Read Time: 8 Minutes
Shabbat shalom, beloved. Today’s Torah portion, Vayigash, holds within its name a profound invitation—an invitation to draw near. Vayigash means “And He Drew Near,” and it centers on Judah’s courageous, humble approach to Joseph. But this is far more than a historical account; it is a living blueprint for every one of us who desires to approach the Holy One of Israel. It is a story of intercession, repentance, and the boundless mercy of a God who longs for us to come close.
The Stage Is Set: From Betrayal to Intercession
The saga of Joseph and his brothers reaches its emotional peak in Vayigash. The brothers, once guilty of selling Joseph into slavery out of jealousy, now stand before him in Egypt—unaware that the powerful leader is the brother they betrayed. Joseph, testing their hearts, has framed Benjamin, the youngest, for theft. The sentence: Benjamin must remain as a prisoner.
It is at this moment that Judah steps forward. This is the same Judah who once callously proposed selling Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27). Now, transformed by years of guilt, reflection, and the love of his father Jacob, he “draws near.” He offers himself as a slave in Benjamin’s place, pleading for the boy’s freedom to spare their aged father from dying of grief.
Judah’s plea is not just a negotiation; it is intercession. He stands in the gap, willing to bear the penalty for another. In this act, we see a foreshadowing of the ultimate Intercessor, Yeshua HaMashiach, who offered Himself for us all.
Nagash: The Hebrew Heart of Drawing Near
The Hebrew verb at the core of this portion is nagash (נִגַּשׁ)—to approach, to come near, to draw close. Its first significant use is in Genesis 18, where Abraham draws near to God to intercede for Sodom. Here, Judah draws near to Joseph who parallels Yeshua who is God.
Linguistically, this word is intimately connected to Goshen (גֹּשֶׁן). The same three Hebrew letters are rearranged. Goshen becomes the place of refuge, abundance, and divine favor for Israel amidst the famine in Egypt. It is a spiritual picture: drawing near (nagash) leads us to our Goshen—the place of God’s provision and presence.
The Blueprint: How Judah Shows Us the Way
Judah’s approach provides a powerful model for how we, as redeemed yet imperfect people, can draw near to a Holy God.
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Humility and Recognition of Authority: Judah begins by calling Joseph “my lord” and himself “your servant”. He acknowledges Joseph’s power of life and death over him. When we approach YAH, we start with the humility that recognizes He is Sovereign King, and we are reliant on His mercy.
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A Contrite and Broken Spirit: Judah does not come with excuses or a “brass neck.” He comes with the weight of his past and a heart changed by remorse. Psalm 51:17 tells us, “The sacrifices of YAH are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O YAH, You will not despise.” True drawing near begins with honest repentance.
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Intercessory Love: Judah’s motive is love—for his brother Benjamin and his father Jacob. He lays down his own life for another. Yeshua said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Drawing near to YAH is intertwined with a love for others that moves us to intercede and serve.
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Speaking the Truth in Love: Judah’s plea is passionate, detailed, and honest. He lays out the full story, appealing to Joseph’s compassion. Our prayers and approach to YAH should be marked by transparent truth, trusting in His compassion.
The Response: Mercy That Overwhelms Judgment
Judah’s humble intercession shatters Joseph’s composure. Joseph reveals himself, weeping, and speaks words of unbelievable grace: “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves… because YAH sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).
This is the heart of the Gospel in the Torah! The one who had the power to condemn instead offers forgiveness, comfort, and a divine perspective. He reframes their evil intent within YAH’s redemptive plan to save many lives.
This is our Messiah’s response to us when we draw near in sincere repentance. He says, “Do not be angry with yourselves.” He takes our past failures and weaves them into a story of preservation and purpose. He reveals Himself not as a distant judge, but as a brother who saves (Hebrews 2:11).
Drawing Near to Your Goshen Today
So, how do we practice Vayigash? How do we “do a Judah” and draw near to our Joseph, Yeshua?
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Come with a Sincere Heart: Move beyond lip service. Let your approach be fueled by a genuine desire for YAH and a sorrow over sin. As Isaiah 29:13 warns, YAH values the heart that is near Him above mere words.
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Engage with the Word: Judah’s transformation didn’t happen in a vacuum. Immerse yourself in Scripture. It is in the living Word that YAH speaks, corrects, and comforts, reviving our spirits just as Joseph’s words revived Jacob (Genesis 45:27).
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Walk in Intercession and Love: Our drawing near to YAH is proved by our drawing near to others in love. Be an intercessor. Bear one another’s burdens. Practice self-denial for the sake of another. This is the “proof of heart” that mirrors Judah’s transformation.
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Trust in God’s Longsuffering Love: The Hebrew idiom describes YAH as Erech Apayim—"long of nose," meaning slow to anger. He is patient, giving us time and opportunity to turn and draw near. No matter your past—if Judah the betrayer can become Judah the intercessor, so can you.
Beloved, the call of Vayigash is for you now.
Yeshua beckons, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He is your Goshen. Draw near (nagash) to Him today with a humble, contrite, and loving heart. Experience the overwhelming mercy that says, “Do not be grieved,” and find yourself welcomed into the abundant, protected place of His presence.
From our house to your house,
Shalom.
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