In brief
Judah is a son of Jacob and Leah, the ancestor of the tribe of Judah, in the age of the patriarchs. He proposes selling Joseph, then acknowledges his fault toward Tamar. Later, he offers to become a slave in Benjamin's place. Jacob tells him that the scepter will not depart from Judah. We remember that a man can change, and that God carries his promise through Judah's family all the way to the Messiah.
What does the name Judah mean?
The name Judah is generally linked to the idea of praise. The Bible gives the explanation at his birth: Leah says that this time she will praise the Lord, and she calls him Judah (Genesis 29:35).
The story of Judah
Judah and the sale of Joseph
Genesis 37:18-28Joseph's brothers see him coming from far away and plot to kill him. Reuben objects and proposes throwing him into a cistern. Judah then proposes selling him to the Ishmaelites rather than shedding his blood. Joseph is taken to Egypt, and his brothers lead their father to believe that a wild animal has devoured him.
Judah and Tamar
Genesis 38:1-26Judah settles away from his brothers. His eldest son Er dies, then Onan. Judah tells Tamar to remain a widow until Shelah grows up, but does not give him to her. Tamar veils herself and sits by the road. Judah approaches her without recognizing her. When he learns the truth, he says she is in the right and he is not.
The birth of Perez and Zerah
Genesis 38:27-30Tamar gives birth to twins. One puts out a hand, the midwife ties a scarlet thread on it, but the child draws it back, and his brother comes out first. He is named Perez. Then comes Zerah, who had the thread on his hand. Perez later appears in the line that leads to Jesus.
Judah stands surety for Benjamin
Genesis 44:14-34In Egypt, Joseph's cup is found in Benjamin's sack. Judah steps forward and pleads before Joseph: their father loves this child of his old age, and losing him too would kill him with grief. Judah offers to stay as a slave in Benjamin's place, so as not to watch his father's sorrow.
Jacob's blessing
Genesis 49:8-12Before dying, Jacob gathers his sons. To Judah, he says that his brothers will praise him and that he is like a young lion. The scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes. From the tribe of Judah will come the royal line of David, then Christ.
What Judah teaches us
- God is not limited to our worst moments: a man who sold his brother can become the one who sacrifices himself for his brother.
- Acknowledging a fault in front of others is the beginning of change.
- God builds his plan of salvation with imperfect families and with stories that we would rather hide.
- True leadership takes the place of another rather than protecting itself.
- God's promise over Judah finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who came from his tribe.
Key verses
Judah recognizes the seal, the cord and the staff, and says that Tamar is in the right and not he. This public admission marks a turning point in Judah's life, as he owns his responsibility.
Jacob tells Judah that his brothers will praise him and bow down before him. The one who had suggested selling Joseph receives a leading place among his brothers.
The scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes. Christians see in this promise the announcement of the Messiah, a descendant of the tribe of Judah.
Sermons about Judah
Frequently asked questions
Who was Judah in the Bible?
Judah is a son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Judah. He proposes selling Joseph, acknowledges his fault toward Tamar, then stands surety for Benjamin. Jacob tells him that the scepter will not depart from him, and the Messiah comes from his tribe.
What does the name Judah mean?
The name Judah is generally linked to praise. The Bible gives the reason at his birth: Leah says that this time she will praise the Lord, and she calls her son Judah (Genesis 29:35). The name therefore expresses her gratitude toward God.
Where can I find Judah's story in the Bible?
Judah appears in Genesis: the sale of Joseph in chapter 37, his story with Tamar in chapter 38, his plea for Benjamin in chapter 44 and Jacob's blessing in chapter 49. Matthew 1 names him in the genealogy of Jesus.