1 And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name [was] Hirah.
2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name [was] Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
3 And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
4 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
5 And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name [was] Tamar.
7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
8 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
9 And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled [it] on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.
10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren [did]. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
12 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah’s wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
13 And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
14 And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which [is] by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
15 When Judah saw her, he thought her [to be] an harlot; because she had covered her face.
16 And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she [was] his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?
17 And he said, I will send [thee] a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give [me] a pledge, till thou send [it]?
18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine hand. And he gave [it] her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
19 And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
20 And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive [his] pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not.
21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where [is] the harlot, that [was] openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this [place].
22 And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, [that] there was no harlot in this [place].
23 And Judah said, Let her take [it] to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
25 When she [was] brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these [are, am] I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose [are] these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
26 And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
27 And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins [were] in her womb.
28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that [the one] put out [his] hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
30 And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 38
Genesis Chapter 38 presents a narrative that shifts focus from the story of Joseph to the life of Judah, one of Jacob’s sons. This chapter is significant for its exploration of themes such as morality, family dynamics, and the consequences of actions. It also highlights the importance of lineage and the role of women in biblical narratives.
Key Characters
- Judah: One of Jacob’s sons, who plays a central role in this chapter.
- Tamar: Judah’s daughter-in-law, who becomes a pivotal character in the narrative.
- Er: Judah’s firstborn son, whose wickedness leads to his death.
- Judah’s second son, who refuses to fulfill his duty to Tamar.
- Shelah: Judah’s third son, who is mentioned but does not play an active role in the narrative.
Plot Summary
- Judah’s Marriage: The chapter begins with Judah leaving his brothers and marrying a Canaanite woman, Shua. This decision highlights Judah’s departure from his family’s values.
- Birth of Sons: Judah and Shua have three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The lineage is significant as it sets the stage for future events.
- Er’s Wickedness: Er marries Tamar but is deemed wicked in the sight of the Lord, leading to his death. This introduces the concept of divine judgment based on moral conduct.
- Onan’s Refusal: Judah instructs Onan to marry Tamar and produce offspring for Er. However, Onan disobeys and is also struck dead by God for his actions, emphasizing the seriousness of duty and responsibility.
- Tamar’s Desperation: After the death of both her husbands, Tamar is left without children. Judah, fearing for his remaining son Shelah, sends Tamar back to her father’s house, effectively abandoning her.
- Tamar’s Deception: Realizing that Judah will not fulfill his promise, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah. This act of desperation leads to her pregnancy.
- Judah’s Revelation: When Judah learns that Tamar is pregnant, he initially demands her execution. However, Tamar reveals that Judah is the father, leading to a moment of self-realization for Judah.
- Birth of Perez and Zerah: The chapter concludes with the birth of Tamar’s twins, Perez and Zerah, establishing an important lineage that connects to the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus.
Thematic Analysis
- Morality and Justice: The chapter raises questions about morality, justice, and divine retribution. The deaths of Er and Onan serve as a warning against wickedness and disobedience.
- Women’s Agency: Tamar’s actions demonstrate her agency and determination to secure her place in Judah’s family. Her cunning and resourcefulness highlight the often overlooked roles of women in biblical narratives.
- Family and Lineage: The importance of lineage is a recurring theme, as the chapter emphasizes the continuation of Judah’s line through Tamar, which is crucial for the Davidic lineage.
- Hypocrisy and Redemption: Judah’s initial judgment of Tamar contrasts with his eventual acknowledgment of his own wrongdoing. This theme of hypocrisy and the potential for redemption is central to the narrative.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 38 serves as a critical narrative that explores complex themes of morality, justice, and the role of women in biblical history. Through the story of Judah and Tamar, the chapter illustrates the consequences of actions and the intricate dynamics of family relationships. The chapter not only contributes to the overarching narrative of Genesis but also sets the stage for the unfolding story of Israel’s lineage.
