Judah (Biblical figure)

In Genesis (the first book of the Bible) Judah (יְהוּדָה "Praise", Standard Hebrew Yəhuda, Tiberian Hebrew Yəhûḏāh) is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, born in Padan-aram (Genesis xxix. 35), and the founder of the Hebrew tribe that bears his name.

Related Topics:
Genesis - Bible - Standard Hebrew - Tiberian Hebrew - Jacob - Leah - Padan-aram - Hebrew tribe

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In order to save the life of his brother Joseph, it was Judah who suggested the sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders. Judah becomes surety for his brother Benjamin, and prevails upon his father to let him go down to Egypt according to the request of Joseph, after Reuben has failed (Gen. xliii. 3-14).

Related Topics:
Joseph - Ishmaelite - Surety - Benjamin - Egypt - Reuben

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In subsequent interviews with Joseph, Judah takes a leading part among the brethren (e.g., "Judah and his brethren," Gen. xliv. 14), and makes a most touching and persuasive plea for the release of Benjamin (Gen. xliv. 16-34). In Jacob's blessing (ib. xlix.) he seems to be exalted to the position of chief of the brethren, owing apparently to the misconduct of Reuben and the treacherous violence of Simeon and Levi (see Gen. xxxiv., xxxv. 22), who thereby forfeit their birthright.

Related Topics:
Simeon - Levi

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According to Gen. xxxviii., Judah married the daughter of the Canaanite Shuah, by whom he had three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er married Tamar, but died childless. According to custom his widow was given in marriage to his brother Onan, who was slain for misconduct; and she was then promised to the third son, Shelah. This promise not having been fulfilled, she resorted to stratagem, and became by Judah the mother of Pharez and Zarah. Pharez was ancestor of the royal house of David (Ruth iv. 12, 18-22; I Chron. ii. 3-16).

Related Topics:
Canaanite - Shuah - Er - Onan - Shelah - Tamar - Pharez - Zarah - David

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