Topical Encyclopedia Er is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, recognized as the firstborn son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. His account is primarily found in Genesis 38, which provides insight into his life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.Family Lineage and Background Er was born to Judah and the daughter of Shua, a Canaanite woman. This union is significant as it highlights the intermingling of the Israelites with the Canaanite population, a recurring theme in the ancestral narratives of the patriarchs. Judah, Er's father, was a prominent figure among the sons of Jacob and played a crucial role in the history of the Israelite tribes. Marriage to Tamar Er's marriage to Tamar is a pivotal event in his brief biblical account. Genesis 38:6 states, "Now Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar." This marriage, however, did not produce any offspring due to Er's premature death. Er's Wickedness and Death The Bible provides a succinct yet profound statement regarding Er's character and fate. Genesis 38:7 records, "But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death." The nature of Er's wickedness is not detailed in the text, leaving it to the reader's interpretation. However, the severity of his actions is underscored by the divine judgment he received, resulting in his death. Theological Implications Er's account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of wickedness and disobedience to God. His death, as an act of divine judgment, reflects the holiness and justice of God, who holds individuals accountable for their actions. This narrative also sets the stage for the subsequent events involving Tamar, Judah, and the continuation of the Messianic line through Perez, Tamar's son by Judah. Legacy and Lineage Although Er's life was cut short, his account is intricately connected to the broader narrative of Judah's family and the lineage of the tribe of Judah. The tribe would later become one of the most significant tribes of Israel, producing notable figures such as King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as outlined in the genealogies of the New Testament. Er's brief mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the complex and often challenging history of the patriarchs and their descendants, illustrating the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 38:3,6,7And she conceived, and bore a son; and he called his name Er. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:19 1 Chronicles 2:3 Library Genealogy According to Luke. C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38 The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Chapter xxxviii Chapter xlvi Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. ) Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. ) Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Chapter xxv The Incarnation and Birth of Christ Resources Who was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a levirate marriage? | GotQuestions.org Er: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |