Sunday, April 15, 2012

Contrasting Joseph and Judah

I have just finished reading through Genesis. A striking issue is how to interpret the fact that Chapter 38 (recounting the incest of Judah with with his daughter leading to the birth of Perez) seems to be a break in the narrative of the life of Judah.
Is this editorial sloppiness or actually brilliance?

I go with the latter. Inserting this account there forces the reader to compare Judah's infidelity, incest, and involvement with a cult prostitute with the fidelity of his younger brother Joseph's. Although under pressure from Potiphar's wife to commit adultery Joseph did not and suffered for it.

Yet in spite of Judah's failings the line of Christ runs through Judah and Perez. YHWH is a God of mercy and grace who accepts and uses even the worst of men.

No comments:

Post a Comment