Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Thamar, also known as Tamar, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, appearing in the Book of Genesis. She is the daughter-in-law of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and plays a crucial role in the lineage of the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. Her account is a testament to themes of justice, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Biblical Account: Thamar's narrative is primarily found in Genesis 38. She was initially married to Er, Judah's firstborn son. 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 Thamar to produce 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 Thamar that she would marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he came of age. However, fearing for Shelah's life, Judah did not honor this promise. Thamar, realizing her position and the injustice done to her, took matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced Judah, who was unaware of her identity. As a pledge for payment, she took Judah's seal, cord, and staff. When Thamar's pregnancy became known, Judah initially condemned her to death for immorality. However, Thamar revealed the items she had taken from Judah, proving that he was the father of her child. Judah acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying, "She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah" (Genesis 38:26). Significance: Thamar's actions, though unconventional, were driven by a desire for justice and the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage. Her account highlights the importance of righteousness and the fulfillment of familial and societal obligations. Thamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez became an ancestor of King David, and through David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies of Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33. Theological Implications: Thamar's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the grace and sovereignty of God in using imperfect and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His divine plan. Her account is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring about redemption and blessing through human history, even in situations marked by sin and failure. Cultural Context: The practice of levirate marriage, as seen in Thamar's account, was a common custom in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was intended to provide for widows and ensure the continuation of a deceased man's lineage. Thamar's actions can be understood within this cultural framework, as she sought to secure her rights and fulfill her duty to her family. Legacy: Thamar is remembered as a woman of courage and determination. Her account is a powerful example of how God can work through human actions, even those that seem fraught with moral ambiguity, to achieve His purposes. Her legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a testament to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the generations. Smith's Bible Dictionary ThamarTAMAR, 1. (Matthew 1:3) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia THAMARtha'-mar (Thamar): the King James Version; Greek form of "Tamar" (thus Matthew 1:3 the Revised Version (British and American)). Mother of Perez and Zerah. Greek 2283. Thamar -- Tamar, an Israelite woman ... 2282, 2283. Thamar. 2284 . ... woman NASB Word Usage Tamar (1). Tamar. Of Hebrew origin (Tamar); Thamar (ie Tamar), an Israelitess -- Thamar. see HEBREW Tamar. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2283.htm - 6k Library About this Same Time, Judah, the Son of Jacob... Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ Matt. I. 1 Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? The Second Book Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and Therefore Unsuitable to ... Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ... Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... That a Woman Ought not to be Adorned in a Worldly Fashion. Whether it is a Mortal Sin to have Intercourse with a Concubine? Thesaurus Thamar (1 Occurrence)...THAMAR. tha'-mar (Thamar): the King James Version; Greek form of "Tamar" (thus Matthew 1:3 the Revised Version (British and American)). ...Thamar (1 Occurrence). ... /t/thamar.htm - 6k Tamar (28 Occurrences) Zara (1 Occurrence) Thamah (2 Occurrences) Thammuz Esrom (2 Occurrences) Phares (2 Occurrences) Baal-tamar (1 Occurrence) Begat (112 Occurrences) Baaltamar (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Thamar (1 Occurrence)Matthew 1:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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