Parashat Vayechi
Parshas Vayechi is the 12th a final parsha in the Book of Berashis. It contains 85 pesukim and section from Melachim I regarding the passing of King Dovid is read for the Haftora.
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Yackov Binds Yosef by an Oath
Having reached age 147, Yackov fears he will soon pass away he called Yosef and binds him by an oath to bury him in Mearos Hamachpala in Chevron. Yosef swears by his fathers Bris Milah and then Yackov bows to his son.
Burial in Chevron
Yackov did not wish to be buried in Egypt so his tomb would not become an object of idolatrous worship and that he be spared the suffering of Gilgul Mechilos during the time of Resurrection. He was also aware that during the future Ten Plagues that would afflict Egypt, all its top soil would turn to lice and Yackov did not wish to have this occur around his body. Yackov had previously purchased the rights to the last remaining plot in Mearos Hamachpela from his brother Esav.
The Oath
Paraoh and the Egyptians had seen great blessing since Yackov arrived in Egypt, including the ending of the 'great famine' that was supposed to run for an additional five years. In a society run on meta physical forces they were very unlikely to give up a spiritual asset like Yackov's tomb. Yosef held the position of 'Second to King' giving him the power to fulfill Yackov's burial request and was therefore chosen over the other brothers. Later after blessing the other tribes, he commended them as well to fill out his burial request.
As traditional to hold an object of a Mitzvah to reinforce an oath at the time it is takes, Yosef placed his hand near his fathers Milah. Although the Avos practiced many of the Mitzvos, either in their final form, in other manifestations or at their root levels, Mila was the only physical Mitzvah which had officially been issued by Hashem to date.
Yackov Bows
Yackov bows towards the head of his bed, the resting place of the Schina which tends to hover above the head of the ill, at the same time giving honor to Yosef. Although Yosef was his son, he held a position of royalty and was therefore given honor. Both Moshe and Eliyahu deduced from this incident that it was proper to give honor to kings, despite their wickedness.
Blessing of Menashe and Ephraim
At some later point after the oath, Yackov became ill. Yosef is informed of this event by his son Ephraim who spent his days studying under Yackov. Yosef fearing his father's time had come, takes his two sons Menashe and Ephraim and travels from the Egyptian capital to the province of Goshen to visit him. Upon being informed of his son's arrival, Yackov sits up thereby granting honor to his position of royalty.
Splitting of the Tribe of Yosef
In
Reiteration of Burial Request
Initial Rejection
Yackov prepares himself to bless Menashe and Ephraim and suddenly the Shichina detaches herself from him. Yackov gazes deeper into their essence and sees how the wicked Achav will descend from Ephraim and Yehu from Menashe. He then asks Yosef if their was some flaw in the birth of his children that could render such consequences that render them unfit for his blessing.
Switching of the Hands
First Blessing
Second Blessing
Granting of Shechem
Yackov's Blessing of the Tribes
Passing of Yackov
Once Yackov passed away the servitude to the Egyptians began in a minor degree. Although there was no actual servitude at that point, Paraoh began to request that they service him.