Judah’s Journey

JUDAH’S JOURNEY

Class 1 – Lost Within the House

Scriptural Introductions First thing said/done indicate spiritual condition

David – “Keepeth the sheep” (1 Sam 16:11, 19 x2) “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” (1 Sam 17:26)

Esau – Red (Gen 25:25) Sold his birthright (Gen 25:34) “Feed me with that same red pottage” (Gen 25:30)

Christ – In the temple, engaged in learning (Lk 2:46) “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s

business?” (v.49) Judah –

“What profit is it if we kill our brother…” (Gen 37:26)How would we be introduced in book of remembrance?

providing for God’s people and repudiating evil

given over to carnality

Performing will of His Father

Self seeking and opportunistic

A father’s warning to his son…

“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us wantonly ambush the innocent; like Sheol let us swallow them alive and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with spoil; throw in your lot among us, we will all have one purse"-- my son, do not walk in the way with them, hold back your foot from their paths; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird; but these men lie in wait for their own blood, they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of all who get gain by violence; it takes away the life of its possessors. Proverbs 1:10-19 (RSV)

(“Profit” by Judah)

JUDAH’S JOURNEY

Class 2 – Lost Without the House

What Judah sought after Judah’s goals revealed in his relationships

Friend is Hirah – the Adullamite Adullam = Royal city of Canaanites (Gesenius) “Hirah” = Nobility

Wife is ‘daughter of Shuah’ “Shuah” = rich, opulence

Judah seeking after position, prominence, wealth But friendship (vv. 12, 20) enmity with God (Jam 4:4) But follows pathway of Shechem

Shechem(Gen 34:2)

Judah(Gen 38:2)

• “Saw her” • “Saw there a daughter”

• “he took her” • “he took her”• “lay with her” • “went in unto her”

Judah was now a man of the world, living to the flesh

What is the result of flesh? It is as James describes

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Jam 1:14-15

This is the same process as Gen 38 “And Judah saw there a daughter…” lust of the eyes (v.2) “And she conceived and bare…” (v.3) “And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in sight of LORD”

(v.7) “And the LORD slew him” (v.7)

Long term result of flesh is eternal death

Discerning and acknowledging… Judah’s own deception is used to ensnare him

“His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.” Psa 7:16 (NKJV)

Compare Judah Jacob vs. Tamar Judah Same word repeated 2x in each referenceJudah Jacob

Gen 37Tamar Judah

Gen 38• “know now whether it be

thy son’s coat or no” (v.32)

• “Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, the bracelets, and staff.” (v.25)

• “And he knew it, and said, ‘it is my son’s coat.” (v.33)

• “And Judah acknowledged them and said, ‘she hath been more righteous than I.” (v. 26)

Judah’s deception returned upon his own head…

Luke 15 – Judah’s Journey? Striking similarities between Gen 38 and Lk 15:11-

32Luke 15 Judah – Genesis Commentv. 12, 13 – “younger” son 29:35 – Judah 4th sonv. 12 – “give me” 38:2 “saw’ and “took” Entitlement mentality,

‘good life’ nowv. 13 – “journey into far country”

38:1 “down from his brethren”

Judah ~20 miles away from family

v. 13, 30 – “riotous living”

38:15 – harlot Known to seek out harlots

v. 15 – “joined himself to a citizen of country”

38:1, 12, 20 “turned into certain Adullamite”

Became friend of the world

v.14 – “mighty famine” 41:56-57 – Famine “waxed sore”

Destitution leads to desperation

v. 17 “came to himself” Returns to right mindv. 18 “I will go to my father”

Returns to father

v. 19 “no more worthy”… “servant”

Ch. 44 – “servant, bondman” 20x

Repentant mindset

v. 22 “best robe” put on him

49:8-10 “sceptre not depart”

Judah’s goal all along?

Is this the piece between chap 38 and chap 42???

