Genesis 38 recounts an easy-to-skip-over story. It comes in the middle of the story of Joseph but you will be keen your children do not read it. It is sordid and embarrassing so you may wonder why ever it is included in the Bible. And yet, when read in the light of what we know about trauma it describes life as it is and leads into a dramatic experience of trauma healing.
The story is about Judah, Joseph’s older half-brother. Judah cut himself off from his family (Genesis 38:1-2) perhaps because he could not cope with his father’s grief at the apparent death of his most precious son, Joseph (Genesis 37:34-35). It would be difficult for him even at the best of times, but the worst part would be his father’s grief reminding him of his role in the trafficking of his brother Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27). It seems the way he chose to cope was to leave home and act in a way that ensured his family would not come after him.
This story comes into context 20 years later in Genesis 44 when Judah offers to become a slave in the place of his brother Benjamin. Judah concludes his plea to the all-powerful Egyptian overseer, who in reality is his brother Joseph:
‘Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father’ (Genesis 44:33-34).
What compassion and consideration he now shows for his father! What a change! In this act of self-sacrifice Judah redeems himself. He cannot turn back the clock and undo the dreadful harm he inflicted on Joseph, who must surely be long-since dead, he probably thought, but at least he can save his youngest half-brother who had become Jacob’s darling after the loss of Joseph. He will become a slave himself. He will die a slave just like he probably presumed had happened to Joseph. His brothers, who had partnered him in the crime are not mentioned. It seems Judah was acting alone. He was voluntarily taking personal responsibility. Judah had changed. He had vouched for the safely of Benjamin to his father (Genesis 43:8-10) and now was fulfilling his promise.
Joseph had heard enough. He was now convinced his brothers had learnt their lesson – they would not allow Benjamin to be treated like they had treated him. So he revealed himself. The brothers were all thoroughly flabbergasted. They could not believe their ears or eyes.
Relationships were restored. Judah was rehabilitated. Some few years later Jacob honoured Judah in his death bed blessing (Genesis 49:8-12) and Judah was chosen to be the human ancestor of Jesus, Emmanuel (Hebrews 7:14, Revelation 5:50). Judah had been reconciled and rehabilitated with Yahweh as well as his father and family.
Now we know something about trauma healing this story seems to be a powerful illustration of the way Yahweh our Saviour redeems the broken, wounded and sinful. He brings healing and acceptance, restoration and honour. There are broken and hurting believers who are rightly ashamed of their previous sinful, cruel and evil behaviour who will be powerfully encouraged to know about Judah’s story. For Yahweh has not changed. He still loves the sinner whatever the nature of their sin. His heart of compassion and healing is open to all.
Written: 6 August 2016
Published: 28 November 2023