Parashat Vayeishev (And He Dwelt)
Beresheet (Genesis) 37:1-40:23
Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8
In both our Parasha and Haftarah portions this week, we find profound lessons about human behavior, morality, and the complex dynamics of relationships. At the heart of these texts is the question of how we navigate righteousness amid the often-messy realities of life. How do we determine what is just, and by whose standards do we measure it?
The story of Joseph and his brothers offers us a rich narrative to explore these questions. Joseph, as the favored son, received a special coat from his father Jacob, symbolizing his elevated status in the family. Coupled with his dreams that seemed to foretell his future dominance, Joseph might be viewed as arrogant or at least unaware of the tensions brewing among his brothers. From this perspective, one might initially empathize with the brothers’ resentment and even rationalize their actions as an attempt to restore balance in the family.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their actions were far from justified. Selling Joseph into slavery was a profound betrayal, compounded by the deception they carried out against their father, Jacob. These choices not only caused immense suffering but also fractured the family for years to come. What seemed like a solution born of envy and anger ultimately led to guilt, regret, and the need for eventual reconciliation.
Interestingly, the Haftarah portion from Amos echoes these themes of injustice and betrayal. In Amos 2:6, we read:
This is what the LORD says: ‘For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke its punishment, because they sell the righteous for money, and the needy for a pair of sandals.’
This verse mirrors the brothers’ treatment of Joseph, emphasizing the gravity of exploiting others for personal gain. Yet the Haftarah goes beyond recounting past injustices—it calls us to consider the systemic and societal nature of sin. The reference to selling “the righteous for money” is a warning not just about individual actions but about the broader structures that perpetuate inequality and harm.
Another striking parallel appears in Amos 3:3: “Do two people walk together unless they have agreed to meet?” This verse highlights the power of collective action—whether for good or for ill. Joseph’s brothers acted together, but their shared purpose led to destruction rather than restoration. It challenges us to think about how we align ourselves with others, whether in the pursuit of justice or in complicity with wrongdoing.
The story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 further complicates our understanding of righteousness. Tamar, wronged by Judah’s failure to fulfill his obligation, takes matters into her own hands. Her actions—disguising herself and seeking an heir through Judah—may seem questionable by conventional standards. Yet Judah himself ultimately acknowledges her righteousness, saying, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shiloh” (Genesis 38:26). This moment forces us to confront the complexity of justice: sometimes, what appears unrighteous on the surface serves a deeper purpose of restoration and fairness.
The Haftarah also speaks to this complexity. In Amos 2:7, we read of those who “trample the head of the helpless to the dust of the earth” and “divert the way of the humble.” This verse underscores the broader consequences of injustice, reminding us that our treatment of the vulnerable reflects the true state of our morality. Judah’s failure to honor Tamar’s rights initially placed her in a desperate position, but her courage to act ultimately brought about a measure of justice.
Finally, Joseph’s later trials—his false accusation by Potiphar’s wife and his subsequent imprisonment—remind us that injustice often befalls the innocent. Yet Joseph’s story also shows the redemptive power of perseverance and faith. Despite being wronged repeatedly, Joseph rose above bitterness, choosing forgiveness and reconciliation when he finally faced his brothers. His actions reveal a standard of righteousness rooted in mercy and healing rather than vengeance.
Taken together, the Parasha and Haftarah urge us to look beyond the surface of our actions and consider the deeper principles of justice, mercy, and accountability. They remind us that true righteousness is not always straightforward or easy. It requires us to confront our own failings, to seek reconciliation where there is division, and to align our lives with values that honor both God and our fellow human beings.
As we reflect on these texts, let us ask ourselves not only how we measure righteousness but how we live it out. Are we agents of reconciliation, like Joseph in his later years, or do we perpetuate cycles of harm and division? Let this be a time to examine our relationships, challenge our assumptions, and commit ourselves anew to the pursuit of justice and compassion, as God commands us to.
Shabbat Shalom,
Moran
4 Comments on “Complex Righteousness”
Amen! Thank you, Moran. A great reminder about being the Light of Messiah in our relationships!
God’s blessings and protection for you, family and all of Israel
Mary
Thank you, Moran. This is a big challenge. I sometimes feel like my life is a micro example of Israel. I have several neighbors who are angry at me without a cause. Two of them wanted the land we moved to almost 25 years ago and I think their desire for our land is the root of the troubles we have endured for many years. I can’t help but identify with Israel in this.
Someone I know says Israel should not respond in kind to the October 7 invasion. I don’t think he has been following along with what Israel actually has faced and dealt with for all these years – the rockets and rammings and attacks. I don’t think he understands that self-defense and protection of innocents is not the same as unjust violence.
So it gets very complicated. How do you forgive while not making yourself a target for future abuse? In this, too, I identify with Israel on an individual scale with many things that have happened to me in my life.
I am continually amazed at how forgiving Israelis seem in interviews. I too just want to live in peace and work hard and not be harassed. But how is this possible when some people are filled with hate? In my case, they are not threatening my life, although I have sometimes feared that was a possibility, as well as wondering about the safety of my animals and house.
As far as Tamar, I don’t read too much into Judah’s statement about her being “more righteous” than him. He had consorted with someone he thought was a harlot. That’s pretty bad – something even he knew was very wrong. At least Tamar knew who he was and the reason she was doing what she did. It is clear that God does not condone her actions, although He chose one of those sons in His plan for bringing the Messiah. It’s a good thing God uses sinners or we wouldn’t have a chance.
