Genesis 38:7

But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.

Study Bible

But Er
The name "Er" in Hebrew is spelled עֵר and is thought to mean "watchful" or "awake." Despite the potential positive connotations of his name, Er's life was marked by actions that were contrary to God's will. This serves as a reminder that one's name or heritage does not determine one's righteousness or standing before God. In the biblical narrative, names often carry significant meaning, and Er's account is a cautionary tale about the importance of living up to one's potential and divine calling.

Judah’s firstborn
Being the firstborn in ancient Near Eastern culture carried significant weight, as the firstborn son typically held a place of honor and was often the primary heir to the family’s wealth and leadership. Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was a prominent figure in Israel's history, and his lineage would eventually lead to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. The mention of Er as Judah's firstborn highlights the gravity of his actions and the potential impact of his wickedness on the family line.

was wicked
The Hebrew word for "wicked" here is רַע (ra), which denotes evil, badness, or moral corruption. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe actions and behaviors that are contrary to God's laws and character. Er's wickedness is not detailed in the text, but the severity of his actions is underscored by the divine response. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the moral expectations He has for His people.

in the sight of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes that Er's wickedness was not just a matter of human judgment but was seen and evaluated by God Himself. The Hebrew word for "sight" is עֵינֵי (einei), meaning "eyes," indicating that nothing is hidden from God's view. This underscores the omniscience of God and His role as the ultimate judge of human actions. It is a call for believers to live with an awareness of God's constant presence and to strive for righteousness in His sight.

so the LORD put him to death
The direct action of the LORD in putting Er to death highlights the seriousness of his sin and the divine prerogative to judge. The Hebrew verb used here is מֵת (met), meaning "to die" or "to kill." This act of divine judgment serves as a stark warning about the consequences of sin and the holiness of God. It reflects the biblical principle that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and underscores the need for repentance and obedience to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Er
The firstborn son of Judah and Shua's daughter. His wickedness in the sight of the LORD led to his death.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose lineage is significant in the history of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is just and righteous, executing judgment on wickedness.

4. Death of Er
A divine act of judgment due to Er's wickedness, demonstrating God's intolerance of sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Er's death underscores the seriousness with which God views sin. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, both temporal and eternal.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's decision to put Er to death highlights His righteousness and justice. It is a call for believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, avoiding wickedness.

The Importance of Holiness
As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue holiness and righteousness, understanding that God desires purity in His people.

The Role of Accountability
This passage encourages believers to hold one another accountable in their walk with God, recognizing that unchecked sin can lead to severe consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Er's death teach us about the nature of sin and its consequences?

2. How can we apply the principle of God's righteous judgment in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we pursue holiness and avoid the pitfalls of wickedness as seen in Er's life?

4. How does the account of Er relate to the broader account of God's justice throughout the Bible?

5. What steps can we take to hold ourselves and others accountable in our spiritual journey, in light of Er's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:5-7
This passage describes God's grief over human wickedness, leading to the judgment of the flood. It parallels the divine judgment seen in Er's death.

Numbers 16:31-35
The rebellion of Korah and his followers results in their destruction, illustrating God's swift judgment on sin.

Romans 6:23
This verse speaks to the wages of sin being death, a principle evident in Er's fate.

1 Corinthians 10:11
This passage reminds us that the events in the Old Testament serve as examples and warnings for us today.