Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 65:3 (Sep 2022)
Article: An Overlooked Aspect Of Judah’s Speech In Genesis 44:18–34
Author: Paul Twiss

JETS 65:3 (September 2022) p. 457

An Overlooked Aspect Of Judah’s Speech
In Genesis 44:18–34

Paul Twiss*

^* Paul Twiss is an associate professor at The Master’s Seminary, 13248 Roscoe Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91352. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: Judah’s speech at Genesis 44:18–34 prompts the climactic moment of the Jacob tôledôt (37:2–50:26): Joseph’s self-revelation (45:1). Thereafter the plot-structure enters its dénouement, with the reconciliation of the family (45:3, 10) and the blessing of Jacob’s sons (48:15–16, 20; 49:3–27). Occupying such a pivotal place in the narrative, the question of efficacy becomes central: why was Judah’s speech so powerful? Previous attempts to analyze the speech have employed various rubrics derived from the domain of literary criticism. However, none has properly acknowledged the salient feature of the speech: metadiegetic narrative. This article contends that through Judah’s extensive use of this elevated narrative level, Judah creates a thematic correspondence with the prevailing context. Specifically, his speech forms a mirror image with Joseph’s test. By unknowingly reciprocating the harsh treatment of his brother, Judah successfully prompts the end of the ordeal and Joseph’s self-revelation. This overlooked aspect of Judah’s speech serves to elucidate further both the theological themes of the Jacob tôledôt and the means by which plot-structures are construed within Hebrew narrative.

Key words: Judah’s speech, Jacob tôledôt, Joseph, rhetoric, persuasion, metadiegesis, metadiegetic narrative, quoted-direct speech

It is difficult to overstate the contribution of Judah’s speech (Gen 44:18–34) to the plot-structure of the Jacob tôledôt (37:2–50:26).1 As the patriarch’s fourth-born son stands before the Egyptian lord, the narrative has reached a point of maximal tension. Beyond the immediate need for provisions (43:1–2), the prospect of Benjamin’s incarceration (44:10, 17) and Jacob’s demise (42:38...