Genesis 38:14

she removed her widow's garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.

Study Bible

she removed her widow’s garments
In ancient Near Eastern culture, clothing often signified one's social status or life situation. Tamar's widow's garments indicated her mourning and her status as a widow. By removing these garments, Tamar was symbolically stepping out of her role as a widow, which was significant given her unresolved levirate marriage situation. The levirate law, later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, required a brother-in-law to marry the widow to produce offspring for the deceased brother. Tamar's actions reflect her awareness of this cultural expectation and her determination to secure her rights and future.

covered her face with a veil to disguise herself
Veiling in the ancient world could signify modesty, betrothal, or, in some contexts, prostitution. Tamar's use of a veil was strategic, allowing her to disguise her identity. This act of veiling is pivotal in the narrative, as it sets the stage for her encounter with Judah. The veil prevented Judah from recognizing her, which was crucial for her plan to succeed. This act of disguise can be seen as a form of wisdom or cunning, reminiscent of other biblical figures who used disguise for a greater purpose, such as Rahab in Joshua 2.

and sat at the entrance to Enaim
Enaim, meaning "eyes" or "springs," was a location on the road to Timnah. Sitting at the entrance suggests a place of visibility and encounter, where travelers would pass by. This strategic positioning indicates Tamar's intention to be noticed by Judah. The entrance to a city or town was often a place of significant social and economic activity, making it an ideal location for Tamar's plan.

which is on the way to Timnah
Timnah was a town in the territory of Judah, known for its vineyards and agriculture. The mention of Timnah situates the narrative geographically and culturally, as it was a place associated with harvest and festivity. This context of travel and festivity may have contributed to Judah's state of mind and his subsequent actions. Timnah is also mentioned in the story of Samson (Judges 14), highlighting its recurring role in biblical narratives as a place of significant events.

For she saw that although Shelah had grown up
Shelah was Judah's third son, and according to the levirate custom, he was next in line to marry Tamar. The phrase indicates that enough time had passed for Shelah to reach maturity, yet the expected marriage had not occurred. This delay highlights Judah's failure to fulfill his obligation to Tamar, which was a serious breach of social and familial duty. Tamar's awareness of Shelah's maturity underscores her understanding of her rights and the injustice she faced.

she had not been given to him as a wife
This phrase emphasizes the unfulfilled promise and the injustice done to Tamar. Judah's failure to give Tamar to Shelah as a wife left her in a vulnerable position, without security or a future. This situation reflects broader themes of justice and righteousness in the Bible, where God often intervenes on behalf of the marginalized and oppressed. Tamar's actions can be seen as a pursuit of justice, aligning with biblical themes where God upholds the cause of the widow and the orphan (Psalm 68:5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
The widow of Er, Judah's firstborn, who disguises herself to secure her rights and future.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, who fails to fulfill his promise to Tamar.

3. Shelah
Judah's youngest son, whom Tamar was promised to marry after the death of his brothers.

4. Enaim
The location where Tamar positions herself, strategically on the way to Timnah.

5. Timnah
A place associated with Judah's sheep-shearing, a significant event in the account.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Promises
Judah's failure to keep his promise to Tamar leads to a series of events that could have been avoided. This teaches the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. Tamar's actions, though unconventional, are used by God to fulfill His greater plan, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus.

Righteousness and Justice
Tamar's pursuit of justice for herself highlights the importance of standing up for one's rights within the framework of God's law. It challenges us to consider how we advocate for justice in our own lives.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Tamar's account is a reminder of the significant roles women play in God's redemptive history, often in unexpected ways.

Repentance and Redemption
Judah's eventual acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and Tamar's righteousness points to the power of repentance and the possibility of redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Tamar's decision to disguise herself reflect her understanding of justice and her rights within her cultural context?

2. In what ways does Judah's failure to keep his promise to Tamar serve as a warning for us in our own commitments and relationships?

3. How does the inclusion of Tamar in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3) demonstrate God's ability to use imperfect situations for His purposes?

4. What can we learn from Tamar's account about the role of women in the Bible and their impact on God's plan?

5. How does Judah's eventual recognition of Tamar's righteousness challenge us to examine our own actions and seek repentance where necessary?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 38:26
This verse highlights Judah's acknowledgment of his failure to fulfill his promise to Tamar, showing a moment of repentance and recognition of righteousness.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
The Levirate marriage law, which provides context for Tamar's actions, as she seeks to secure her place and lineage within Judah's family.

Matthew 1:3
Tamar is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, indicating her significant role in the lineage of the Messiah.