Judah

Originally, Joseph, the ancestor figure of the northern kingdom, was the hero of an independent story. A suite of editorial additions by southern scribes, however, connects Joseph to the other ancestral stories, subtly positioning Judah as the true heir to Jacob’s legacy.

Fine wine was appreciated in the ancient world just as it is today. Jacob, on his deathbed, blesses Judah that he will profit from the lucrative wine trade.

After Joseph’s goblet is found in Benjamin’s sack, Judah makes a passionate speech to save Benjamin, in which he claims that if Benjamin leaves his father, “he will die.” Who will die? Why does the Torah phrase this so ambiguously?

חכלילי עינים מיין (Genesis 49:12) is an obscure phrase. In contrast to the standard interpretation, Nachmanides offered an original interpretation, which finds support in modern linguistic analysis and an archaeological find.

Joseph reveals himself only when Judah acknowledges the pain the brothers caused to their father.

The historical symbolism of the twelve tribes and the geographical significance of the tribe of Benjamin.

The history and geography of the Judahite clan of Shelah as portrayed in the Bible and in the extra-biblical Sources.