Compare Judah's actions in Genesis 38:11 with biblical teachings on caring for widows. The setting in Genesis 38:11 “Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, ‘Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah is grown.’ For he thought, ‘He too may die like his brothers.’ So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.” Judah’s duty and promise • As nearest male relative, Judah carried the obligation later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-6: the next brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring. • By pledging Shelah, Judah acknowledged that duty. • Provision, protection, and inheritance were implied in the pledge. Where Judah failed • Sent Tamar away instead of sheltering her in his own household. • Motivated by fear rather than faith: “He too may die.” • Never fulfilled the promise when Shelah matured (38:14). • Result: Tamar remained unsupported and childless—effectively abandoned. God’s stated concern for widows (Law & Prophets) • “You must not afflict any widow or orphan.” (Exodus 22:22-24) • “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow.” (Deuteronomy 10:18) • “Do not deprive…or take the cloak of the widow as security.” (Deuteronomy 24:17) • Gleaning laws left food for widows (24:19-21). • “A father of the fatherless, and a defender of widows, is God.” (Psalm 68:5) • Prophetic rebukes: Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 7:6; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5. Judah’s action—removing care and withholding Shelah—stands in direct contrast to every command above. New-Testament reinforcement • “Pure and undefiled religion…is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.” (James 1:27) • Early church created a daily distribution so “no widow was neglected.” (Acts 6:1-6) • “Honor widows who are truly widows…If anyone does not provide for his own…he has denied the faith.” (1 Timothy 5:3-8, 16) Judah, the family head, did precisely what the NT forbids—neglect of a dependent widow. Key takeaways • God personally defends the vulnerable; neglecting them opposes His character. • Family bears first responsibility. Judah’s refusal shows the harm when that duty is ignored. • Promises to the vulnerable must be kept; broken pledges become oppression. • Fear and self-interest never excuse disobedience to God’s commands concerning widows. • Tamar’s later vindication (Genesis 38:24-26) proves God sees and acts when widows are wronged. |
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