The Jacob/Judah/Joseph Story

Genesis 37-50 is the 'account of Jacob' (Genesis 37:2 NIV). Nevertheless when the writer of Genesis heads a section 'the account of...' he actually tends to tell the story of the children of that person. So 'the account of Terah' is about Abraham and Isaac, 'the account of Isaac' about Jacob (and Esau), etc. So who is Genesis 37-50 about?

Most preachers would answer Joseph. There are some fairly obvious reasons for that but I think there is actually a case that it is primarily about Judah.

Controversial maybe, but here are my reasons:

1. There is a development in Judah's life which is not present in Joseph

Joseph doesn't really change in the story. He is definitely a good guy, but he has his flaws. He is an arrogant and insensitive twit when he has dreams about his brothers, and he toys with his brothers and father when they come to Egypt. Judah however, while shown in a bad light always has a few redeeming features which grow over the narrative.

Judah first suggests that the brothers do not kill Joseph but instead sell him into slavery (better than most of the brothers if not ideal). In Genesis 38 he acts disgracefully toward Tamar but repents of not giving his son Shelah to Tamar. Judah then pledges the security of Benjamin to his father(43:9). When the cup is found in Benjamin's sack he offers that all the brothers be Joseph's servants (44:16). When that does not satisfy he offers to be Benjamin's substitute (44:33).

2. Judah seems to take over the leadership of the brothers

In Genesis 43-44 he is the only one of the brothers mentioned by name speaking to Jacob or to Joseph. He speaks a lot, and wisely.

In contrast Simeon and Levi's leadership in Genesis 34 over Dinah is depicted negatively, and they never take leadership again. Reuben lays with his father's concubine in Genesis 35:22, and while he tries to protect Joseph in Genesis 37, in Genesis 42:37 he says Jacob can kill his sons if he fails to bring back Benjamin! A stark contrast to Judah.

It is not unimportant that these four who are so prominent in the narrative are the first four sons of Leah (Genesis 35:23). Judah is forth in line, but those before them disqualify themself. That certainly seems to be how Jacob views it in his 'blessings' of Genesis 49:3-12.

3. Genesis 38 makes no sense as part of a story about Joseph

The account of Judah and Tamar is large interruption of 'the Joseph story'. It serves no purpose as part of that story, where as all the narrative about Joseph is necessary to understand Judah's story.

4. Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49 singles out Judah

Jacob's blessing of his sons is the climax of the narrative. Joseph does receive great blessing from Jacob but it is Judah who shall have the sceptre and the ruler's staff. Joseph may have been served by all his brothers, but that is not an indication of the future glory of his line. The seed goes Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah... David... Jesus. Joseph's line is ultimately forgotten.

5. Jesus Christ

If all the bible is about Jesus Christ, the descendent of Judah, shouldn't we be a little surprised if Joseph gets more airplay than Judah? Especially if Judah is the fourth child of an unwanted wife who offers himself as a substitute for his brothers, and Joseph is a powerful ruler of Egypt?