I always appreciate what you share and the insights you have into the Torah portions. Thank you.
And at the end of the day, no matter what actions man takes to try to help bring about Gods plan, Yah’s perfect will always will prevail in every matter under the sun.. Why waste our time wondering what could have been if people had doen things in a more honest and acceptable way. I never wonder what would have happened if Eve hadn’t disobeyed God , if David hadn’t slept with another man’s wife, and so on. Just goes to show me that yes indeed, His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. He allows the thoughts and intents of man’s heart and the resulting actions ( even sinful acts) to accomplish his perfect will.
Let us seek Yahweh and seek meekness and seek Yahweh’s guidance through Yahoshua , that we may be hidden in Yahoshua on the day of his anger.
His salvation is soon to come and all the things we fret about are soon to pass away.
With our natural mind, it’s easy to think of Rebekah as a conniving mother, who tried to advance the will of God for her favored son. That is because Gods thoughts and ways are far above our natural understanding. We simply cannot see past what we think is fair and right with our own reasoning and logic. It’s our nature. We think things should have been done another way, the way we see as fair and just. This is why we need the baptism of the Holy Spirit , to correct and teach us and guide us in the way and to deliver us from our wrong judgement.(if we submit to his Spirit)
The book of Hebrews should put all thoughts about the questionable actions of Gods chosen people to rest. The great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews leaves no room for me to wonder what would have happened had Abraham, Sarah, and others “done better “ or made “ better decisions” in their lifetime. Gods word shows me that everything has happened according to his perfect plan and right on schedule, and continues to this very day.
Esau sold his birthright (doesn’t say Jacob stole – says Esau sold). Esau did not take to heart the serious consequences of such a seemingly inconsequential act of selling his birthright for some stew, because he did not care about the things of God.
God knows how our natural mind works. That is why the Spirit (supernatural) let the apostle Paul know what people would say.. if there is a predetermined election , then how is that fair ? Our natural mind always questions God’s righteous judgment! Gods answer .. who are you oh man, to question God ?
That is why the scripture says unless we become as little children we will in no wise enter the kingdom of heaven. Little children do not analyze and use critical thinking skills to determine a matter. They simply believe. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Sarah had faith to conceive and was blessed, even after she had already taken matters into her own hands, giving Hagar to Abraham in order to try to help bring about Gods will! She was using her natural reasoning and logic, yet God allowed it to be put in her heart to do such a thing, and he allowed Abram to go along with her decision, all for the purpose of moving His perfect plan for humanity forward.
In spite of Sari using her natural reasoning (her own judgment) God blessed her and later gave her the faith to conceive in her old age . He could have chosen a much more patient woman then Sarah or he could have perfected her faith in the first place and avoided the whole splintered family upheaval but he chose to work out his plan for humanity this way.
Abraham is father of us all. ( all who believe God)
Even though he listened to Sarah’s logical voice and took Hagar to wife , God loved him and called him his friend and gave him the distinct title of father of us all because he believed God. In fact, God perfected both Abraham and Sarah’s faith at the appointed time and he changed both of their names to teach us the certainty of his evolutionary plan to offer his salvation to the whole world.
His perfect plan moved forward in Rebekah , a Syrian women whom he chose to bring forth the nation of Israel, and ultimately his anointed , Yahoshua, Yahweh’s Salvation.
Let us not waste a moment of our short time on the planet wondering “what if “Abraham, Sarah Rebekah and Jacob had made “better choices”, and later, why Joseph’s brothers treated him with great cruelty. God used his brothers sinful actions to save the nation of Israel from starvation. Gods plan to save his people has moved forward in perfect timing. God is good and we are not. That is why we need a savior.
He has carried his chosen and sent them savior’s during their long history on the planet. He chose the land he gave them to place his name, in the center of the universe.
Gods plan in all of our lives, the Jew first and then the Gentile , can take many twists and turns and can really get messy , even with our best and sometimes not so noble intentions. But once he gives us the faith to believe, let us seek his will and move forward and not look back, holding fast to Yahoshua as he leads us out of oppression and slavery to sin ( our own way of thinking ) and into the heavenly promised land.
If Gods chosen were always doing the “right thing” they would not have needed Gods intervention in their lives and we would be deprived of the chance to learn about his undeserved and unfailing love in our own lives today! That is why the scriptures tell us those things of old were written for our comfort and hope , to teach us about his mercy and love and the power of His Spirit to perfect our faith, to prepare our hearts to accomplish his will in our lives.
Rebekah believed God, and being moved by faith, (not favoritism) , instructed Jacob to deceive Isaac when the time came for Isaac to give the blessing. Rebekah loved both of her sons but she favored Jacob because God spoke with her about both of them when they were in her womb. She knew that Esau did not care about the things of God long before the day when it came time for Isaac to give the blessing.
400 some years later in Joshua ( Yahoshua) , Rahab was a deceiver. She hid Israel’s spies from the inhabitants of the land the Israelites were to inherit, even though they (Canaanite’s) were there first , ( in fact, God had given them 400 years in the land of Canaan before their sins reached its full measure.) Rahab the harlot was one of them, but yet she hid the spies, and deceived the King of Jericho, thereby saving herself and her family. She had heard about Yahweh and the mighty parting of the Red Sea taking place soon after he had revealed his personal name to His people through the mouth of Moses.(so there would be no mistaking who this great God was). She feared his awesome name and was moved by faith because she knew Yahweh, the creator of the universe and everything in it , had given the land to Israel, to be a light to the Gentiles.