MARCH 7, 2025 – TAMAR

READ: Gen. 38:1–30

Judah leaves the church family, breaks with the stranger status appointed by God, and enters the world. The reason for this is not mentioned. Perhaps Judah found it difficult to live with a grieving father while knowing what had happened to Joseph. Judah marries a pagan woman and has several children. For his eldest son, Er, he also chooses a Canaanite wife: Tamar.

But his son Er is put to death by the LORD because he is wicked in His sight (v.7). When his second son, Onan, must provide children for Tamar as a widow according to the customs of the time, Onan ensures that this does not happen. This also provokes God’s wrath, and He kills Onan as well (v.10). Since only one son is left, Judah refuses to give him to Tamar.

Then Judah’s wife also dies (v.12). Judah is left as a widower without grandchildren. How far Judah has strayed! Let us remember that this Judah is to become the forefather of the LORD Christ!

Judah seeks distraction at a sheep-shearing festival. Meanwhile, Tamar becomes aware of this and disguises herself as a prostitute, positioning herself along the roadside. When Judah passes by, he wishes to engage with her.

He proposes to pay her with a young goat, but since he does not have it with him, she asks for a pledge: his personal seal ring, cord, and staff. He agrees. Tamar becomes pregnant by Judah. But when Judah tries to deliver the goat, she is nowhere to be found.

Three months later, Judah hears that his daughter-in-law has become pregnant through prostitution. He wants her burned as punishment. How hypocritical this sentence sounds coming from Judah’s mouth!

But Tamar presents the pledge, proving that Judah is the father. Thus, she is spared. Because Judah refused to give her his third son, he is now obligated by law to take her himself.

Judah acknowledges this. Tamar gives birth to two children: Perez, the forefather of Jesus Christ, and Zerah. How wondrous are God’s ways and how great is His grace!

Why does Tamar become an ancestress of Christ?

Sing: Ps. 143:5,6