Mitsrayim; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Mitsrayim; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Yoceph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.”

Mishlei (Proverbs) 3:5-6 – “Trust in Yahuah with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Yahusha (Joshua) 1:9 – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for Yahuah Elohayka is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Yochanon (John) 14:21 – “He that has My commandments, and guards them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.”

**Yahuah’s presence is not promised to the rebellious but to those who seek Him, trust Him, and walk in obedience. As Ya’aqov sought Yahuah before entering an uncertain future, believers today are called to seek His direction first. When we walk according to His will, He remains faithful to guide, protect, and accomplish His purposes through us.

Forgiveness Brings Restoration

When Yoceph revealed himself to his brothers, he chose forgiveness rather than revenge. Although he had suffered betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment because of their actions, he recognized the greater purpose of Elohiym working through those circumstances. His forgiveness restored a broken family and preserved many lives during the famine. Yahuah calls His people to forgive others as He forgives us, trusting that He is able to bring good out of suffering and injustice.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 45:5 – “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for Elohiym did send me before you to preserve life.”

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 45:15 – “Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.”

Vayiqra (Leviticus) 19:18 – “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. I am Yahuah”

Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6:14 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Eph’siym (Ephesians) 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Elohiym for Mashiach’s sake has forgiven you.”

Forgiveness is not approval of sin, nor does it erase the consequences of wrongdoing. Forgiveness releases personal vengeance into the hands of Yahuah and allows restoration to occur where repentance is present. Yoceph’s forgiveness reflects the mercy of Yahuah, who desires reconciliation and restoration among His people.

Trusting Yahuah’s Sovereign Purpose

Throughout the account of Yoceph, events that appeared tragic were being directed by Yahuah for the preservation of His covenant people. What his brothers intended for evil, Yahuah used for good. The famine, the separation, the suffering, and even the years of waiting were all part of a larger plan that no one could fully see at the time. Vayigash Yahudah teaches that Yahuah remains sovereign even when circumstances seem confusing or painful.

Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 45:7-8 – “And Elohiym sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but Elohiym: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and adoniy of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Mitsrayim.”

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith Yahuah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Romiym (Romans) 8:28-29 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Elohiym, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Tehilliym (Psalms) 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by Yahuah: and He delights in his way.”

Mishlei (Proverbs) 16:9 – “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but Yahuah directs his steps.”

**Faith requires trusting Yahuah even when His purposes are not immediately visible. Yoceph’s life demonstrates that Yahuah is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His covenant promises. Those who remain faithful during trials can be confident that Yahuah is directing events according to His perfect wisdom, purpose and will.

Hebrew Link Words

Vayigash (way·yig·gaš) וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ — “Then came near” — Strong’s Hebrew Word 5066 [e]  
The Hebrew word וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ (Vayigash) “Then came near“ is a primitive root; to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religion. To worship; causatively, to present; figuratively, to adduce an argument; by reversal, to stand back — (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand.
Yahudah came near to or he approached Yoceph in humble meekness to seek yeshu’a for his brother and to offer himself as a servant to Yoceph.
Am I coming near King Mashiach Yahusha in humble meekness or am I coming in my own pride and authority?

