How can we identify and avoid behaviors that led to Er's fate? Er’s One-Verse Warning “Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death.” (Genesis 38:7) Clues Hiding in the Context • The narrative offers no details, yet Scripture’s silence is purposeful—it forces us to examine what God elsewhere calls “wicked.” • Er’s brother Onan is judged for sexual sin and covenant neglect (Genesis 38:8-10). Families often share patterns; Er likely walked a similar road. • Judah’s household had drifted toward Canaanite influence (Genesis 38:2). Idolatry and moral compromise usually travel together (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). God’s Unchanging Definition of Wickedness • Heart turned from Him—“The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9) • Unrepentant sin—“Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.” (Colossians 3:6) • Casual contempt for covenant obligations—“Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD.” (Joshua 22:29) Spotting Er-Like Tendencies in Ourselves • Selective obedience—doing what is convenient, delaying what is costly. • Hidden, habitual sin—secret indulgences we excuse as “private.” • Cultural conformity—absorbing the morals of our surroundings instead of shaping them. • Hard-heartedness—brushing off conviction, defending ourselves rather than confessing. Practical Guardrails to Stay Clear of Er’s Path 1. Daily heart check with Scripture – “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) 2. Swift, specific repentance – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) 3. Accountability in community – “Exhort one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) 4. Separation from tempting influences – “Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness.” (2 Timothy 2:22) 5. Remember the cost of sin – “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Encouragement for the Journey God recorded Er’s fate not to leave us fearful but to wake us up. When we humbly align with His Word, rely on Christ’s finished work, and walk in step with the Spirit, we move from the shadow of judgment into the light of blessing—exactly where our Father wants us. |
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