God preparing Judah… and us

“An enlightened man will not wait until he can do a great thing. If a man waits until he can do a great thing, he will never do anything. Do little things faithfully and these may grow into great. Things that are considered great are made up of many littles, and a man who scorns the little will never reach the great.”

Ways of Providence

JUDAH’S JOURNEY

Class 3 – Reconciled to God

Judah’s appeal to Israel No way around, have to take our brother!

(vv. 3-5)

Had to tell the truth, we couldn’t lie! (vv. 6-7)

I will be responsible for Benjamin (vv. 8-10) So that the ecclesia can survive (v.8) I will barter away my own life to secure his (v.9) I will go to the grave unforgiven if I fail (v.9)

Judah’s appeal to Israel (2) No way around, have to take our brother! (vv.

3-5) Structure of Hebrew shows this is non-negotiable

“The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: but if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down

For the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.”

Gen 43:3-5

Judah’s appeal to Israel (3) Had to tell the truth, we couldn’t lie! (vv. 6-

7) Why did you tell him you had a brother?

Same Hebrew word repeated twice “asked us” “straitly”

We had to tell the truth!

“The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father yet alive? Have ye another brother?’ and we told him according to the tenor of these words:”

Gen 43:7

Kept asking and asking about our family! Could not escape it!

Judah’s appeal to Israel (4) I will be responsible for Benjamin (vv. 8-10)

So that the ecclesia can survive (v.8)

I will trade away my own life to secure his (v.9)

I will go to the grave unforgiven if I fail (v.9)

“Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.” Gen 43:8

“I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him:” Gen 43:9

“if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame forever:”

Gen 43:9

Evidence of Judah’s transformation Judah had transformed since Gen 38Judah now Judah before Transformation

42:21 – recall treatment of Joseph as sin

37:26 – no care for life of brother

Conscience of Judah awakened

42:28,35 – terrified at sight of money

37:26-27 – greedy for money

Covetousness replaced by fear of God

43:4 – “our brother” 37:32 – “your son” Envy/bitterness replaced by love for brethren.

43:7 – Had to tell truth! 37:31-32 – Originator of lie to father

Deceit replaced by truth

43:9 – Sacrifice own life for benefit of family

37:26 – sell brother’s life for personal profit

Self interest replaced by self sacrifice

43:9 – Desirous of God’s forgiveness

38:1 – No profit in serving God

Self promotion replaced by humility

43:9 – Accept blame for own actions

38:11 – Blame others for his actions

Self exoneration replaced by responsibility

This is why Judah won the confidence of his father Jacob Israel!

Judah’s appeal to Joseph We did what you asked us to do (vv. 19-23)

Your command was followed at great peril (vv. 24-31)

Judah’s life is bound up in the life of the lad (vv. 32-34)

Judah’s appeal to Joseph (2) We did what you asked us to do (vv. 19-23)

Note repetition of what Joseph ‘said/asked’ vs. brothers’ responded“My lord asked… have ye a father, or a

brother?” (v.19)“And we said… we have a father… and a child of his old age…” (v. 20)

“And thou saidst… bring him down unto me” (v.21)“And we said… the lad cannot leave his father…

his father would die.” (v.22)“And thou saidst… except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more” (v.23)“And we said… we may not see the man’s face,

except our youngest brother be with us.” (v.26)We trusted you… you told us all would be well if we obeyed!

Judah’s appeal to Joseph (3) Your command was followed at great peril (vv.

24-31) Judah insisted on following his command, at expense of father

“we told him… words of my lord” (v.24)“our father said… buy us a little food” (v. 25)

“And we said… we may not see the man’s face, except our youngest brother be with us.” (v.26)

“my father said… if mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow down to the grave.” (vv.27-29)

“when I come… to... my father, and the lad be not with us (v.30)

“when he seeth… that the lad is not with us… he will die (v.31)

We obeyed… but my father will die if he doesn’t return!

Judah’s appeal to Joseph (4) Judah’s life is bound up in the life of the lad (vv.