Yahusha Ha’Mashiach in the Torah Portion

  1. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is the One whom Yahudah foreshadows when he offers himself in place of Binyamiyn.
  2. He is the greater Substitute who gave His life for His brethren.
  3. He is the beloved Son who was rejected, hated, and delivered up by His own brethren.
  4. He is the One whom Father Yahuah sent before His people to preserve life.
  5. He is the hidden Deliverer whom His brethren did not recognize until the appointed time.
  6. He is the ruler exalted to the right hand of authority who administers provision, mercy, and yeshu’a (salvation).
  7. He is the Bread of Life to whom all mankind must come to in order to live.
  8. He is the One revealed to His brethren with tears, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.
  9. He is the Shepherd who gathers the scattered children of Yashar’el and brings them into one family.
  10. He is the voice of Yahuah that spoke unto Yashar’el in the visions of the night at Be’er Sheva.
  11. He is the Elohiym who said, “Fear not to go down into Mitsrayim.”
  12. He is the Presence of Father Yahuah who promised, “I will go down with thee into Mitsrayim.”
  13. He is the Redeemer who promised, “I will also surely bring thee up again.”
  14. He is the אֶת (Aleph and the Tav) who preserved the covenant family during the years of famine.
    Bere’shiyth 45:18 – “And take אֶת your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you אֶת the good of the land of Mitsrayim, and ye shall eat אֶת the fat of the land.”
  15. He is the Provider who prepared a place for His people before they arrived.
  16. He is the One who turned the evil intentions of men into the means of yeshu’a (salvation) and deliverance from Father Yahuah.
  17. He is the One through whom reconciliation was made between separated brethren.
  18. He is the fulfillment of the two sticks of Yahudah and Yoceph becoming one in His hand.
  19. He is the Good Shepherd who shall gather all Yashar’el into one flock.
  20. He is the everlasting King who shall reign over a restored and united Kingdom.
  21. He is Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, the rejected Son who became the Saviour of His brethren, the Preserver of life, and the coming King over all Yashar’el forever.

Reflection & Self-Study Questions

  1. Yahudah was willing to offer himself in Binyamiyn’s place because he had learned from the sins of his past. When Father Yahuah reveals areas of sin and failure in my life, do I humble myself, repent, and change my actions, or do I continue in the same patterns?
  2. Yahudah chose self-sacrifice rather than self-preservation. Am I willing to place the needs of others before my own desires when righteousness requires it?
  3. Yoceph revealed himself to his brothers with forgiveness rather than vengeance. When others have wronged me, do I seek reconciliation and restoration, or do I hold on to bitterness and thoughts of revenge?
  4. Yoceph recognized that Yahuah was working through circumstances that others intended for evil. When I experience hardship, disappointment, or injustice, do I trust that Yahuah is accomplishing His purpose, or do I become discouraged and lose faith?
  5. The brothers were overcome with fear when Yoceph revealed himself. If Mashiach Yahusha were to reveal every hidden motive and thought of my heart today, would I be standing in repentance and obedience before Him?
  6. Yoceph was able to preserve life during the famine because he remained faithful to Yahuah throughout years of testing. Am I remaining faithful during my seasons of testing, waiting and affliction, trusting that Yahuah is preparing me for His purpose?
  7. Ya’aqov stopped at Be’er Sheva to seek Yahuah before continuing on his journey. When facing important decisions and uncertain circumstances, do I seek Yahuah first through prayer and worship, or do I rely upon my own understanding or the understanding of other men and women?
  8. Yahuah assured Ya’aqov that He would go with him into Mitsrayim. When Yahuah leads me into unfamiliar situations, do I trust His presence and promises, or do I allow fear of the unknown to govern my decisions?
  9. Ya’aqov had to leave the land he knew and trust Yahuah’s plan for the future. Are there areas of my life where Yahuah is calling me to step forward in faith while leaving my comfort and security behind?
  10. Yoceph used the authority Father Yahuah had given him to provide for his family and preserve many lives. How am I using the resources, abilities, and opportunities Father Yahuah has entrusted to me for the benefit of others and the advancement of His Kingdom?
  11. The reunion of Yoceph and his brothers brought healing to a family that had been divided for many years. Is there a broken relationship in my life that Father Yahuah is calling me to pursue forgiveness, reconciliation, or peace?
  12. The prophecy of the two sticks in Yechezq’el speaks of Yahuah restoring and uniting His people. Am I contributing to unity among the people of Yahuah, or am I allowing division, pride, and personal preferences to create separation?
  13. The talmidiym on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Mashiach Yahusha until He opened their understanding. Do I ask Father Yahuah to open my eyes to understand His Word, or do I depend only upon my own knowledge, reasoning and the theology of man?
  14. Yahusha revealed Himself to His talmidiym and commissioned them to be witnesses of His resurrection. Am I faithfully sharing the truth of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach with others through both my words and my daily conduct?
  15. Throughout this portion, Yahuah transformed guilt into repentance, separation into reconciliation, fear into peace, and famine into provision. As I reflect on this portion, where does Yahuah desire to bring transformation in my own life, and what steps of obedience is He calling me to take this week?