Sacrifice of Judah

Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. In fact, it was Judah who suggested it. As Girard points out, the brothers sought to kill their younger brother and then settled for selling him off to Egypt. Many years later, when they come to Egypt to seek help, Joseph is the Prime Minister of Egypt and has them for an audience. Although they do recognize Joseph, he recognizes them.

Joseph tricks the brothers as they depart, putting a cup in the gear of Benjamin. When he sends his officers to search the gear, the cup is found and Joseph demands that Benjamin be apprehended. Thus far, easy.

This is where the story gets interesting.

Judah, who sold Joseph into Egypt, now takes his role as a type of Christ. He offers himself in place of Benjamin. This holy action undoes Joseph and he reveals himself to his brothers and they are saved. When the sacrifice is offered, the son is redeemed.

It is interesting that Levi is not the savior. It not the priesthood that saves but the one who shows himself the true and faithful son. It is Judah from whence shall come the Lion of the tribe of Judah.