Genesis 38:1-30

JUDAH AND TAMAR

Keywords 38:26

Judah recognized them and said, "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah." And he did not sleep with her again.

 

1. Judah’s three sons and Tamar (1-11)

After Joseph was sold to Egypt, Judah might have been upset. He went out

further from his brothers. He even married a Canaanite woman and had three

sons. Er, his first son got married Tamar, but the Lord put him to death for his

wickedness. Onan married her to keep the Levirate marriage law. But God put

him to death too for not allowing Tamar to become pregnant. Judah was afraid of

losing the third son too. So he sent Tamar to her parents pledging to give Shelah

later.

 

2. Tamar bore Perez and Zerah (12-30)

When Judah did not keep his pledge, Tamar disguised herself and slept with

Judah. It was to be faithful to her dead husband according to the law of God.

God blessed her to become pregnant. Judah at fi rst wanted to put her to death

according to God’s law. But he found she was more righteous than him. Thus, twin

boys, Perez and Zerah were born. Tamar is the great grandmother of David. Perez

is the ancestor of David and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God kept his redemptive

history through a faithful woman. God showed his mercy in the midst of the sinful

natures of his chosen people.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for your mercy for sending the Messiah through a faithful

woman’s line.

One Word God is merciful