Why did Onan's actions in Genesis 38:9 displease the Lord? “But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his seed on the ground to keep from giving offspring to his brother.” The Family Setting - Judah’s firstborn, Er, died childless (Genesis 38:7). - Ancient custom (later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-10) required the next brother to marry the widow so the deceased would have an heir and his line would not vanish. - Judah therefore told Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and perform your duty…” (Genesis 38:8). What Onan Chose to Do - He outwardly accepted the arrangement and enjoyed the marital privileges with Tamar. - Each time, he deliberately interrupted the act—“spilled his seed on the ground”—so conception could not occur. - His motive: “the offspring would not be his”; any child would carry Er’s name and share Judah’s inheritance, reducing Onan’s own portion. Why the Lord Was Displeased • Defiance of God-given duty - Even before the Law, preserving a brother’s line was understood (cf. Ruth 4:10). - Onan knowingly rejected that responsibility. • Deceit and hypocrisy - He pretended obedience while secretly ensuring failure. - Psalm 101:7: “He who practices deceit will not dwell within My house.” • Self-centred greed - With no heir for Er, Onan stood to gain a larger inheritance. - Proverbs 28:25 warns that greed “stirs up strife.” • Disregard for God’s procreative purpose - God’s first command, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), was treated with contempt. • Sexual misuse - Intimacy was reduced to personal pleasure, detached from covenant and life-giving purpose (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6). • Direct disobedience to his father’s instruction - Exodus 20:12 later underlines the seriousness of dishonoring one’s father. Supporting Scriptures - Deuteronomy 25:5-10 shows how seriously God views the duty Onan refused. - Hebrews 13:4 upholds marriage as “honorable… and the marriage bed undefiled.” - Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will also reap.” Lessons for Today - God sees through outward compliance to the motives of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). - Self-serving manipulation of God-ordained responsibilities invites judgment. - Sexual expression is sacred, meant to honor God, spouse, and the gift of life. - True obedience involves both action and attitude—doing the right thing for the right reason (James 4:17). |
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