Following the Egyptian ruler's interrogation, Judah responds with the longest speech in the book of Genesis.
First, he recounts their interactions with the ruler. Significantly, Joseph hears for the first time how the brothers had lied to their father about Jospeh's disappearance. Jacob believes that he has been "torn in pieces." If ever Joseph was tempted during this last interview to give in to bitterness and throw everyone in prison, this is it.
Second, Judah explains the consequences of not returning to Canaan with their brother Benjamin: their father will die.
Last, he concludes with a dramatic offer: he will take Benjamin's place and bear his punishment, even though it is unjust. And here is the stunning part—it is on behalf of the favored brother. Twenty years ago, Judah had tried to kill the favored son, Joseph. Now, he is trying to save the favored son, Benjamin. In this offer, Judah becomes a beautiful type of Christ, more completely than Joseph, which perhaps is why the Messiah comes from Judah, not Joseph.
In this speech, we learn three key lessons.
One, the story of Joseph is more about Jacob and Judah than Joseph. It is about preserving the covenant seed of the Messiah.
Two, Judah demonstrates, on behalf of all the brothers, that they have repented. His repentance is in stark contrast to how he had behaved with his daughter-in-law, Tamar, in Genesis 38.
Third, Leah. Although she is not spoken of, the story of sibling rivalry does not happen without her. She is a beautiful picture of God's grace as the unlovely, despised, and rejected wife who, nevertheless, is the mother of the Lion, Judah, from whom will come the Messiah! |
