Judah is one of the 12 sons of Joseph who founded the Israelite tribe of Judah. He was the fourth son of Leah, Jacob’s first wife whom Jacob loved least. The Bible portrays Judah as the son who proposed to sell Joseph to the Egyptians so that Joseph’s blood could not be upon them (Genesis 37:25). Judah failed his parenting duties, and two of his sons died for wickedness in the Lord’s sight. His eldest son leaves behind a wife called Tamar, whom Judah promises a child and familial protection. However, despite having a third son, Judah fails to fulfill his promise to Tamar. God uses Tamar to influence Judah’s redemption and salvation.
Tamar’s pregnancy is a major influence that changes Judah’s character and personality. After the death of Judah’s wife, Tamar dressed as a prostitute and slept with Judah, resulting in the birth of twins. Judah was furious to hear about Tamar’s pregnancy and demanded to know who was responsible. Tamar confirmed to Judah that he was responsible and produced the items she had taken from Judah, including his cord, staff, and signet. When Tamar produced Judah’s items, Judah acknowledged his fall and changed his life and care for his family.
God used Tamar to convict and transform the life of Judah, and his family prospered through the years. Judah’s life also changed as he transformed and rose to leadership in Jacob’s family. When Joseph requests his brothers to bring Benjamin to Egypt, Judah puts his life on the line and promises to protect Benjamin. Judah performs the family leadership role and receives blessings from Jacob, his father. In Genesis 43: 8-9, Judah promises Jacob, “If I do not bring Benjamin back to you, then let me bear the blame forever.” Judah represents Jacob’s family in Egypt, acting as their spokesperson, and even offers himself as a ransom to protect Benjamin’s life.
The life of Judah shows Christian believers the power and significance of repentance and redemption in life. God created human beings with a sinful nature. However, when we repent, God can use us to portray the wonders and promises that he promises his people. God blessed the family and descendants of Judah by making them a powerful line of kings in Israel. The life of Judah also teaches Christians that God uses what we least expect to deliver us from evil. The Lord used Tamar to allow Judah to see his fall and improve his life.
The story of Judah resembles the character of Paul in the New Testament. Paul was known as Saul before changing his name and serving God. Saul persecuted Christian believers in Israel before he met Jesus. However, one day when Saul was on his way to Damascus, he met Jesus, who struck him blind. God used Ananias to restore Saul’s eyesight and show him spiritual manifestation. Ananias restored Saul’s eyesight, and he changed his name to Paul and began serving Jesus Christ.
The life of Judah and Paul show Christian believers that God forgives sins and restores our human nature. Despite the sins that we have committed in the past, God can forgive us our sins and restore the promise of blessings that he promises Christians. I encourage Christians to repent of their sins and change their behavior to portray God’s love.
Work Cited
The Bible. The New Oxford Annotated Version, 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2001.