Read Genesis 38 at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph:
38:1-30 {s} Judah departed from his brothers among Canaanites
In the midst of Joseph’s gripping story, one chapter sticks out like a sore thumb: Genesis 38 and the story of Judah.Let;s see what we can Learn from the Narrative.
We saw in Genesis 37 that the leadership of the brothers was passing from Reuben, even through the firstborn, to Judah, skipping Simeon and Levi because they murdered the men of Shechem (Gen 34:25–26). Judah was next in line, and his counsel prevailed in selling Joseph as a slave in Egypt.
I wonder, when they returned to their father, and found that he mourned for Joseph without being comforted, if Reuben upbraided Judah, that his plan had been to restore the boy to their father, but thanks to Judah’s bone-headed idea, he was now lost forever as a slave in Egypt. I know if I was in Reuben’s sandals, I would be tempted to.
I believe the realization of just how greatly he had screwed up smote Judah’s heart with force, and he did not wait for his father to pass over him, as he had passed over Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, as unworthy of the birthright and the blessing of Abraham.
So we find Judah departing from his brothers (Gen 38:1), and living among the Canaanites, long enough to have children grow up and marry themselves.
Why This Matters: I believe Judah had a guilty conscience and thought that he was not worthy of God. However, only the people who know they have done wrong, in whom the Spirit is working to convict of sin and righteousness (Joh 16:8), hide from God (Gen 3:8). The proud and arrogant shake their fist at Him and dare Him to strike them with lightning. Judah had removed himself from God’s plan, but God was not done with him yet!
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Gen 38:1-30, Righteousness and wickedness – Christine Miller
Canaanite Culture – Susan Anthony
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