55. A Hebrew in Egypt

Tell Me the Story

In the pericope of Joseph’s story, we have the seemingly odd narrative choice to insert a story about Judah before returning to Joseph. When taken as a totality however, it is clear that the Biblical authors are making a comparison between these two characters and their behavior. Joseph is forced out of his family tribe and thrust into the world of the Egyptians. Judah left the family tribe by choice, and the results were disastrous. Having heard this comparison, we are now back in Egypt where we will hear that it is the LORD, as in Yahweh the Great Functionator, who guides all of Joseph’s actions in this chapter. By contrast, Yahweh was hardly mentioned in Judah’s dealings because what he was doing was in direct disobedience to Yahweh. When Yahweh is mentioned, it is to enact divine punishment. From here on, Joseph will channel Isaiah’s model of the suffering servant who does nothing at all but the will of God. Let us hear the story! Intro and outro music Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved.