Genesis digresses from Joseph to Judah because the story of Redemption must follow the genealogy of the promised Messiah. Surprisingly, the brother who suggested the sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders is the man we now follow. Joseph the son of Rachel saved Israel and received the Birthright. Judah, the son of Leah hated Joseph because his father favored him and because Joseph exhibited spiritual qualities that irritated the brothers. Yet Judah's destiny, in reality, proved to be far greater than Josephs, in terms of future posterity and eternal significance. But how could Judah know such a thing in his carnal state.