1 It happened at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and turned aside to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her,
3 And she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er.
4 And she conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan.
5 And she yet again conceived and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. She was in Chezib when she bore him.
6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death.
8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.”
9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother’s wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother.
10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also.
11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, till Shelah my son grows up”—for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father’s house.
12 In the course of time the wife of Judah, Shua’s daughter, died. When Judah was comforted, he went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
13 And when Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”
14 So she took off her widow’s garments and covered herself with a veil, wrapping herself up, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she had not been given to him in marriage.
15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face.
16 And he turned to her at the roadside and said, “Come, let me come in to you,” for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. She said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”
17 He answered, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” And she said, “If you give me a pledge, until you send it—”
18 He said, “What pledge shall I give you?” She replied, “Your signet and your cord and your staff that is in your hand.” So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him.
19 And she arose and went away, and taking off her veil she put on the garments of her widowhood.
20 When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take back the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.
21 Then he asked the men of the place, “Where is the cult prostitute who was at Enaim at the roadside?” And they said, “No cult prostitute has been here.”
22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I have not found her. Also, the men of the place said, ‘There has been no cult prostitute here.’”
23 So Judah replied, “Let her keep the things as her own, or we shall be laughed at. You see, I sent this young goat, and you did not find her.”
24 About three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has been immoral. Moreover, she is pregnant by immorality.” And Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.”
25 As she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, “By the man to whom these belong, I am pregnant.” And she said, “Please identify whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff.”
26 Then Judah identified them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her again.
27 When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb.
28 And as she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, “By the man to whom these belong, I am pregnant.” And she said, “Please identify whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff.”
29 But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez.
30 When he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez.
The True Meaning of Genesis 38
This chapter of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He provides us with an important account of the life of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. We witness the unfolding of Judah’s personal journey in this passage, which foreshadows the eventual rise of the tribe of Judah and the lineage that will lead to the Messiah. We’ll see Judah’s mistakes, his interactions with his daughter-in-law Tamar, and the pivotal events that shape the future of his family.
Judah’s story reminds us of the complexities of human nature and the importance of repentance and redemption. As we delve into this chapter, we will find themes that resonate throughout the Bible, such as the preservation of the Messianic line and the sovereignty of God in the midst of human failings.
Genesis 38:1-11
Several key sections in Genesis 38:1-11 offer rich opportunities for commentary and reflection.
The passage starts by mentioning Judah’s departure from his brothers and then his interaction with Hirah, a friend he makes in the region of Adullam. This departure sets the stage for a series of events that highlight Judah’s character and choices. Judah’s decision to leave his brothers may indicate a certain level of estrangement or disconnection from his family, foreshadowing his future actions in this chapter.
Next, we learn about Judah marrying a Canaanite woman named Shua and having three sons with her: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The naming of Judah’s sons is significant as it provides insight into the cultural practices and beliefs of that time. The names Er, Onan, and Shelah all have meanings that can offer clues about the events that unfold later in the chapter. For example, the name Er means “watchful” or “awake,” which may symbolize a sense of vigilance or awareness. Meanwhile, Onan’s name means “strong” or “vigorous,” suggesting a sense of vitality or power. Tamar is introduced as Judah’s daughter-in-law, having been married to his eldest son, Er, as the narrative progresses. When Er dies, according to the Levirate law, Onan marries Tamar to continue his brother’s line and provide heirs. However, Onan, out of selfishness and a desire to not see his brother’s line prosper, engages in a deceitful act of withdrawal as a form of contraception whenever he sleeps with Tamar. This act displeases God, and as a result, Onan also perishes.
The story of Judah, Tamar, and his sons highlights themes of deceit, selfishness, and the consequences of not upholding familial and social responsibilities. Judah’s sons Er and Onan both fail in their duties towards Tamar, bringing about their own downfall and highlighting the importance of integrity and righteousness in the eyes of God.