32-34)“thy servant became surety for the lad… if I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father forever.” (v.32)

My life has no value if I return without my brother“let thy servant abide instead of the lad… let

the lad go up with his brethren.” (v.33)

This was transformation – anything to not hurt father!

Let me lay down my life for my brother“how shall I go up to my father and the lad be not with me? Lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.” (v.34) I can’t bear to see my father hurt… nothing

worse!

Evidence of Judah’s transformation Judah had transformed since Gen 38

Judah now Judah before Transformation44:13 – tears his own clothes in anguish

37:33 – tore brother’s coat in vengeful fury

Personal involvement in salvation of brother

44:14 – leads brothers in saving Benjamin

37:26 – leads brothers in selling Joseph

Leads brothers in righteousness, not sin

44:16 – group ownership for past sin

37:32 – “this have we found” “your son”

Repentance has now replaced vengeance

44:32 – Values forgiveness more than freedom

38 – Not concerned with God or forgiveness

Valued gift of God over pleasures of sin

44:33 – Sacrifice own life to save brother

37:26 – sacrifice brother’s life for personal profit

Developed love in laying down life for brethren

44:34 – Couldn’t bear to see pain on his father

37:31-35 – No thought about impact to father

All motivated by love for the father

Hearing Judah’s transformation was breaking point for Joseph

JUDAH’S JOURNEY

Class 4 – Lord of His Brethren

Judah – Lord of his brethren From this point forward, it is always Judah first!

Verse

Phrase Significance

43:4-5 “we will go down” Leads by stating what brethren

will do43:8 “Judah said, ‘we will arise’”

44:14 “Judah and his brethren” Leads brethren back into Egypt after cup found

44:16 “And Judah said…” Spokesman of group to Joseph

46:28 “he sent Judah before him…, to direct his face unto Goshen.”

After it is all over, Jacob selects Judah as personal emissary

49:8 “Judah, thou are he whom thy brethren shall praise.”

Finally eternalized in promises at Jacob’s death

Judah had been established as the leader of his brethren

Judah – Lord of his brethren Promises to Judah saturated with kingly language

Verse

Phrase Aspect of Rulership

8

“hand shall be in the neck of thy enemies”

Dominion over enemies (Joshua 10:24, Psa 18:40)

“thy father’s children shall bow down before thee”

Brethren are subject before him(1 Sam 16:13)

9 “Lion’s whelp”; “lion”; “old lion” King of animal kingdom

10

“Sceptre shall not depart”Symbol of kingly power (Esther 4:11) – life and death

“Lawgiver from between his feet…”King’s prerogative to make laws(Ezr 7:21)

“unto him shall the gathering (obedience) of the people (nations) be”

All nations subject to the king(Zech 14:16-17)

11 “ass’s colt unto the choice vine”Animal upon which king rides(Zech 9:9)

Theme of promises is one of rulership (1 Chron 5:2)

Judah – The Lion 3 types of lions mentioned in v. 9

Jacob saw all 3 aspects in his son

“Lion’s Whelp” Nursing cub

relying on mother’s milk Ezek 19:2-3

“couched as a Lion” Mature male lion capable

of capturing and eating meat Ezek 19:6

“old lion” Mature female lion that

provides for and raises up young Ezek 19:2

Judah – The Lion Judah’s development seen in the lion

Jacob saw Judah development as pride of Lions (Nah 2:11-12)

“Lion’s Whelp” Nursing cub

relying on mother’s milk Ezek 19:2-3

• Young & vigorous• Spiritually immature (milk of word)• Heedless steps of youth (Gen 37-38)

“couched as a Lion” Mature male lion

capable of capturing and eating meat Ezek 19:6

• Maturing spiritually (meat of word)• Total domination of enemies (Num 23:24; 24:9)

“old lion” Mature female

lion that provides for and raises up young Ezek 19:2

• Protection of young (Gen 43:8)• Giving of self for survival of pride (44:33)

