Categories
Torah readings

Torah reading Miketz (מקץ): Genesis 41:1–44:17

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? Or at least forgotten about what you’re going through? It would have been easy for Yosef to think so. He’d been languishing in prison for a crime he didn’t commit for at least two years. The second installment of the account of Yosef is in this week’s Torah section, מִקֵּץ Miketz (“he settled,” Gen. 41:1–44:17). We see “that dreamer” go from victim of justice to vice president of the mighty empire of Mitzraim, and the prophecy pointing forward to Yeshua the Mashiakh gets fleshed out.

Studies in Torah

Readings

  • Genesis 41:1–44:17
  • 1Kings 3:15–4:1
  • Psalm 22
  • Matthew 27:15–46
  • Luke 24:13–29

Miketz discussions

The following are notes and recordings of studies by Hallel Fellowship teachers on passages from and discussions on Miketz.

Two men stand side by side under a bright, open sky, eyes closed and smiling as they reach their arms upward toward Heaven. The man on the left has empty pockets turned inside out, symbolizing having nothing stored up on earth. The man on the right has bulging pockets filled with coins and paper currency sticking out, representing earthly wealth. The scene is painted in a bold palette knife style with textured strokes. Text overlay says, "Treasures that last: Building a life of eternal value (Genesis 43-44; Matthew 6)."

Treasures that last: Building a life of eternal value (Genesis 43–44; Matthew 6)

In this study, we explored the call of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) to store up treasures in heaven, not just earthly wealth. It’s about living with discernment, generosity, and integrity — practicing righteousness both privately and publicly. We’re encouraged to regularly take spiritual inventory, ensuring our hearts align with God’s purposes. True reward comes from sincere faith, not public applause. Let’s invest in what lasts: our relationship with Adonai, our character, and blessing others in the Messiah’s name.
Read More
A glowing lamb stands atop a radiant, golden scroll unfurled across a shimmering river. The lamb and scroll emit luminous white and gold light that radiates outward in bold, textured strokes, contrasting with the dark, famine-toned background of deep blues and earthy browns. The scroll appears to blend into the river below, symbolizing a transition from suffering to eternal life. The image evokes themes from Revelation and the Gospel of John, portraying Yeshua as the Lamb and living Mishkan. Text on the left says, "Mourning to rejoicing, and on the right, "Healing broken families, healing a broken world." Smaller text below says, "Genesis 42-43; Isaiah 1, 50-52; Jeremiah 8; Deuteronomy 4; Revelation 21."

Mourning to rejoicing: Healing broken families, healing a broken world (Genesis 42–43; Isaiah 1, 50–52; Jeremiah 8; Deuteronomy 4; Revelation 21)

In this study, we trace God’s redemptive plan through Joseph’s story, revealing how Yeshua (Jesus) fulfills the pattern of salvation. From Joseph’s grain provision during severe famine to the Lamb’s Book of Life on the Day of the LORD, we see God’s consistent desire to dwell among His people. The journey from brokenness to restoration demonstrates how submission, trust and repentance transform lives. As we anticipate the New Jerusalem, we’re reminded that God’s ultimate goal is intimate connection — writing His law on our hearts and bringing us into complete shalom.
Read More
"Split-image illustration showing Joseph seated on a throne in Egyptian attire with attendants beside him on the left, and Yeshua (Jesus) seated in glory with a radiant halo and a crown on the right. Text overlay reads: 'The Righteous Branch and the Spirit-Led Leader: Lessons from Joseph to Yeshua.'"

The ‘Righteous Branch’ and the Spirit-led leader: Lessons from Joseph to Yeshua (Genesis 41–42; Isaiah 11)

In contrast to worldly leadership, Scripture reveals a model rooted in humility, righteousness, and the fear of Adonai (the LORD). The restoration of Yosef (Joseph) in ancient Egypt and Isaiah’s vision of the Righteous Branch foreshadow Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) — Spirit-anointed to preserve, restore and lead with justice. This study explores how godly leaders are marked by wisdom, not ambition, and how Yeshua fulfills these roles. For believers today, it offers prophetic insight into Spirit-led leadership that prepares the way for the coming Kingdom.
Read More
A ChatGPT-generated image in oil palette knife style featuring a vibrant, abstract painting of an Egyptian pharaoh in profile, wearing a blue and gold headdress. The background includes cattle and a large ear of corn against a colorful, textured backdrop. Text overlays include "When God speaks the language of the nations" at the top and "Decoding Pharaoh's mysterious dreams via Egypt's pantheon Genesis 41; Isaiah 29; Revelation 7" at the bottom, with a "hallel.info" logo in the corner.

