This is NOT the New Testament figure, 'Judas Iscariot.' Rather, it is the Old Testament figure, Judah, in Hebrew, 'Yehuda,' the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and after whom the Jews, the Jewish People, are named.
Judah* was a cocksure stallion seized the leadership reins from Jacob’s impetuous firstborn, Reuben Told his other brothers to throw Joseph in an empty pit to dip his multicolored coat in blood, present it to their father who tore his shirt in agony and for 22 years kept it ripped Judah descended into a nightmare of selfishness, disgraced temporarily with Reuben he was replaced but Judah sincerely repented; he did not try to ‘save face’ When Tamar** exposed him for a liar and cheat Judah did not hide from it, proclaiming instead. “She is right – and more righteous than me”… Reviewing the ‘experiments’ of my college days Judah’s path is what for 55 years I’ve tried In short: “To repent one day before I die.”*** ________________________________________________________________________ *Once again, this is Judah/Yehuda of the Old Testament, Jacob and Leah's fourth son -- NOT Judas Iscariot of the New Testament. **Tamar, the widowed wife of Judah's first two sons, had been pro- mised Judah's third son. But Judah reneged. So, she dressed herself as a prostitute, in order to lure Judah/Yehuda to have sex with her in exchange for some valuables. When she became pregnant, she took Judah to court, displayed his valuables, thereby exposing him. That's when Judah cried "She is more righteous than me!" Judah's true repentance had begun... and he became the leader of his brothers once again. ***Statement attributed to Rabbi Eliezer, son of Hyrcanus, Talmud - Avos 2:15).
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.