Health and Vigor

Dominion Protection of young

Sceptre Speaks of power and authority

Even over life and death! (Est 4:11) Authority established on righteous principles

Psalm 45:6-7, Heb 1:8 Contrast with previous attitude in Gen 38:18

Forfeit elements of leadership to enjoy pleasures of sin Signet, connecting chord, and staff

Judah – Sceptre

Lawgiver Onomatopoeic word chaqaq

“to hack, cut out, inscribe” Imagery of carving law into stone Judah always referred to as God’s lawgiver

Psa 60:7, 108:8 – “Judah is my lawgiver” Responsibility delegated by God

Isa 33:22 – “the LORD is our lawgiver”

Judah – Lawgiver

Judah – Solomon a type of Shiloh

“For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.”1 Kings 4:24-25

all the days of Solomon.

JUDAH’S JOURNEY

Class 6 – Tribe of Judah: Sons of their father

Tribe of Judah – sons of their fatherTribe characterized by being first among brethren Exodus from Egypt:

First in strength, order, and dedication Entering the land:

First in conquering inheritance and judging nation Establishment in land:

First in dominion and authority Falling away from God:

First in being cleansed from idolatry Initial Advent of Christ:

First in rejection of Messiah Second advent of Christ:

First in being reconciled








Exodus – First in StrengthTribe of Judah quickly established as leaders Largest of all tribes

Tribe Numbers 1Reuben 46,500Simeon 59,300Gad 56,650Judah 74,600Issachar 54,400Zebulun 57,400Ephraim 40,500Manasseh 32,200Benjamin 35,400Dan 62,700Asher 41,500Naphtali 53,400

Relative Size91%116%111%146%106%112%79%63%69%122%81%104%

Average 51,212 50,153

Numbers 2643,73022,20040,50076,50064,30060,50032,50052,70045,60064,50053,40045,400

Almost 50% larger than size of average tribe upon leaving Egypt!

> 50% larger than size of average tribe when preparing to enter land!

Exodus – First in Order, Dedication Ordained to go before their brethren

Encampment of Judah named/positioned first “And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they

of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch…” (Num 2:3,9)

Encampment of Judah always led “In the first place went the standard of the camp of the

children of Judah according to their armies…” (Num 10:14)

Offered first at dedication of altar “And he that offered his offering the first day was… the

tribe of Judah.” (Num 7:12)

Assigned first and faced the direction from which Sun of Righteousness would arise (Mal 4:2, Deut 33:2-3)

Just as father set Judah first going into Egypt (Gen 46:28), Heavenly Father sets Judah first when exiting Egypt

First to dedicate in service to Heavenly Father








Entering Land – First in Conquering Faith in God’s ability to deliver

Caleb vocal leader after spying out Land “Caleb stilled the people… and said, Let us go up at once,

and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Num 13:30)

First to conquer in land “Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first…? And

the LORD said, Judah shall go up.” (Judg 1:1-2)

First judge comes from Judah “the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel

who delivered them, Othniel the son of Kenaz...” (Judg 3:9)

Once again it was Judah and Joseph standing together as giants of faith among brethren(Num 14:6-9 cp. Gen 44:18)

Judah leads his brethren in casting out the Canaanite

First to judge and deliver his brethren from oppressors








Shiloh came!

Establish in Land– First in Dominion Judah obtained Sceptre and became lawgiver – line of

David But how did authority pass to Judah from Ephraim?

Did Joshua view as fulfillment of Genesis 49?

Promise to Judah (Gen 49)

• Hand in neck of enemies (v.8)

• Promise of wine & milk (v.12)

• Sceptre shall not depart (v.10)

• Obedience of the peoples (v.10)

• Until/because Shiloh come (v.10)

Actions of Joshua• Foot in neck of enemies

(Josh 10:24-25)• Grape/milk abundant in

land (13:23-24, 27)• “Set up Tabernacle” -

symbol of God’s power (18:1, 8-9)

• “Land subdued before them” (18:1)

• Shiloh becomes headquarters (18:1)

But what happens with Shiloh? This is Ephraim, not Judah!