Furthermore, Tamar’s persistence in seeking justice and fulfillment of her rights as a widow in need of a child to carry on the family line is commendable. She takes matters into her own hands, resorting to unconventional means to achieve her goal. While her methods may seem unorthodox, Tamar’s actions can be seen as a desperate attempt to secure her future in a society where women’s rights and status were often overlooked.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit, selfishness, and neglect of one’s responsibilities. It also underscores the importance of seeking justice and upholding moral values in all aspects of life. The characters in this narrative serve as examples of both the repercussions of wrongdoing and the resilience of those who strive for righteousness in challenging circumstances. Genesis 38 offers valuable insights into human nature, family dynamics, and the enduring themes of justice and redemption that resonate throughout the Bible.
Genesis 38:12-19
The story of Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, is seen in Genesis 38:12-19. After the deaths of her husband Er and then his brother Onan, Judah was reluctant to give his youngest son Shelah to Tamar in marriage as tradition dictated, fearing that Shelah might also die. Tamar, realizing that Judah had no intention of fulfilling this obligation, took matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and sat by the road where she knew Judah would pass by.
Judah saw her but did not recognize her, and mistaking her for a prostitute, he propositioned her. They made an agreement for the payment of a young goat, but as a pledge for his payment, Judah left his seal, cord, and staff with Tamar. Later, when Judah tried to send the promised goat through his friend, he was unable to find the prostitute, and he chose not to pursue the matter further in order to save face.
Tamar, realizing that Judah would not uphold his end of the bargain, used the items he had left with her as evidence of their encounter. When it became known that Tamar was pregnant, Judah, as the head of the family, ordered her to be brought forth and condemned to death for her apparent unfaithfulness. However, Tamar presented the seal, cord, and staff, declaring that the owner of these items was the father of her child.
This revelation humbled Judah, who acknowledged that Tamar was more righteous than he was, as he had failed to keep his promise to her. Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez would later become an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.
This story illustrates important themes of deception, responsibility, and redemption. Judah’s initial deception towards Tamar led to a series of events that exposed his own wrongdoing and lack of integrity. Tamar, seemingly marginalized and oppressed, took courageous action to ensure justice and honor. It also highlights God’s ability to work through imperfect individuals and situations to fulfill His greater purposes, as seen in the lineage from Perez to Jesus.
This passage serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that truth will ultimately come to light. It shows that God is just and that those who may be overlooked or mistreated by society are seen and valued by Him. It also underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the consequences that may arise from deceit and neglect. Judah’s transformation from deceit to acknowledgment of his fault and Tamar’s determination to seek justice reflect the transformative power of humility, forgiveness, and righteousness in God’s plan.
Genesis 38:20-23
An incident involving Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, is read about in Genesis 38:20-23. After the death of his wife, Judah engages in a seemingly inappropriate relationship with a woman whom he believes to be a prostitute. However, this woman turns out to be his daughter-in-law, Tamar, who had disguised herself to trick Judah. Judah’s lack of integrity and moral character is seen in this section as he solicits the services of a prostitute, not realizing the true identity of the woman. Tamar had been widowed by Judah’s sons Er and Onan due to their wickedness in the eyes of the Lord, and according to Levirate law, Judah should have provided her with another husband from his family. However, Judah fails to fulfill this obligation, leading Tamar to resort to this deceptive plan to ensure her right to a child from Judah’s family line.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness. Despite Judah’s initial wrongdoing, Tamar’s resourcefulness and determination ultimately prevail, and she is recognized for her actions. This account also highlights the theme of God’s sovereignty, as He works through flawed individuals and complicated circumstances to fulfill His purposes.
The lineage of Jesus Christ is traced through Judah and Tamar’s son Perez, demonstrating God’s ability to work through even the most unconventional and unlikely situations to bring about His plan of redemption. This narrative foreshadows the grace and mercy of God, as Tamar is shown favor for her perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
Through this episode, we are reminded of the importance of honesty, justice, and fulfilling our obligations towards others. It emphasizes the idea that God can bring about good even in the midst of deception and human failings, ultimately weaving together a tapestry of redemption and hope through His divine providence. This story also underscores the significance of women in the biblical narrative, showcasing their strength, resilience, and vital role in the unfolding of God’s plan throughout history.
