Genesis 38

THE FAMILY OF JUDAH, Genesis 38:1-30.

This chapter forms an essential part of the history of “the generations of Jacob.” Genesis 37:2. In that history “the two chief persons were Josephand Judah: Joseph, from his high character, his personal importance, his influence on the future destinies of the race, and his typical foreshadowing of the Messiah; Judah, from his obtaining the virtual right of leadership, and from his being the ancestor of David and of the Son of David. Hence at a natural pause in the history of Joseph, namely, when he had been now sold into Egypt and settled in Potiphar’s house, the historian recurs to the events in the family of Judah, which he carries down to the birth of Pharez, the next link in the ancestry of the Saviour. Thus he clears away all that was necessary to be told of the history of the twelve patriarchs, with the exception of that which was involved in the history of Joseph. There is also a remarkable contrast brought vividly out by this juxtaposition of the impure line of Judah and his children with the chastity and moral integrity of Joseph as seen in the succeeding chapter.” Speaker’s Commentary.