Vayegash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

“Why are you upset, and why has your face fallen? Is it not that if you do well you’ll be raised, and if you don’t do well sin crouches at the threshold. And its desire will be for you. And you’ll dominate it.”

Genesis 4:6

Inevitably, people get in trouble. Past misdeeds often pull individuals into a metaphorical deep dark pit. Is it possible to escape?

The Torah Portion Vayegash tells of Judah’s continuing effort to remedy past misdeeds.  Prior to Vayegash, Judah’s past pledges to his daughter-in-law Tamar cascaded into an admission.  “She’s more right than I am.” Genesis 38:26. 

Judah exhibited a two folded approach to extricate himself.  He embraced the truth telling with a firm commitment to fulfill commandments. With respect to this assertion, pre-Decalogue, pledges appear to be taken with the seriousness of a pledge that evokes the Lord’s name.  

In Vayegash, Judah is troubled by another pledge.  He commits to his father Jacob that he will protect his younger brother Benjamin while he travels to Egypt to obtain more food.  Genesis 43:8-10.

In Egypt, a crisis emerges before Vaygash.  Joseph tricks his brothers and accuses Benjamin of theft of a cup.  He declares his intention to make Benjamin his servant.  Genesis 44:17.  

Vayegash begins with Judah’s plea to Joseph to release Benjamin.  

Judah reminds Joseph, who, at the time still remained unrecognizable,  that “we have an old father and a young son of his old age, and his brother’s dead, and he’s left along of his mother, and his loves him.” Genesis 44:20.

Judah explains to Joseph of his commitment to his father to bring the boy back.  He then offers himself in exchange for Benjamin. Genesis 44:33. 

At that point, Joseph cannot restrain himself any further.  He reveals to his brothers of the ruse and they make amends. 

In sum, Judah’s commitment to fulfill his vows and the protect his father’s well being proved to be the key to get him out of his problematic hole.  His willingness to be honest and sacrifice himself to protect others redeemed him.  This portion offers insight into the moral evolution that was occurring which began with Cain’s failure.  Here, the Torah presents an individual who was able to raise himself by doing well. 

Be well!!

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