Topical Encyclopedia The account of Judah and Tamar, found in Genesis 38, presents a complex narrative involving themes of family, deception, and redemption. Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, becomes a central figure in this account, which highlights the issue of incest within a biblical context.Background and Context Judah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He played a significant role among his brothers, particularly in the events leading to Joseph's sale into slavery (Genesis 37:26-27). After these events, Judah "departed from his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite" (Genesis 38:1). During this time, Judah married the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua, and they had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The Incident with Tamar Tamar, a Canaanite woman, was married to Judah's firstborn, Er. However, "Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD put him to death" (Genesis 38:7). Following the custom of levirate marriage, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to marry Tamar and raise offspring for his deceased brother. Onan, however, refused to fulfill this duty, and "what he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well" (Genesis 38:10). Judah then promised Tamar that she could marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he came of age. However, fearing for Shelah's life, Judah delayed this arrangement. Tamar, realizing that Judah had no intention of giving her to Shelah, devised a plan to secure her rights and future. The Deception and Its Revelation Disguising herself as a prostitute, Tamar positioned herself along the road to Timnah, where Judah was traveling. Unaware of her identity, Judah solicited her services, offering a young goat as payment. As a pledge, Tamar requested Judah's seal, cord, and staff. The encounter resulted in Tamar's pregnancy. When Judah learned of Tamar's pregnancy, he initially condemned her to death for immorality. However, Tamar revealed the items Judah had given her, saying, "The man to whom these things belong is the father of the child" (Genesis 38:25). Recognizing his own items, Judah admitted, "She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah" (Genesis 38:26). Theological Implications The account of Judah and Tamar is significant for several reasons. It underscores the importance of fulfilling familial and societal obligations, as well as the consequences of failing to do so. Judah's initial failure to provide for Tamar led to a series of events that ultimately revealed his own shortcomings and need for repentance. Moreover, this narrative is pivotal in the lineage of the Messiah. Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah, with Perez becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). This inclusion in the genealogy of Christ highlights God's ability to work through flawed human circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral and ethical standpoint, the account of Judah and Tamar raises questions about the nature of justice, responsibility, and redemption. Judah's eventual acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and Tamar's vindication serve as reminders of the importance of integrity and the potential for restoration even in the midst of moral failure. In summary, the account of Judah and Tamar provides a profound exploration of human frailty, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through imperfect individuals. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 38:16-18And he turned to her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray you, let me come in to you; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What will you give me, that you may come in to me? Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 2:4 Library Chapter xliii Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ... Chapter xxxviii Index of Subjects. The Nations of the South-East Index of Subjects. Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. The Immutability of God The Historical Books. Chapter xlix Resources Why did God allow incest in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about abortion? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong to have a relationship with a close relative? | GotQuestions.org Incest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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