Shiloh formed the transition from Ephraim to Judah

Judah became first in dominion

Establish in Land– First in Dominion

Shiloh: a perpetual symbol of judgment• Jeremiah reminds people of Shiloh (Jer 26:6-9)• God reminds Jeremiah of Shiloh (Jer 7:11-15)

Judah and Jerusalem selected because of failure at Shiloh!

Result: new ruling tribe and new place of worship

• Judah selected instead of Ephraim• Jerusalem selected instead of Shiloh

(Psalm 78:60-68)

Kingship/Messiah promised to Judah• Kingly line promised to David (2 Sam 7:12-16)

Judah first to recognize David’s kingship• Judah first to submit to David (2 Sam 2:10)








Falling Away– First in Cleansing God had established Judah in land, but fell away… Left house of faith as their father

Judah’s state opposite of God’s intention

• Pursued “covetousness” (= “profit”) • Jer 6:13, 22:17 Gen 37:26

• Life of fornication devoid of God• Jer 3:8 Gen 38

God’s Intention• Prosperity in Land

• Gen 49:12• Like a young lion

• Gen 49:9• Necks of enemies

• Gen 49:8• Choice (soreq) vine

• Gen 49:11• Riding donkey as king

• Gen 49:11

Actual (reversed)• Prosperity

defilement• Jer 2:7

• Enemies became as lions• Jer 2:15, Isa 5:29-30

• Enemy overflow to neck• Isa 8:8

• Became wild vine• Jer 2:21, 4:4; Isa 5:2

• Became wild donkey• Jer 2:24

Falling Away– First in Cleansing God would take action against His people

God’s counsel to His people

• Taken into captivity and suffer famine• Isa 5:13, Jer 13:19

• Cleanse His people• Jer 27:22, 29:10-14

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem…” (Jer 4:4)

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom 2:28-29)

Do what your father did when I corrected him!!








Initial Advent– First in rejection Despite appeals, Judah would not be converted

Their rejection would open way for Gentiles

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matt 23:37-38

“Well spake the Holy Spirit by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, saying, go unto this people, and say, hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed…”

Acts 28:25-29








Second Advent– First reconciled Judah is first to be sealed

First to be reconciled at return of Christ

“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand…” Rev 7:4-5

“The LORD shall also save the tents of Judah first…” “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

Zech 12:7,10“And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again…” Zech 10:6

Second Advent– First reconciled God’s law will be chiseled into heart of people

The nation will finally live up to its name! (Gen 29:35)

“I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah… I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people… for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:31-34

“And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return… and it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all nations…“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, ‘Praise the LORD of hosts for the LORD is good: for his mercy endureth forever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD.” Jer 33:7-11

Second Advent– First reconciled The promises fulfilled and Judah saved!

At the end of their long journey, Judah will be Filled with praise Identified with the righteousness of the LORD

“In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the LORD our righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:15-16

BACKUP

Chronology Jacob appears to spend 40 years at

Laban’s Shepherd: 20 years (31:38) Contractual Servant: 20 years (31:41)

Daughters: 14 years Cattle: 6 years

Year

Event Reference

0 Agree to 7 yrs for Rachel 29:18

Daughters14 yrs

7 Marries Leah/Rachel (1 wk later)

29:20 – 29

8 Reuben 29:329.5 Simeon 29:3311 Levi 29:34

12.5 Judah 29:3515 Dan 30:6

Shepherd20 yrs

17 Naphtali 30:818 Gad 30:1120 Asher 30:1322 Issachar 30:1824 Zebulun 30:2026 Dinah 30:2134 Joseph 30:24-25 Cattle

6 yrs40 Leave Laban’s house 31:41

~22 years

Chronology Judah’s age at critical events/stages

Lost inside house: 0 39 Lost outside house: 39 60 Reconciled: 60 ?

