Are you longing for a rest? Many of us find rest when we experience a vacation. It’s typically a time to refresh ourselves; to gain a new perspective. In the book of Genesis, Joseph went on “a vacation.” But his vacation was brought to him through the not-so-kind intentions of his brothers. His experience involved visiting a pit, working as a servant, and going to prison. Did this refresh Jospeh? Not likely. But, we do know, Joseph comes out of his encounters as a man of respect to be honored.
When finally called by Pharoah, Joseph was given the name of Zaphnath-paneah, which means “Treasury of the glorious rest” (H6846 Gen. 41:40-45). The study of Miketz or “at the end of” gives us a glance into where rest may be found. Do you want to find this rest?
After Joseph provides a full interpretation of Egypt’s impending famine, he is not only given a new name, but Pharoah gives him a new description. In summary, the leader of the largest kingdom on earth implies, “You Joseph will be called a, “Treasury of glorious rest.” You shall be over my house, your word will rule, and only in throne will I (Pharoah) be greater. I will set you over all the land, you will hold the signet ring, you will be arrayed in robes of linen and a gold chain. You will be given the royal chariot and all shall bow before you. No man shall lift a hand or foot without you. And finally, I will give you a wife.” (Gen. 41:40-45)
Yeshua is spoken of in a similar fashion.
“He (Yeshua) will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (In Luke 1:32-33)
But, when we compare Yeshua to Joseph we would have to ask about the relevance of a pagan wife being given to Joseph. Why does Joseph take this woman? And, how could a pagan wife give Joseph any sort of rest?
The Biblical text refers to Asenath (Joseph’s bride) as the daughter of Potiphera (meaning: he whom Ra gave). Potiphera was a high priest of On (the strength and vigor) of Egypt. This is not to be overlooked. Asenath means goddess of Neith (a warrior goddess considered to be the mother of all the gods in Egypt). Neith was a creator of the world and the mother of the very influential sun god Ra, who finished the creation after his birth. What would this mean? I believe the picture is found in the name Alev Tav—The Beginning and the End—Yeshua the Messiah—the One Who is lifted up and brings all nations to bow down and worship.
As many of you know, the Hebrew picture of Alev Tav refers to the strength of the covenant. For those who look deep into “The Word,” the strength of the covenant refers to Yeshua Messiah. He is the embodiment of Yah’s promise to provide a Lamb that redeems those who “keep the commandments of God AND the testimony of Yeshua. In the case of Joseph and his new found purpose, we see Alev Tav markings in the following verses
“Pharoah took off his (alev tav–Yeshua) signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand.” Gen. 41:42
“Though I am Pharoah, yet without your permission no one shall raise his (alef tav Yeshua) hand or foot over all the land of Egypt.” Gen. 41:44
“Then Pharoah named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah (glorious rest; and he gave him (alef tav—Yeshua as husband to rule over) Aesnath (religions of the world)” Gen. 41:45
“. . . and he (Joseph) gathered up (alef tav—Yeshua) all (totality) the food.” Gen. 41:47
In short, Pharoah gave the spiritual power of Egypt over to Joseph “the Treasury of Rest” This is profound! The “daughter of Pharoah” (meaning the gods of Egypt) would be given over to Joseph’s rule and signet ring.
The man Potiphera (priest of On) whom Ra (a pagan god) gave, would be under Joseph’s authority. Also, all food comes under the kind intentions of Joseph. Can you now see how this relates to Yeshua the Messiah—the strength of the covenant? Can you see why the sons of Jacob would come to Egypt and bow before the Righteous One? Can you see Yeshua’s spiritual power over our world?
“Every spirit that does not confess Yeshua is God in the flesh has no light in them.”1 John 4:3-4
How would this apply to you or me? The nations of the world came to Joseph for rest. Likewise, the Nations will come to Yeshua our Messiah and Salvation and come under His Authority. The signet ring of authority brings peace under a righteous ruler, but even more so, those that accept the “seal” of the ring show their visible allegiance to the Kingdom.
Does Yeshua claim his people through a seal? Can His people find rest, just like those who sought out Joseph? Like Joseph, Yeshua is given the signet ring to seal those who call Him Savior and bow their knee to Him.
“On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval” (John 6:27).
Those who trust in Yeshua possess the seal of God, which is the Holy Spirit:
“You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Ephesians 1:13–14).
“. . . lest us fear therefore, lest perhaps a promise being left of entering his rest, anyone of you should seem to have come short of it. . . . For we who have believed do enter into that rest even as He has said, As I swore in my wrath they will not enter my rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. . . . Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. Heb. 4:1, 3, 1
In Yeshua we find rest, for He is the One that not only takes on our sin, but brings in The Kingdom of Rest spoken about in the Book of Revelation,
“This is the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must happen soon.” Rev. 1:1
The evil one is a god of chaos and lawlessness and does not want the “saints” to live in rest. His purpose is to create a famine in the land and draw us to a state of hopelessness and chaos.
“And the dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God’s mitzvot (commands) and hold the testimony of Yeshua.” Rev. 12:17
But if we put our trust in the “storehouse” of Joseph, the sons of Jacob (you and I) will be saved. The Scriptures are very clear about our need to put our faith in Yeshua as the Messiah and keep the commandments of Yah.
“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Yeshua.” Rev. 14:12
“At the end of” or “when all is said and done” in this world, our rest can only be found in the workings of Yeshua our Messiah. Through the Spirit and through His Word a pagan wife (us) can be restored. Like Egypt we become a follower of Yeshua knowing that He alone provides peace.
When the apostle Paul greets the Corinth church in First Corinthians One, he states those who have accepted Yeshua have been enriched by Him in ALL speech and ALL knowledge.
In my opinion, finding rest in Yeshua is a daily experience. By corresponding with Him or by being quiet to listen at the start and close of each day, He provides words and knowledge. He is the strength of the covenant. He is the beginning of all we subscribe to and all that we hope for. I encourage you to rest in Him no matter the chaos or the famine around you.
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn