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The Torah reading for this week is entitled Miketz, which means “At the End.” It covers Genesis chapters 41:1-44:17.

Divine sovereignty is now at work. Now It was Pharaoh who dreamed, now the cupbearer remembers, now Joseph’s was “at the end” of his imprisonment. Joseph was “Now” brought before Pharaoh, freshly shaven, and decently clothed.

Pharaoh explains to Joseph his dreams. He sees seven thin and very ugly cows devouring seven healthy and beautiful cows. He awakens, and dreams again, he sees seven thin and weather-beaten heads of grain swallow up seven healthy ones.

Joesph says your dreams are one. God is showing Pharaoh what he is about do. Seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of severe famine.
Joseph explains that because the dream came in two versions it signified that God was confirming this matter and it would be carried out soon.

Joseph then gave wise counsel: he suggests that some wise man be appointed to store 20% of the food supplies during the good years to prepare for the bad ones.
Pharaoh recognizes that Joseph was wise — and a man who possessed a divine spirit.
Pharaoh removes his signet ring, which was a symbol of his authority, and puts it on Joseph’s hand.

He then clothes Joseph in fine linen clothing, puts a gold chain around his neck and gives him a new name which helps him to integrate into Egyptian society.
Joseph was promoted to be prime minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in power and authority.

Joseph then surveys the whole land of Egypt. He stores up massive amounts of grain in the cities so when the famine comes, the Egyptians will not starve and people from surrounding lands will be able come to Egypt and buy grain from Joseph.

The marriage Pharaoh arranges for Joseph allies him with one of Egypt priestly families.
Before the first year of famine came, Joseph and Asenath, his wife, had two sons, Manasseh, and Ephraim.

Chapter 42, Jacob says to his sons, “I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go there and buy enough grain that we will live. And not die.”

The ten oldest sons go to Egypt. They come before Joseph to get permission to buy grain. They bow before him with their faces to the ground.
Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him. Using an interpreter, Joseph begins testing them.
He accuses his brothers of being spies – which they deny. Through questioning, Joseph finds out his father and his younger brother by his mother Rachel, are well.

To prove they are telling the truth, Joseph demands that his brothers return home and bring back Benjamin. Simeon is bound imprisoned and kept as a guarantee that they will return.
The guilt-stricken brothers conclude that God is punishing them for selling Joseph into slavery. Upon overhearing this, Joseph leaves the room so that he does not reveal his true identity as he weeps.

The nine brothers headed to Canaan with the food they purchased, not knowing that Joseph had put their money in their sacks of food.
When they stopped for the night one of them opened his sack to get grain for his donkey and found his money. Troubled and afraid, they said to each other, “What has God done to us?”

They return to Canaan and tell their father everything that happened. This is the second time they have returned home without a brother. They all open their sacks, and each brother discovers his money that was used to buy the grain.
They are terrified.
Only when they are almost out of food and only after Judah guarantees Benjamin’s safety, does a reluctant Jacob finally agree to let Benjamin go with them back to Egypt.

Upon arriving, they present themselves to Joseph.
When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, He sends the brothers to his home, where food is being prepared for them.

The manager of Joseph’s household reassures the terrified brothers that his master means them no harm. Simeon is released and joins them.

Joseph enters and is “introduced” to Benjamin. To his brothers’ amazement, Joseph seats them at the banquet table in the order of their ages. No doubt with Benjamin seated at his right hand.

Chapter 44 Joseph orders his manager to fill each of their sacks with as much grain as they can carry, and put each man’s money back into his sack, and he was to put Joseph’s special silver cup at the top of Benjamin’s sack, along with the money for his grain.

Shortly after leaving the city, the brothers are stopped and searched. To the brothers’ horror, the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack, and Benjamin is arrested.

The story of Joseph is a fascinating story. However, it is even greater fascination because the story of Joseph is a story that foreshadows Yeshua. Consider the similarities.

Joseph was dearly loved by Jacob.
Yeshua is the beloved Son of God.

Joseph tended to his father’s sheep.
Yeshua is the Good Shepherd.

Joseph’s brothers hated and envied him.
Yeshua was rejected and despised by His own people.

Joseph shared dreams of his future rise to power.
Yeshua foretold His death, resurrection, and future reign.

Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him.
The Jewish leaders plotted to kill Yeshua.

Joseph was taken to Egypt as a slave.
Yeshua fled to Egypt as a child to escape Herod.

Joseph resisted the temptation of Potiphar’s wife.
Yeshua was tempted in the wilderness but remained sinless.

Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife.
Yeshua was falsely accused by the religious leaders.

Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver.
Yeshua was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.

Joseph was imprisoned despite his innocence.
Yeshua was crucified despite His innocence.

Joseph’s special robe was stripped off him.
Yeshua was stripped of His garments before His crucifixion.

Joseph interpreted the dreams of two prisoners.
Yeshua was crucified between two criminals.

Joseph correctly predicted the fates of the prisoners.
Yeshua foretold the deliverance of one of the criminals.

Joseph was put into a pit by his brothers.
Yeshua was placed in the “pit” of the grave.

Joseph was exalted to a position of power after he suffered.
Yeshua was exalted to the right hand of God the Father after His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Joseph saved countless lives during the famine.
Yeshua offers salvation to all who believe in Him.

Joseph forgave his brothers and restored their relationship.
Yeshua forgave those who crucified Him and offers reconciliation to all.

Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him initially but recognized him later.
Yeshua was not recognized by His disciples after His resurrection initially.

Joseph was given authority over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
Yeshua has been given all authority in heaven and earth.

Joseph was reunited with his family and saved them.
Yeshua offers salvation to all who would be saved.

It is He, to whom the perishing must flee. It is He who has the key to all supplies. The name is Joseph. The greater truth, the greater reality, at the end, it is Yeshua!