Judah’s Age

Event Joseph’s Age

Reference

22 Birth of Joseph 0 30:2428 Leave Laban’s house 6 31:41

39 Sells Joseph & leaves family

17 37:2, 38:1

52 Joseph elevated in Egypt 30 41:4660? Judah returns to family 38? 42:3

61 Judah’s brethren go to Egypt

39 45:6

78 Jacob dies 56 47:9, 28

Lost inside(0 39)

Lost outside(39 60)

Reconciled(60 …)

Ishmael died at 137 years old (Gen 25:17) Likely ~15 years older than Isaac (17:25, 18:10)

Isaac has Jacob/Esau when 60 (25:26) Ishmael = 75 years old

Ishmael dies when Jacob = 62 years old 137 – 75 = 62

Ishmael alive when Jacob leaves for Haran Esau goes to Ishmael for wives after Jacob leaves (28:9)

Evidence for 2040 years in Haran

57

97

108

130

147

77

97

108

130

147

Haran

40yrs

20yrs

11yrs

Leave (30:25, 31:41)

Joseph sold(37:2)

Go to Egypt(47:9)

Jacob dies(47:28)

Jacob’s age

???

Jacob must have been 57, therefore, must have been 40 yrs

Ishmael

62

(41:46+45:11)

13yr + 9yr

Jacob had no children until at least 8th year in Haran

If 20 years in Haran (and not 40) Reuben 12 years old when return to Canaan Levi/Simeon are 9-11 yrs old when kill city of Shechem

(Gen 34) Dinah 2-3 years old when events occurred at Shechem

(Gen 34)

Evidence for 2040 years in Haran (2)

57

97

108

130

147

77

97

108

130

147

Haran

40yrs

20yrs

11yrs

Leave (30:25, 31:41)

Joseph sold(37:2)

Go to Egypt(47:9)

Jacob dies(47:28)

Jacob’s age

???

It must have been 40 years in Haran, not 20

What is time period of Genesis 38? Events

Got married and had 3 children 2 oldest are old enough to marry/reproduce Wait a period of time for Shelah to get old enough to marry Deceived by Tamar and has children by her

Evidence for Timing of Gen 38

0 28

39 61 78

Haran

28yrs 11yrs

Leave Haran (30:25, 31:41)

Joseph sold(37:2)

Go to Egypt(47:9)

Jacob dies(47:28)

Judah’s age

Birth

12yr 22yrs 17yrs

0 5 15 20 22

Leave ecclesia

5yrs 10yrs

Married w/ 3 children

Oldest son marries

2 Sons killed + Shelah of age Judah deceived,

Tamar twins

Time elapsed (yrs)

5yrs 2yrs

22 years is likely least amount of time required for ch. 38

Where does 22 year block fit in timeline? No indication that Judah absent from family when leaving

Haran Judah was leader when selling Joseph Judah established enough to have his own flock Judah left “at that time” when Joseph sold (38:1)

Evidence for Timing of Gen 38

0 28

39 61 78

Haran

28yrs 11yrs

Leave Haran (30:25, 31:41)

Joseph sold(37:2)

Go to Egypt(47:9)

Jacob dies(47:28)

Judah’s age

Birth

12yr 22yrs 17yrs

Juda

h

Jose

ph

Juda

h

Jose

ph

Juda

h

Jose

ph

Juda

h

Jose

ph

Juda

h

Jose

ph

Juda

h

Jose

ph

• Patriarchs• Spies•

• Shiloh• David

• Captivity • Return from exile• Messiah

• Crucifixion • Return of Christ

Gen 44, 49Num 14:6-9

Psa 78:60-682 Sam 7:12-16

Jer 31:31-33Zech 10:6

Matt 23:37-38

Jer 31:15

Documents

Judah’s Journey