Genesis 37:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how Reuben intervened to avert a greater wrongdoing by opting for a lesser one, while Judah now suggests selling their brother to spare him from death. All of this unfolded so that, even unwillingly, the divine prophecies would come to pass, and that Joseph's brothers might fulfill the plans of God's providence.

Just as Reuben prevented his brothers from taking Joseph's life, Judah found it burdensome to entertain the same thought. Reuben, being the firstborn, held a unique position, yet Judah belonged to the lineage destined for kingship. In a similar way, those who identify with the firstborn, even if they are of Jewish heritage, and those who are summoned to the heavenly kingdom through Christ’s message, face significant challenges against the brazen assaults directed at Him. At that time, indeed, within Jerusalem and beyond among the Jewish people, many were deeply upset by the dishonor inflicted upon Christ and showed compassion for His suffering.

The siblings spoke to each other, suggesting that it would be preferable to hand Joseph over to the foreign traders, stating that it would be better for him to perish in a distant land than for them to be directly responsible for his demise. They then lifted him from the pit like a pack of wild animals, accepted payment for him, and entrusted him to the merchants, all while disregarding the anguish and heartache of their father.

Reuben and Judah, remaining true to the sacred principles of brotherhood, sought to rescue Joseph from their hands. Accordingly, it is fitting that Judah received a fatherly blessing with the words, "Thy father's children shall worship thee," identifying him as a young lion, and that nations should submit to him (Gen. 49:8-10). This uniquely applies to Christ, who was destined to be revered by His brethren and to become the hope of the nations. He stained His garments in wine (Gen. 49:11) through the anguish of His own physical suffering, having remained untainted by sin. Thus, grace reconciles the hostilities among the patriarchs, who are absolved of their guilt and sanctified by the gift of divine revelation.

During a chaotic gathering, a voice was raised, asking, "What use is it to us if we take our brother’s life and conceal his blood? Let us sell him to these Ishmaelites! We should not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother and our flesh!" This voice belonged to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, who suggested selling their innocent brother. Centuries later, another Judas will emerge, proclaiming about another Righteous One, the God-Man Himself: "What do you want to give me, and I will betray Him to you?" (Matthew 26:15).