Genesis 38:24-26
A particularly intriguing and morally challenging story unfolds in Genesis 38:24-26. Judah, the son of Jacob, is notified that his daughter-in-law Tamar, who had been widowed by two of his sons, has committed adultery and is pregnant. This patriarchal society saw this act as a grave sin and a dishonor to the family. Judah’s immediate reaction is to pass judgment and order Tamar to be brought out and burned to death.
This reaction by Judah is significant as it shows his swift condemnation without examining his own role in the situation. Judah had failed to fulfill his duty to provide Tamar with his third son, Shelah, in marriage after the deaths of his first two sons. Tamar, desperate for a child and to secure her future, took matters into her own hands by disguising herself and seducing Judah. Through this act, Tamar cleverly exposes Judah’s hypocrisy and injustice.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of hypocrisy and injustice, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and accountability. Judah’s harsh judgment of Tamar is turned back on him, revealing his own failure to uphold his responsibilities and the injustice he had perpetuated. It also showcases the theme of deception, as Tamar uses deceit to achieve what she believes is rightfully hers.
Furthermore, this story foreshadows the theme of unexpected and unconventional ways in which God works through flawed individuals to carry out His divine plan. Tamar, though her actions may seem morally questionable, is later commended for her perseverance and faith in God’s promises. She is eventually recognized for her role in the lineage leading to the birth of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. This passage in the broader context of the Bible offers a reminder of God’s ability to redeem even the most sinful and imperfect situations. It demonstrates that God can use the most unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes and bring about His redemptive plan. Just as Tamar’s deception ultimately leads to the continuation of Judah’s lineage, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace and His ability to bring good out of what may seem like irredeemable situations. This story challenges us to look beyond surface judgments and see how God can work through unexpected means to achieve His will.
Genesis 38:27-30
Tamar, who was Judah’s daughter-in-law, gave birth to twins Perez and Zerah as narrated in Genesis 38:27-30. This event is significant in the biblical narrative as it not only demonstrates the faithfulness and perseverance of Tamar but also illustrates how God works through unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises.
Firstly, this passage introduces us to Tamar, who had been married to Judah’s sons but was widowed twice without any children. According to the levirate law, Judah was obligated to provide Tamar with another husband from his family to raise up offspring in his dead sons’ names. When Judah failed to fulfill this duty, Tamar took matters into her own hands by disguising herself as a prostitute and tricking Judah into sleeping with her in order to conceive a child. This deceptive act may seem controversial, but it highlights Tamar’s desperation for a child and her determination to secure her future.
The birth of Perez and Zerah through this unconventional means reflects God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring forth His purposes despite human shortcomings and deceit. Perez, meaning “breaking forth,” symbolizes the unexpected breakthrough and blessing that God bestows upon Tamar. This unexpected turn of events teaches us that God can use even imperfect situations and flawed individuals to bring about His will. This idea is reinforced throughout the Bible, showing God’s redemptive nature and His ability to bring beauty out of chaos. The genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:3 traces back to Perez, demonstrating how this seemingly scandalous and unconventional birth is part of God’s divine plan for salvation. It emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where even those who may have been marginalized or overlooked by society are chosen and used for His glory. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s ways are not our ways, and He can use the most unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The twin birth of Perez and Zerah to Tamar in Genesis 38:27-30 exemplifies the intricate weaving of God’s providence and grace throughout the biblical narrative. It shows us that God is not limited by human failures or cultural norms, but He works through them to bring about His ultimate plan of redemption. The story of Tamar challenges us to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of uncertainty and difficult circumstances, knowing that He is always working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises.
After Genesis 38
The chapter concluded with Judah’s daughter-in-law, Tamar, taking drastic measures to ensure she received the justice she deserved. Her cunning actions led to a confrontation with Judah himself, forcing him to acknowledge his wrongdoing. This pivotal moment not only exposed the flaws within Judah’s character but also set the stage for a profound transformation that would ripple through the generations to come. We will witness how this incident shapes the future of Judah’s lineage and the greater narrative of God’s chosen people as we turn the page to the next chapter. The consequences of our choices, both good and bad, have a lasting impact, not just on our own lives but on those who come after us. Approach the unfolding events with open hearts, ready to learn from the triumphs and trials that lie ahead.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.