Genesis 38 unveils Judah's redemption through Tamar, illustrating God's providence in unexpected places, and contributing to His divine plan.
Genesis 38 is a unique interlude within the larger narrative of Joseph's journey, providing a focused account of Judah's experiences. Amidst the unfolding drama surrounding Joseph, this chapter presents a remarkable story of redemption, moral choices, and the intricate ways in which God's plan continues to progress through unexpected avenues. As we delve into the verses of Genesis 38, we will explore the key themes, characters, and lessons embedded in this often overlooked chapter.
Judah's Marriage and Sons
Genesis 38:1-5 (KJV): "And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her. And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him."
The chapter opens with Judah's departure from his brothers, leading him to marry a Canaanite woman named Shuah. From this union, three sons are born: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The details of Judah's family life set the stage for the events that will unfold, revealing the complexities within his household.
This section introduces the Canaanite influence in Judah's life and foreshadows the moral choices that will impact the family's future.
Tamar and the Tragedy of Er and Onan
Genesis 38:6-11 (KJV): "And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord slew him. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the Lord: wherefore he slew him also. Then said Judah to Tamar, his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house."
Judah arranges for his firstborn, Er, to marry Tamar. However, Er's wickedness incurs God's judgment, resulting in his death. In accordance with the levirate law, Judah instructs Onan to marry Tamar and raise offspring on behalf of Er. Onan, unwilling to fulfill this duty, is also judged by God and dies.
Judah, fearing for his remaining son, Shelah, delays his marriage to Tamar. The tragedy unfolds, and Tamar is left as a childless widow in her father's house.
This section unveils the moral choices and consequences within Judah's family, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's commands.
Tamar's Cunning Plan for Redemption
Genesis 38:12-23 (KJV): "And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her."
Tamar, aware that Shelah is now grown but not given to her in marriage, takes matters into her own hands. Disguising herself as a prostitute, she positions herself along Judah's route to Timnath during the sheepshearing. Judah, mistaking her for a harlot, propositions her, and she asks for his signet, bracelets, and staff as a pledge.
Tamar conceives through this encounter, and Judah sends a friend to deliver the agreed-upon kid for her services. However, Tamar cannot be found, and Judah decides to avoid public shame by letting her keep the items.
This section unfolds a complex and unconventional plan initiated by Tamar, showcasing her determination to secure her rights and bring about redemption.
Tamar's Revelation and Judah's Acknowledgment
Genesis 38:24-26 (KJV): "And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more."
As news of Tamar's pregnancy reaches Judah, he reacts with anger and demands her punishment. However, when Tamar presents the pledged items along with the message, Judah recognizes them and acknowledges that Tamar acted more righteously than he did. He confesses his failure to give Shelah to Tamar in marriage as promised.
This turning point in the narrative reveals Judah's growth in humility and recognition of Tamar's righteousness.
Tamar Gives Birth to Twins
Genesis 38:27-30 (KJV): "And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah."
Tamar gives birth to twins, Pharez and Zarah. The unique circumstances of their birth, with Pharez unexpectedly breaking forth first despite Zarah's initial attempt, contribute to the significance of their names.
This section concludes the narrative of Tamar and Judah, highlighting the redemptive outcome of Tamar's unconventional yet righteous actions.
Conclusion
Genesis 38, often considered a detour in the Joseph narrative, provides profound insights into the themes of redemption, righteousness, and God's overarching plan. Key lessons emerge from this chapter.
1. Redemption through Unconventional Means: Tamar's actions, while unconventional, ultimately lead to redemption. Her determination to secure her rights and Judah's acknowledgment of her righteousness exemplify how God can work through unexpected circumstances.
2. Moral Choices and Consequences: The tragedies within Judah's family underscore the importance of moral choices and the consequences that follow. Er and Onan's deaths result from their wickedness and disobedience to God's commands.
3. Judah's Transformation: Judah's growth throughout the chapter is notable. His acknowledgment of Tamar's righteousness reflects a change of heart and a willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
4. The Levirate Law: The levirate law, which mandated a brother marrying the widow of his deceased brother to raise up offspring for him, plays a significant role in the unfolding events. It highlights the cultural and moral expectations of the time.
5. Divine Providence in Unexpected Places: God's providence is evident throughout the chapter, even in the midst of human failings and unconventional situations. The birth of Pharez and Zarah, who play crucial roles in later biblical events, exemplifies God's sovereignty over the unfolding narrative.
As we reflect on Genesis 38, may we recognize the redemptive thread woven through unexpected circumstances and the transformative power of righteousness. The chapter serves as a reminder that God's plan is not confined to the main narrative but extends to every individual and event, working towards the fulfillment of His purposes.
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