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Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 13

Midrash Aggadah Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 13 Vayechi 13

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published March 15, 2026

<b>As for Asher, his bread shall be fat (Gen. 49:20).</b> That is, his daughters shall be beautiful, as it is said: <i>For my daughters make me happy</i> (Gen. 30:13). <i>Blessed be Asher above sons, let him be favored of his brethren</i> (Deut. 33:24) because of his daughters.

<i>And he shall yield royal delights</i> (Gen. 40:20). His daughters shall be worthy of kings. Hence, Scripture states: <i>Who clothed you in scarlet with other delights</i> (II Sam. 1:24).

<i>Naphtali is a hind let loose</i> (Gen. 49:21). This refers to the valley of Gennesareth, which has early crops that ripen speedily, just as the hind (runs swiftly).

<i>He giveth goodly words</i> for his land is blessed, as it is said: <i>O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the Lord</i> (Deut. 33:23). They would serve their fruit to kings while speaking guardedly, so that if they were ill-disposed toward them, they would be reconciled.

<i>Joseph is a fruitful vine</i> (<i>ben porat</i>) (Gen. 49:23). Because of a cow (<i>parah</i>) he was exalted.<sup class="footnote-marker">23</sup><i class="footnote">Referring to the cows in Pharaoh’s dream.</i>

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Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 13

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