When God speaks the language of the nations: Decoding Pharaoh’s mysterious dreams via Egypt’s pantheon (Genesis 41; Isaiah 29; Revelation 7)

The Creator of the heavens and earth speaks through unexpected channels — including using pagan Egyptian mythology — to reveal His plan. In this study, we see how Joseph’s unwavering faith transforms him from a forgotten slave to Egypt’s savior, demonstrating that trusting Adonai (the LORD) transcends circumstances. The dreams of Pharaoh in Genesis 41 reveal more than just agricultural prophecy. They showcase God’s ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, preparing the way for His redemptive purpose, fulfilled through Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Joseph’s journey reminds us that faithfulness opens doors no human can close.
Read More
Why it's better to be open to what Heaven has planned (Genesis 41-44; Luke 1; Matthew 27). Light shines through an open door as a person holds the knob.

Why it’s better to be open to what Heaven has planned (Genesis 41–44; Luke 1; Matthew 27)

The startling rise of Joseph to multicolored coat and in-your-face-dreams fame then seemingly inglorious fall into slavery and imprisonment in Egypt seems a cruel lot for the favored son of Israel. But the Torah passage מִקֵּץ Miketz (Gen. 41:1–44:17) further reveals why his journey occupies such a large section of Scripture and foreshadows Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Together with Miriam’s “Magnificat” prayer (Luke 1:26–56) at Chanukah, we can see seeking Heaven’s wisdom can point us to the purpose in seeming purposelessness.
Read More
Joseph & Messiah reveal what true repentance looks like (Genesis 42-44)

Joseph & Messiah reveal what true repentance looks like (Genesis 42–44)

The strange imagery of seven emaciated cows and seven fat ones in Pharaoh’s dreams that Joseph interpreted — with Heaven’s help — grab one’s attention in the Torah reading מקץ Miketz (“from the end,” Gen. 41:1–44:17). But beyond the lessons of Heaven’s supreme wisdom and the importance of preparation for lean times is the key teachings from Joseph’s intrigue-filled reconciliation with the brothers who sold him into slavery. In this we see key attributes to look for when Heaven’s Son, Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) seeks to reconcile with His people — and the world.
Read More

Matthew 24 and Chanukah: Why Yeshua warned believers to run to the hills

Why Yeshua (Jesus) went to the Temple on Chanukah, aka the Festival of Dedication and the Festival of Lights, wrapped in the history recorded in 1-4 Maccabees. Those are prequels of sorts to the Gospels. You see why the Romans are in the Holy Land, why Yeshua  warned in Matthew 24 that in the last days God’s people will have to “run to the hills,” and what the “abomination of desolation” (Dan. 11:31; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14) actually looks like. 
Read More

Chanukah: Dare to be a Daniel, Joseph, Judas Maccabeus

Yosef (Joseph) a betrayed brother turned slave turned prime minister in Mitzraim (Egypt). Daniel a war captive turned wise man turned second to an emperor in Babylon. יהודה המכבי Yehudah ha-Makabi (Judas Maccabeus) a priest of Yisrael turned leader of a successful insurrection against the Seleucid empire’s campaign of forced conversion. Yeshua ha-Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ) in the Temple during the Festival of Dedication. These four accounts may seem to quite disjointed, but the conjunction of the Torah reading מקצ Miketz/Miqetz (Genesis 41:1-44:14, “from the end”) and the celebration of Chanukah/Hannukah helps underscore that ongoing lessons from both help us…
Read More

Genesis 37–40: Joseph and Judah’s school of hard knocks

God prepared two self-centered “brats” — Yosef (Joseph) and Yehudah (Judah) — and their descendants to become the saviors of their families. Yosef was a tattle-tale and a bit of a braggart, but Yehudah was willing to throw weaker, younger people to the wolves, either figuratively or literally to obtain a higher status in his society. God really cares about how you treat other people, especially those who are weaker and less fortunate. In the Torah reading וישב Vayeshev (Genesis 37–40), we learn from Yosef and Yehudah their life lessons the hard way.
Read More
Illustration of a bearded man with long hair, wearing a simple robe, emerging from an ornate Egyptian-style treasure chest. The chest has a nameplate on top with the inscription “Zaphenath-Paneah.” The image background is golden brown. Large bold text at the bottom reads: “The Unknown Brother, The Unrecognized Messiah – Genesis 42:1–22.” In the top right corner is a small logo with the text “hallel.info.”

Genesis 42:1-22: The Unknown Brother, The Unrecognized Messiah

When the brothers of Yosef (Joseph) came to Mitsraim (Egypt), even the second time, they did not recognize him at all. He was concealed from them behind a new name, Zaphenath-paneakh, and new appearance, shaved and in garb of his office. Similarly, Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah is known as Jesus Christ the Church-maker in the Gentile world, and He is hidden from the rest of the descendants of Israel.
Read More

Genesis 41

God gives Yosef the meaning of the dreams exalts him to No. 2 in Mitzraim; Yosef gets command of Egypt, a new name

The life of Yosef had many parallels with the mission of Yeshua the Mashiakh, such as being No. 2 in Mitzraim and hidden from his brothers. Can we ask God for such vision?

Yosef foretells of seven famine years in Mitzraim

Yosef rose quickly from forgotten prisoner to second in command of Mitzraim, all over two strange visions Pharaoh had of fat and famished cows then plump and withered heads of grain. Behind all this we see the Creator’s hand at work, teaching Pharaoh, Mitzraim and us about where we should put our trust.

Messianic connection between pharaoh and Yosef

Messianic figures in the Bible aren’t one-to-one representations of the Mashiakh, but the messianic figures of the pharaoh of Mitzraim and Yosef do give us a glimpse of the relationship between the Father and the Mashiakh.

Genesis 42

Sons of Israel meet the Prime Minister of Egypt

The tables are starting to turn against Yosef’s brothers. God, through Yosef, is revealing their sin against Yosef and they are confronted with their unrighteousness and start the process of repentence.

Mashiakh’s hidden meeting with Israel foretold through Yosef

When the brothers of Yosef came to Mitzraim, even the second time, they did not recognize him at all. He was concealed from them behind a new name, Zaphenath-paneakh, and new appearance, shaved and in garb of his office. Similarly, Yeshua the Mashiakh is known as Jesus Christ the Church-maker in the Gentile world, and He is hidden from the rest of the descendants of Israel.

Broken hearts bring the heart of God to tears

The life of Yosef is a shadow of the life of the Mashiakh in a number of ways. In the latter half of Genesis 42, we see another shadow: Yosef was hidden from his brothers yet wanted to weep when he heard their penitence over the death they thought they had set in motion for him by selling him into slavery. That’s the repentance God seeks from Israel for the treatment of God’s Mashiakh. The prophets and apostles foretell that day will come.

Yosef foreshadows ‘Savior of the World’

We’ve already explored how Yosef’s life parallels that of Yeshua the Mashiakh. In part 3 of this study of Genesis 42, we explore the another parallel in the ancient Egyptian name of Yosef and in the three days of imprisonment of his brothers.

Genesis 43

Yosef meets his brothers again

Ya’akov’s family finally ran out of Egyptian grain and had little choice but to return to Egypt to get more. The 10 brothers had a duty to fulfill beyond their father’s call to get more grain: get Simeon released from prison. Ben Yamin was the only key to obtain that release, but Ya’akov did not want to let him go. Once Ya’akov acquiesced, the 10 brothers went to Egypt. Yosef celebrated their arrival with a feast rather than another interrogation. “The man” was full of surprises.

Ben-Yamin appears before Yosef in Mitzraim

The account of Yosef and his once-estranged brothers reaches a crescendo in Genesis 43, as those 10 return to Mitzraim with Ben Yamin, Yosef’s younger brother. There are a number of parallels between Yosef’s life and that of Yeshua the Mashiakh in this part of the account.

Genesis 44

Yosef slips his silver cup to Ben-Yamin

In Genesis 43, Yosef hosted a large banquet for his brothers and household staff. At the time of the account in Genesis 44, Yosef was still hidden from his brothers. He is the second in command of Mitzraim, one of the world’s most powerful nations of the period. This account of the actions of Pharaoh and Yosef is a parable of what the Father and the Son planned to do to and through a group of believers in God, a group called Israel.

Haftarah: 1Kings 3:15–4:1

Wisdom of Solomon; Is the Mashiakh in the story of the two harlots?

The account of Solomon’s decision on which prostitute should get the baby is known even by those who haven’t read the Bible. More than a legend, the event has several parallels to the life of Mashiakh and His relationship with Israel.

Discover more from Hallel Fellowship

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

What do you think about this?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.