Enayim is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. The name "Enayim" translates to "eyes" or "springs," suggesting a place characterized by notable water sources or a vantage point. This site holds significance in the narrative of Judah and Tamar, a account that unfolds in Genesis 38.

Biblical Reference:

Genesis 38:14-21 provides the primary biblical account involving Enayim. In this passage, Tamar, the widow of Judah's son Er, disguises herself as a prostitute and positions herself at the entrance to Enayim. Her actions are a response to Judah's failure to fulfill his promise to give her his youngest son, Shelah, in marriage. The text states:

"So she removed her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and sat down at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that Shelah had grown up, but she had not been given to him as a wife." (Genesis 38:14)

Judah, not recognizing Tamar, engages with her, leading to a series of events that ultimately result in the birth of Perez and Zerah, who are significant in the lineage of King David and, by extension, Jesus Christ.

Geographical and Historical Context:

The exact location of Enayim is not definitively known, but it is described as being on the road to Timnah, a town in the territory of Judah. This suggests that Enayim was situated in the southern part of ancient Israel, possibly in the hill country of Judah. The mention of a road indicates that it was a place of transit, possibly a crossroads or a well-traveled route, which would have been a strategic location for Tamar's encounter with Judah.

Theological Significance:

The account of Judah and Tamar at Enayim is rich with theological implications. It highlights themes of justice, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Tamar's actions, though unconventional, are portrayed as a means to secure her rights and ensure the continuation of Judah's lineage. This narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in using unexpected means and individuals to accomplish His divine purposes.

The birth of Perez and Zerah at Enayim is particularly significant in the biblical narrative, as Perez becomes an ancestor of King David. This connection is emphasized in the genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in the Gospel of Matthew, where Tamar is one of the few women mentioned, highlighting her crucial role in the messianic lineage.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:

The account of Enayim in Genesis 38 is a vivid example of the complex family dynamics and social customs of the ancient Near East. The practice of levirate marriage, where a brother is expected to marry the widow of his deceased brother, is central to the account. Tamar's boldness in confronting the injustice she faced reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed.

In literary terms, the narrative is a masterful blend of drama and irony, with Judah unknowingly fulfilling his obligations through Tamar's cunning plan. The account serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which God's plans unfold, often through human weakness and failure.

Conclusion:

Enayim, though briefly mentioned, is a significant location in the biblical narrative. It serves as the backdrop for a pivotal event in the history of Israel, illustrating the intricate interplay of human actions and divine providence. The account of Judah and Tamar at Enayim continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into God's redemptive work through flawed individuals and challenging circumstances.5879a. Enayim -- "two springs," a place in Isr.
... 5879, 5879a. Enayim. 5879b . "two springs," a place in Isr.
Transliteration: Enayim Short Definition: Enaim. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/5879a.htm - 5k

Chapter xxxviii
... So she laid aside the garments of a widow, and covered herself with a veil, and
completely disguised herself and sat down at the entrance to Enayim, which is ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... The treatise Imre Bina (words of understanding') forms a part of his chief work,
Meor Enayim (light of the eyes'), published at Mantua in 1574. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Enayim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enayim (1 Occurrence). Genesis 38:21 And he asketh
the men of her place, saying, 'Where 'is' the separated ...
/e/enayim.htm - 6k

Enasibus

/e/enasibus.htm - 6k

Enam (1 Occurrence)
... e-na'-im (`enayim, "place of a fountain"; Ainan; Genesis 38:14 (the King James Version
"in an open place"; Genesis 38:21 the King James Version "openly")): A ...
/e/enam.htm - 7k

Enaim (2 Occurrences)
... e-na'-im (`enayim, "place of a fountain"; Ainan; Genesis 38:14 (the King James Version
"in an open place"; Genesis 38:21 the King James Version "openly")): A ...
/e/enaim.htm - 8k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:21 And he asketh the men of her place, saying, 'Where 'is' the separated
one -- she in Enayim, by the way?' and they say, 'There hath not been in ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... 38:14 the King James Version, in which Tamar sat, has come from a misunderstanding
of the Hebrew, the translators having taken bephethach `enayim to mean "in ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

Separated (97 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:21 And he asketh the men of her place, saying, 'Where 'is' the separated
one -- she in Enayim, by the way?' and they say, 'There hath not been in ...
/s/separated.htm - 37k

Encamp (108 Occurrences)

/e/encamp.htm - 36k

Place (9195 Occurrences)
... 38:14 the King James Version, in which Tamar sat, has come from a misunderstanding
of the Hebrew, the translators having taken bephethach `enayim to mean "in ...
/p/place.htm - 28k

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